Knife on His Lap

anger again. However, my pursuit was abruptly cut short by an announcement: "Nariya Patel, please come to the dean's office." An annoyed groan escaped my lips. I wished I could have ignored

chit-chat with the dean was the last thing I had hoped for today. Mrs. Henderson, the secretary to the dean's office, gave me an encouraging smile before nodding for me to enter the inner chamber, a corridor connecting the dean's office to the secretary's.

Slowly, I placed my ear against the door, discovering that the topic of conversation revolved around me. Knowing this was

er have gone through. Yet, it seems a bit imposing, don't you think, Mr. Ivanov?"

s and even her behavior. I honestly thought she didn't know, and that's wh

the girl hasn't approached you on her own. You know what? I ha

take care of his underage daughter, not granted legal guardianship to this acquaintance. A swirl of emotions rose

ce as the bus roared to life, carrying me away from the tumultuous conversation unfolding within the dean's office. The rhythmic hum of the engine provided a backdrop to my racing thoughts, offering a temporary escape from

nspiring environment for the ambitious minds that grace its halls. With a rich history dating back decades, the college is renowned for fostering not just academic prowess but also a strong sense of community and leadership among its students. State-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge research centers, and a

ad reluctantly agreed to this arrangement, emphasizing that after my shift, I was on my own. He made it clear he wanted no involvement with a homeless underage girl. I understood that I was a problem, and I had no intention of burdening a man who hired underage kids as cheap labor. The day proved exhausting, compounded by a lack of sleep over t

aited for the next shift worker to arrive. The sun had already begun to set by the time they appeared. Quickly changing, I grabbed my heavy suitcase from the back door.

h my mother. Shaking off past memories and acknowledging the irreplaceable loss of people, I huffed as I lugged my suitcase up the stairs. Earlier that day, I had dedicated my free time to researching motels near my workplace, carefully considering their location, price, and safe