Under the Heiress' Facade

If Christopher had his way, he wanted Hera to go abroad with him.

Just as he readied himself to speak, a jarring ring shattered the forming silence.

Hera retrieved her phone, a flicker of recognition crossing her face when she saw Bernard's name on the screen. She excused herself and stepped away to answer the call, "Hello?"

"There you are! School's been out for ages. What's keeping you busy?" Bernard's voice washed over the phone, a smooth baritone that could charm the birds from the trees.

"You mean the afternoon dismissal?" Hera clarified, remembering their earlier conversation.

Unlike most schools, Cavenridge functioned primarily as a boarding institution, with few students electing to return home for the midday break. The academy provided a cafeteria and dorms for them to relax during these hours.

There was a beat of surprised silence from Bernard.

"Honestly, I just miss you," he finally admitted.

Hera remained silent, her thoughts churning.

"Where are you? I can swing by, and we can grab lunch together," Bernard said.

Hera recalled Bernard's refined tastes and the bustling food street atmosphere.

She countered, "Actually, I'm waiting in line for coffee with some classmates. Lunch and shopping are on the agenda afterward. Not exactly the ideal place for you. How about dinner instead?"

Bernard asked suddenly, "How many classmates are you with?"

"Three," Hera replied.

"All girls?" His question held a subtle edge.

Suddenly, Hera felt a click in her head. If she made it known that there was a male companion, Bernard might just appear in the next breath.

Hesitation flickered across her face before she answered, "All girls."

"Alright. Have fun, then," Bernard conceded, his tone shifting slightly.

Hera reached for the end call button, but before her finger could tap the screen, his maic voice sounded again.

"Do you miss me?"

The silence stretched, thick with unspoken understanding. Hera knew Bernard well enough to recognize the unspoken pressure.

An answer that didn't appease him would likely keep the call going.

With a resigned sigh, she mumbled, "...I do."

"I feel the same," Bernard replied, finally severing the connection.

Hera stared at the phone, a small, involuntary smile playing on her lips. Perhaps a tiny part of her did miss him.

"Hey, boss. It's our turn!" Katie's voice cut in. The line had finally shuffled forward.

Hera tucked her phone away and rejoined the group. Following Katie's suggestion, she ordered the shop's signature coffee and some local snacks As she reached for her wallet to pay, a commotion erupted behind her.

"He's so handsome!"Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

"Hey, he's coming this way! Do you think he's here for coffee too?"

"I'd love to get his contact number!"

"Is there a hottie?" Katie swiveled around, her eyes widening. "Look at him, boss! He seems familiar... isn't that Professor Killian?"

Hera whipped around at the name, her breath catching in her throat.

There, amidst the throng, stood a figure of breathtaking handsomeness. He was tall and impeccably dressed.

Under the winter sun, Bernard

radiated an air of nobility as he strode confidently toward them. The crowd parted instinctively before him.

BUMS

Hera found herself mesmerized, his dazzling presence causing her heart to skip a beat.

By the time he reached their spot, she finally managed to stammer out a question, "Bernard? What are you doing here?"

His gaze met hers, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

"Didn't you say you missed me?" His

voice, usually maically

seductive, now held a touch of ner

sweetness as he delivered the playful line.

In essence, it was a playful reminder. She missed him, so here he was.