Chapter 4 ۵ Elena

YARA'S POV

An email notification wakes me up, the email gave instructions to go to Mr Moreno's office, marked with his office hours. I swallow hard, knowing this isn't going to be a casual chat.

When I arrive at his office, the atmosphere is already tense. Moreno is behind his desk, his posture rigid and his expression as unyielding as ever. He doesn't even glance up from his paperwork as I enter. He didn't seem to acknowledge me as if I was a worthless piece of trash. However I seemed to acknowledge him, he was wearing all black today and it was definitely his colour. His tie was loosely wrapped around his neck I could tell he was done with the day because he didn't look as put together.

"Miss Malik," he says, his voice clipped. "Sit" he commanded.

I took a seat obediently, trying to calm the fluttering anxiety in my chest. Moreno finally looks down at me, his towering figure making me cower.

"You've missed two lectures," he begins pointing out the obvious, his tone sharp. "Why?" He interrogated whilst taking a sip of his whisky.

I take a deep breath, my voice steady but cautious "I wasn't feeling well. I thought it was best to rest and catch up later" he looked at me with a ridiculing gaze.

"Your friend Max told me you didn't come in because of me" for fuck's sake Max.

"I-i" my voice got caught in my throat.

"Nervous are we Miss Malik?" I nodded my head in disapproval trying to look confident.

"I was ill, me not showing up had nothing to do with you. Frankly I couldn't care less if my professor doesn't like my makeup" I challenged.

"Is that so? He loathed.

"is that all you'd wanted to ask me Sir?" I questioned wanting to get out this room as quickly as possible, the tension building in the silence was too much for me to handle.

He looked down at his paperwork. Was he serious, I had things to do and here he was completely acting like I wasn't sitting opposite him. The silence made me anxious and I unintentionally bit my lip, a habit I picked up.

His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied my every move causing my heart to jolt "your lip's bleeding" shit, I didn't even realise I was biting that hardly.

Before I could react, his veiny, rough hands moved forward and his thumb harshly wiped away the blood on my lip causing me to wince. His touch was harsh and caused more pain than comfort.

"I-i could've done it myself" I murmured.

"Look at me" he instructed coldly. I was a mess and he on the other hand looked unbothered by what had happened. I tried to ignore the humiliation of his touch, focusing on maintaining my composure.

He straightens up, his gaze never leaving mine "To ensure you understand the importance of attendance and commitment, you will prepare and present a lecture"

I blink, taken aback by the sudden shift in his tone. "W-what?" Speaking in front of that many people is the one thing that could quite literally make me pass out.

"You will present tomorrow's lecture. Consider this a reminder of the expectations I have for my students" he spoke.

"Are you crazy? Tomorrow? That's impossible" he looked at me with distaste.

"Watch your tongue"

"That's so unfair professor, how come Elisa doesn't have to do that she took 4 lectures off?" I quietly murmured my point, not wanting him to hate me even more.

"Because I like Elisa, you on the other hand piss me off Miss Malik" that shut me up quickly. There's no way he told me to watch my tongue after saying all that, what a hypocrite.

Moreno gives a curt nod, dismissing me with a flick of his hand. This time I had lost my temper I didn't care if he was my professor or not. He was a dick and I couldn't stand that "You know you're the worst professor ever I don't want to be in this stupid course. Just kick me out already!" I spat. He raised a brow at me.

"Stop throwing a tantrum Miss Malik, you aren't a child. Now leave" my hands fisted up and my eyes started watering in frustration why was he so....so.....mean! Why did he have no reaction to anything I just said. Ugh!

"I don't get why you hate me, what did I do" my voice was quiet I didn't have the energy to speak any louder. I just wanted to know the reason for him loathing me this much.

He looked at me with a strong gaze. Not once did his eyes soften "you are behind in all aspects Miss Malik, your makeup shows you care more about your looks than your future and I dislike that. I dislike your personality" hearing his reason was like a jab to the heart. I was up here thinking he'd give some proper reasons but no.

I abruptly stand and stride out of his office, my mind racing. The cold, impersonal nature of the meeting lingers with me, the touch he had on my lips lingered with me.

I was wondering whether or not I should do as he'd asked of me or if I should just make him hate me even more. In all honestly I couldn't afford being kicked out of the course, I'd worked so hard to get here I couldn't fail just now because my professor despises me.

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The days leading up to my assigned lecture were a blur of anxiety and relentless preparation. I was running on no sleep, my mind constantly racing with the dread of standing in front of the entire class, knowing that Professor Moreno would be there, watching, waiting to find fault with everything I did. Honestly I was biting back the urge to report him I was clearly being treated unfairly.

When the day finally arrived, I could barely contain my nerves. As I walked into the lecture hall, every eye in the room seemed to turn towards me. But none were as piercing as Professor Moreno's dark blue stare, he was sat on the front row, his expression cold and unreadable. His arms crossed, his entire posture radiating displeasure. It was as if my very presence was an inconvenience to him, a disruption he couldn't wait to be rid of. I didn't get it if he hated me so much why couldn't he just quick me out of the course like he did to Mia? Maybe he got a high out of humiliating me.

I stood at the front of the room, taking a deep breath, trying to remember everything I'd practiced.

I felt a flush of fear and anger rise to my cheeks when I saw none other than Mr Moreno staring at me mockingly, leaving back in his chair but I forced myself to remain calm. I couldn't let him see that he was getting to me.

Taking another steadying breath I began my lecture. My voice was shaky at first, but I gradually found my rhythm, introducing the classical mechanics of particles with as much clarity and confidence as I could muster. I moved through the material methodically, trying to anticipate the kinds of questions Moreno might throw at me to trip me up.

But no matter how well I explained a concept, Moreno always found something to criticize. I demonstrated an equation on the board just like I had learned. My pen shaking showing how nervous I was.

"Is that really the most efficient method to solve that equation, Miss Malik?" he asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Or are you simply unaware of more advanced techniques?" He jeered.

I bit my tongue, trying to keep my composure. "I-I'm not sure....." I replied, looking down at my pen anxiously.

He scoffed, shaking his head slightly. "Perhaps if you'd attended more of my lectures, you'd know there are better ways. But then, I suppose that would require a level of dedication you've yet to demonstrate" he shot at me.

I could feel the eyes of my classmates on me, some filled with sympathy, others with barely hidden amusement. Moreno's relentless attacks were meant to undermine me, to make me feel small and inadequate. And despite my best efforts, it was working. Every word out of his mouth felt like a slap, a reminder that in his eyes, I wasn't good enough.

As I attempted to explain the next part of the equation on the whiteboard, I felt Moreno's presence behind me. Before I could finish writing, he reached out and took the marker from my hand, his touch rough and unyielding. I flinched slightly at the suddenness of it, the marker slipping from my grip as he took over.

He turned to the students "this is the correct way" he said, his tone making it clear that he didn't think I was capable. He began writing on the board, his hand moving with a precision that only served to highlight my own inadequacies "I except you all to use this method, it'll spare you a lot of time" he spoke to which he revived nods.

His explanation was clear and concise, but it felt like a deliberate attempt to humiliate me further. I mean he was right my method took a few more minutes than his, but I wanted him to be wrong. At least then I'd feel less insecure. I watched as he effortlessly solved another problem, the room filled with the sound of his voice and the sounds of people writing and typing notes down. When he finished, he handed the marker back to me, his eyes meeting mine with that same cold disdain "Try to keep up, Miss Malik" I took the marker with sweaty hands, my hand trembling slightly, and turned back to the board, trying to regain my composure. The weight of his presence, the roughness of his touch, and the coldness in his voice all combined to make me feel smaller than I ever had before. But I pressed on, refusing to crumble under his scrutiny. I straightened up my posture and continued.

By the time I finished, I was mentally and emotionally exhausted. I turned back to the class, hoping at least some of them had learned something from my efforts.

"Thanks......" I managed to say to the people who were listening. The room was filled with shuffling and fidgeting as people began to make their ways out. I dared not look at Mr Moreno. Instead I concentrated on the sounds of people laughing at me, the murmurs of people mocking how badly I did, there were only a few people who genuinely felt bad for me and Mr Moreno definitely wasn't one of them.

He took his time before standing, his movements deliberate as he walked to the front of the room. He stopped right in front of me, towering over me with that same cold, unforgiving expression.

"Well," he said, his voice icy "it's clear you've put in some effort. But you lacked precision and most importantly, understanding. I strongly suggest you invest in a tutor, it would do you good. Only around £100 per hour. With your level on incapability I suggest you do a few hours everyday " he tormented knowing that I would never spend that much money on a tutor.

"Only £100......Not everyone's as rich as you Mr Moreno I'd rather spend my money on other things" I scoffed.

"You'd rather spend your money on makeup and clothes from the looks of it" he jeered. I didn't know what to reply with. I felt so small under his presence I was unable to even speak in front of him. And he was right I would rather spend my money on clothes and makeup but I couldn't agree with my enemy.

Heidi, who had somehow snuck into the lecture hall despite not even being in this course, waited for me in the corridor, her face a mix of concern and anger.

"Yara, that was brutal" she said, her voice filled with sympathy. "I don't know how you kept it together up there. I would've been so angry like he went out of his way to embarrass you every chance he got" she ranted.

"He's just doing his job I guess I need to do better, that's all" he really made me doubt everything.

Heidi frowned " um no no no, you did perfectly fine and I wouldn't say having it out for you for no reason at all is him doing his job. It's not professional or fair Yara. You did great, and he knows it" she nudged me trying to lift up my mood.

"Thanks Heidi, honestly I'm surprised he didn't notice you aren't even in his course" I laughed.

"Guess that just shows he isn't as good as he acts"

Plopping down on my bed. I felt like tearing up, his constant hate for me made me fed up and frustrated. I didn't know what I could do to make him be nicer to me, honestly I didn't even know if that was possible.

I found something else to concentrate my mind on.....Max. Ever since that kiss I hadn't seen him. I felt guilty, but it's his fault he should've just taken the hint. I couldn't risk another person hating me so I got off my bed and made my way over to Max and Elijah's dorm.

"Is Max there?" I asked Elijah who looked out of it. Fucking hell I've yet to speak to Elijah when he's not high.

I raised a brow when he just stared at me for a long minute with drool coming out of his mouth. Nervously laughing I moved him out of the doorway and walked inside. There I saw Max on his bed sleeping.

"Max....?" No reply. I lightly tapped him to which he groaned.

"What the fuck do you wa-.....oh Yara" he rubbed his sleepy eyes and sat up.

"Sorry I didn't mean to wake you up"

"It's all good he said looking anywhere but at my face"

"I came to say sorry, for shouting at you. It's totally my fault I just didn't know what to say" a smile crept up onto his face.

"It all good Yara. It's my fault I should've stopped when you pushed me away. I'm just stupid as fuck" the silence grew louder.

"You know you missed my amazing lecture" I sheepishly smiled.

"Oh yeah hahaha Professor Malik yeh?" He teased.

"It was so bad Max honestly I think I might have to overdose on whatever Elijah's been taking. Mr Perfect low key humbled me" Max shook his head.

"You know that would've been real funny to watch" I smacked his arm.

"What the heck Max you're meant to be taking my side remember?" We both burst out into laughter maybe Max wasn't that bad after all.

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The next morning I woke up to an email from the receptionist. My luck couldn't get any worse Mr Moreno has requested to see me at 7pm. Great! Now I'll have something to think about for the rest of the day. I completed my online coursework before getting ready for the day, me and Heidi decided to go shopping.

"Write so he wants to see you at 7pm....kind of creepy if you ask me" she spoke as we got into our taxi.

"Yeah I mean if I get murdered you'll know who it is......hm maybe I should turn on my location just in case" we joked around.

We went into multiple stores buying clothes, makeup and a bunch of other essentials for our dorms.

"Wait I'm going to go buy something for my little brother. If I go back home empty handed the greedy thing will beat me up" just for reference her brother was 5 but she was genuinely terrified for him.

Our two grown selves walked into a kids store receiving a weird look from one of the employees.

"I think we should get him this" I joked picking up the most demonic looking toy I'd ever seen.

"Would be a good tactic to give him nightmares to be honest" she giggled.

She ended up deciding on a racing car toy for him. Heidi needed to pee so I paid for her toy whilst. I scanned the toy at the self checkout area before a cute little girl came running up to me. She looked really young and started to tug on my leg giggling cutely making an adoring smile creep onto my lip "Pwease can you tell my daddy to buy me this toy. Prettty pweaaseee" I giggled at her behaviour as she held up the barbie toy.

"Where's you daddy?" I asked bending down to her level.

"Um......I don't know" she said with a confused face.

"How about I buy it for you if you tell us your name" she giggled knowing her plan finally succeeded.

"My name is Elena" she smiled, playing with the ends of her long brown hair.

"Wow such a pretty little name Elena" I said making her blush. Taking the you from her hand I scanned it and gave it back to her. "Here you are Elena. But make sure your daddy doesn't see it okay" she looked overly happy and nodded to everything I was saying.

She giggled and her new toy "thank you, thank you fwank you pretty lady" she squealed giving me a big and unexpected hug. I hugged her fragile little body back before she ran off.

When I Heidi came back I explained what just happened "she was super cute Heidi honestly" I spoke.

"Ugh my stupid bladder, always making me miss out on the good things" she crossed her arms.

"Wait that's her" I nudged Heidi whilst waving at the little girl.

"Omggggg she's so cute!" Heidi couldn't hide her appeal.

She ran over to me and Heidi "hi, I'm Elena" she said staring at Heidi with her big endearing eyes.

"Nice to meet you!" Heidi smiled at her shaking her little hand mouthing an 'awww'

"Daddy said I can't have the toy" she pouted looking up at me, making me frown.

"Why's that?" I asked.

"He said I already have too many twoys" she rolled her eyes cutely making me and Heidi giggle at her behaviour.

"Here hide it right here" Heidi offered a solution tucking the barbie into the girls dress. Probably not the best solution considering little Elena now looked slightly mutated because of the toy.

"Fanks. You both look just like my Barbie toy" her comment made both her hearts flutter as she ran away.

"Her dad's definitely finding that toy" I spoke trying to hide my laughter.

"Yep" hiding replied sounding defeated.

"It's the thought that matters really" I spoke making Heidi shake her head.

"Oh my fucking shit!" Heidi smacked my hand taking my attention.

"Don't look Yara but why the fuck is Mr Moreno holding the kids hand" she reacted with upmost shock.

"Are you joking...." Surely she was joking, surely. I mean what are the chances. I slowly peeked over Heidi to see Mr Moreno is all his glory holding the little girls hands.

"Fuck, fuck" I quickly grabbed Heidi's hand and me scurried to the other end of the store. Far away from them.

"That's her dad" Heidi stood with her mouth gaping open.

"How- how the actual fuck" I was still in shock.

"Wait so he's 23 and that girl looks about 5...when did he have that child" I looked at Heidi with concern. we both attempted to figure out a way to leave the store without him seeing us.

"Let's buy disguises like a fake moustache or something" I looked up at Heidi, disturbed at the fact she wasn't even joking.

"Right....not sure about that one Heidi. But thanks.........?" I giggled.

"I say we wait until he leaves" we both agreed. We camped at the back of the store for a few minutes ranting to each other about what had just happened.

"There you guys are!" We turned around to find little Elena smiling at us, completely blowing our cover. And behind her stood her menacing dad giving both of us judgmental looks. How was she so unlike her own father.

We both nervously laughed. "H-hi Elena" I gulped down the nerves avoiding all eye contact with Mr Moreno. Everything was silent and poor little Elena looked beyond confused.

"You bought this toy for her" he asked in a low voice. I stared up at him wide eyed. The tense atmosphere was too much. I nodded eventually.

Elena gave both me and Heidi suspicious looks before craning her head all the way back up to look at her dad.

"Next time I advise you both don't go around buying shit for random children" he spoke with disgust, sending a shiver down my spine.

"S-sorry" we both cowardly replied in unison making little Elena look beyond confused.

"They were only being nice dad" she crossed her arms telling her dad off. Making me hold back a smile. "Why don't you go to your mother El" he spoke to her in a calm tone. "Bye" she sheepishly smiled at us before leaving.

Me and Heidi both glared at each other. Well this was awkward. Was he going to say anything? He continued to fixate his eyes on my face, not looking away for even a second.

"Well nice to see you Mr Moreno. Um our t-taxi is waiting" Heidi stuttered pulling me away from him.

We rushed out of the store. Thank god she was able to pull us out of that situation. I sighed "well that was scary" okay maybe that was an understatement. It was crazy to think he had a wife, who would want to marry him and then have a child with him. To be completely honest he didn't seem like the type to be capable of loving someone.

"Ok let's take this as a lesson to never be nice to little children" Heidi spoke making me agree.

We hopped into our taxi. Would this make him even angrier at me? I thought to myself! Fuck!

A/N

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