Mara crouched discreetly in the corner, her gaze vigilantly sweeping over each person who entered the auditorium.
As expected, it wasnât long before a tall, familiar figure showed up-the very person sheâd been longing to see for days.
Without a second thought, she burst from her hiding spot and planted herself firmly in front of Balfour.
Balfour was striding purposefully toward the auditorium, irked by the sudden cancellation of a planned rehearsal that had instead gathered all the students here. He was less than pleased now.
His brow furrowed when an unexpected obstacle-a dazed-looking girl-blocked his path. âWhat are you doing?â he asked, his expression as imperious as ever.
Mara was struck anew by his charisma. âIâve been looking for you for ages. I wanted to see you again sooner, but I never imagined it would take this long! Sorry, our schools are miles apart, so it took me a while to get here,â she said, her voice tinged with shyness as she offered Balfour a timid smile.
Balfourâs frown deepened. Was this girl mistaking him for someone else? She was spouting complete nonsense. âIâm sorry, but I think you have the wrong person. We donât know each other.â
Maraâs heart sank. What was he talking about? They had just met a short while ago. How could he completely forget her?
âDo you really not remember me? Or are you just pulling my leg? A few weeks ago, you handed me your handkerchief,â she said, pulling out the neatly washed and folded piece of cloth. âSee, this is yours, isnât it? Iâve been keeping it ever since, hoping to return it to you.â
Balfour squinted, recognizing his handkerchief, but he genuinely didnât recall the girl before him. âSorry, I donât remember. Since I gave it to you, you might as well throw it away. I never take back what Iâve given away, If thatâs all, please step aside. I have things to do.â
Balfour was doing his best to mask his impatience, but Maraâs evident disappointment was hard to ignore. He was always the center of attention, and a small crowd had already begun to form around them.
The auditorium was a hive of student activity, and their conversation could hardly go unnoticed.
Maraâs smile grew more strained. âAre you saying you donât remember me at all? Thatâs impossible.
You must be pretending, right?â
She widened her eyes, searching Balfourâs face for any trace of a lie. Unfortunately, she found none.
Balfourâs expression clearly conveyed that he honestly didnât recall her.
âPathetic, clinging to a handkerchief from the schoolâs heartthrob as if it means. something. Does she not realize how many girls have tried the same thing? Itâs just embarrassing!â A group of girls nearby began to snicker.
Balfour was the unattainable prize of their school, and many had tried to win his affection to no avail.
Mara wasnât even particularly stunning, yet here she was deluding herself in public. She didnât seem to understand her own worth.
âCanât her family even afford her a mirror? She should take a good look at herself before trying to hit on our golden boy. What a joke.â
Mara clenched her fists tightly, knowing the day wouldnât be easy but not expecting total disregard from Balfour, nor the public ridicule that was now her lot to bear.