Chap-57*The Big Shock.*

Cynthia Dion:

I maintained my composure and fixed my gaze on Mr. Holt, who kept his head down, engrossed in his meal.

"I don't think I can go anywhere right now," I said softly, "The school is starting again, and I've already missed many days. I don't want to miss any more classes or training sessions." I uttered these words, a subtle reminder of the promises he had probably used to deceive me.

He mumbled, still not looking at me, "We can discuss it later," but I had piqued Maleeka's interest. She appeared shocked to hear the word "school" coming from my lips.

"Are you kidding me?" Maleeka hissed to herself, trying to take in what she just heard. She was like a ticking bomb and the worst part was that I cannot even blame her for showing so much frustration.

"She's planning to go back to school. You're aware that she can't, right?" Maleeka scowled, displaying clear resistance.

"Why not?" This time, I asked her directly, as her interference in my affairs had been ongoing since the morn