Caleb just stared at her shocked. He knew she was being played...but the fact was, how was he going to tell her the truth. THAT HE WAS KING! Caleb felt as if the distant thunder and lightning had suddenly struck him. He never anticipated that Emily would harbor such feelings for King, let alone be willing to start a relationship with him."You've got to be kidding me," were the first words that echoed in Caleb's mind as he heard her.Emily had no clue that the real King was standing right next to her, and the person she was eagerly anticipating having dinner with was an impostor.The hacker had rewarded a $20,000 gift to Emily during her live broadcast tonight, perhaps thinking he could win her heart with this sum of money.Emily possessed genuine kindness and a heart of gold, and Caleb recognized that she deserved better than what the hacker was attempting.Caleb had not planned to disclose his identity as King to Emily, which is why he did not to respond to her messages in private
"I know King because.....""Because what Caleb?""Because it's me! I'm King" he finally blurted out.Emily's mouth hung open as she attempted to absorb Caleb's words. His shocking revelation rendered her speechless, her mind struggling to catch up with the present.Just five minutes ago, she was eagerly sharing her anticipation about meeting King, seeking his opinion. Now, Caleb was insisting that he is King.She stood stunned. Her mouth opened and closed, but no words came out as she stared at her so-called best friend."What did you just say, Caleb?" She stared at him in disbelief, trying to process his words.Caleb's shoulders sagged as he momentarily looked away. "I'm the real King," he repeated, returning his gaze to her. "The man you chatted with today is an imposter, possibly a hacker or even a thief. I don't know."In an effort to shield Emily from potential deception and heartbreak, he felt compelled to reveal the truth.Emily just stood frozen as she just stared at Caleb.
Caleb felt defeated. Emily wasn't willing to trust him enough to believe his words.He let out a long breath."Just forget it, Emily. Since you're not willing to believe that I am King, there is nothing I can do."Emily nodded and shrugged her shoulders.But deep down, he was right; she didn't believe him.Caleb gritted his teeth to stop the hurt from her lack of trust from doubling him over. He wasn't strong."Well, it's really late; I better get going," she pointed to the closed door."See you later, okay. And I know you think that my reaction is stupid, but you did take your joke a little too far."Caleb didn't utter a single word. He just stared at her, at a loss for words.Emily could feel that something was not right with Caleb. Something was nagging at him, so she decided to give him time to sort out his thoughts or whatever he had going on.She stared at him for a long moment. He was a simple guy, and she couldn't quite read his face to understand what was going on in his mind
Emily held her breath, realizing it wasn't worth saying anything further as Caleb remained adamant in his determination to continue lying to her face, that he was King.She wasn't convinced by anything he had said. If she was totally honest, she hadn't wanted to hurt his feelings due to the undeniable friendship bond that had grown between them.But Caleb had crossed the line, fabricating an unbelievable story and expecting her to take his word for it. She imagined it would be hard for anyone to believe his words. She turned to look at Caleb one more time. His face was stony, hiding anything feelings he may have. She didn't know what to say to him anymore. His lips were pressed together into a thin line. This was a new Caleb. She hadn't seen him like this in the short time she had known him, and she wasn't sure she liked it.A little pulse jumped rapidly in his temple. If she had to describe the way he looked, she'd say he was angry. But why?He was the one lying.He hadn't said
Seething with resentment, Kenneth glared at Caleb, who sat obliviously, seemingly without a care in the world. The incident at The Royal Palm Restaurant lingered in Kenneth's mind, and he couldn't shake off the humiliation. The fallout had extended beyond the restaurant, straining his relationship with his father, who hadn't spoken to him since Stephen severed their ties."My Dad hasn't talked to me since Stephen broke his friendship with me!" Kenneth hissed under his breath, Tracy comforting him with a soothing touch on his arm."All because of him. That delivery boy managed to turn the manager against me. I don't know what he said or did to get the manager on his side, but he will regret ever crossing me!" Kenneth fumed, his eyes burning with a fierce determination for revenge."He'll get what's coming to him!" Amanda seethed under her breath.Tracy nodded her head in agreement with her boyfriend's words. She scrunched up her face, fully aware that somewhere along the line, Caleb w
"Boy, don't dawdle. Hurry up. I don't have all day," she ordered, turning her head without a hint of improved mood."Professor Hanks, what did I do? Why are you taking me to the dormitory?"She maintained her silence, marching on, and Caleb's anxiety grew with every step. The journey to the dormitory was filled with tense silence, leaving Caleb perplexed and uneasy."Ma'am, why are we heading towards the dormitory?" Caleb inquired as he followed closely behind."You'll find out soon enough," she replied with a poker face, maintaining her brisk pace toward the dormitory in her high heels.Upon reaching the professor's dormitory, she unlocked the door and headed straight to her bed. Seating herself, she crossed her legs and fixed Caleb with a fierce look.Caleb swallowed the lump in his throat. Whatever she was about to say, it didn't bode well for him. He could sense he was in deep trouble."So, you want to know why I brought you here, especially to my room?" she asked, not once lookin
"I think it was the man who was here before I entered. He must have heard me calling your name and made a run for it. Maybe I startled him with my sudden appearance. I didn't give him the chance before, but later when you were out, he could have come back to steal the underwear," Caleb said as he continued to fabricate his story.Professor Hanks lifted her eyes and looked at Caleb with narrowed eyes. She stared at him for a few minutes, and he couldn't understand what she was thinking.She continued to stare ......."A man....."Here....:"In my dormitory...""Who ran away....""Hmmmm....."Her words, in a tone od disbelief. As if she didn't believe a word of what he just said.There were no words to describe Caleb's feelings at the moment. His nerves were getting the better of him. He wasn't sure if the professor believed him or not.But no matter what, he was innocent. He didn't steal the underwear. But somebody obviously did.She looked at him, still a little skeptical."So let me
Closing the door behind him, Caleb leaned against it and took a few deep breaths, attempting to calm his nerves.Despite inheriting thousands and billions, and his life undergoing a drastic change, there was one thing that hadn't changed —The only thing that he couldn't shake off, was his nerves when faced with Professor Hanks. He couldn't understand what it was about her that always had him on edge. A nervousness that hevfelt deep down to his bones.Taking a few more deep breaths and regaining control over his nerves, he made his way back to class.The bell rang, marking the end of the class, and students began to buzz with conversations, many focusing on Caleb and the missing professor. The discussions took a crude turn:"Class is over, and the professor and Caleb still haven't returned. I wonder what they're up to.""Was Caleb getting a special lesson from Professor Hanks?""Probably enjoying some secret perks. Lucky guy!""Wonder what kind of 'class' he's having with her, definit