Chapter 152:I need your help with something

Chapter 152: 152:I need your help with something

The next morning.

?"It is such a drag having to attend classes daily just for these exams. It is truly frustrating," Nova murmured, lounging comfortably on the living room sofa while she waited for Alan to finish dressing for school.

?"You can simply petition to sit for all your exams at once, young Mrs," Anah’s voice echoed softly as she materialized mid-air directly in front of Nova. "It is a standard administrative loophole. Just inform the board you wish to test out of the courses concurrently." She added.

?Nova raised a single, elegant eyebrow. "That is not a bad idea," she replied thoughtfully. "Though Alan will undoubtedly want to do the exact same thing if he find out I want to do that."

?"Do what, Snow?"

?Alan rushed down the grand staircase, a bright, boyish smile on his face. He pressed a quick, affectionate kiss to Nova’s lips before settling down beside her, his hand immediately intertwining with hers.

?"I want to take all my exams at once instead of wasting time commuting to school every day," Nova explained, turning her gaze toward him.

?Alan’s smile widened without a second of hesitation. "Oh? Then I will test out of my exams all at once, too."

?Nova let out a low, teasing smirk. "Are you certain? Compressing an entire term into a single round of examinations can place an immense amount of pressure on you, my lovely adorable baby. I do not want you burning out." She said.

?Alan shook his head firmly, his eyes shining with absolute devotion. "It will not be too much pressure. I can handle anything as long as I am with you."

?"You both wish to take your exams simultaneously?"

?Cassian’s deep voice echoed from the upper landing. He descended the stairs, fully dressed in a tailored charcoal suit, looking every bit the ruthless corporate titan as he prepared to head to his company headquarters.

?"Mhm," Nova hummed, a soft, fond giggle escaping her lips at the sight of him. "My man is so handsome" she thought, smiling nonstop.

?"I will personally handle the paperwork and arrange everything with the academy board," Cassian said, stepping up to the sofa and pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "Come, I will drive you both to school," he offered, scooping Nova effortlessly into his arms and carrying her out toward the waiting vehicle.

?Alan scrambled up, trailing closely behind them.

?The Academy.

?The executive sedan glided to a smooth stop outside the grand wrought-iron gates of the academy. Nova and Alan stepped out onto the pavement, offering Cassian a light wave and watch as his car disappeared into the distance before they both entered the school.

?"Go on to your lectures, Alan. I will head to my department," Nova said, offering him a warm, radiant smile. "And do not forget to deliver my favorite chocolates at noon..hm.. you can add other snacks as well but the chocolate should be more." She said.

?"Noted your highness," Alan replied softly, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Have a good morning, Snow. I am off!" He waved brightly before sprinting toward his department wing.

?Nova turned toward her own building, her expression shifting back to cool indifference as soon as Alan was out of sight. But just as she took her first step across the threshold, a hand shot out, blocking her path.

?"Hi..."

?Nova slowly traced the arm upward. Her eyes landed on Adam. The bored, dismissive mask fell instantly over her features.

?"We meet again, Nova. What a pleasant coincidence," Adam said, offering a soft, disarming smile.

?"I have zero interest in exchanging pleasantries with you. Get lost," Nova replied coldly, her piercing blue eyes locking onto him with a deadly, murderous intensity that made the air around them drop several degrees.

?Adam flinched slightly, pressing his lips together in a helpless sigh. "I..I need your help with something," he confessed, holding her gaze.

?Nova stared at him, unblinking. "My help? My apologies, but I do not render assistance for matters that are entirely none of my business and offer me no tangible benefit."

?Adam didn’t back down. Instead, a hopeful warmth touched his eyes. "I am willing to give you absolutely anything you desire... as long as you agree to assist me."

?"Find someone else," Nova dismissed flatly, attempting to walk past him.

?Once again, Adam smoothly stepped into her path.

?Nova’s patience snapped. Her voice dropped to a freezing, venomous whisper. "Believe me or not, Adam... I possess the power to throw you off this earth right now, and you would never find your way back."

?Adam chuckled softly, entirely unfazed by the threat. His expression remained innocent, completely devoid of any malicious intent. "I... actually do not doubt that for a second."

?"Foggy face," Nova muttered mentally.

?"Mhm?" Anah replied inside her consciousness.

?"Run a background check on this boy. Is his family tied to the underground?". Nova questioned, keeping her calculating gaze locked on Adam.

"?Hmm... his family lineage is indeed deeply rooted in the Mafia underworld", Anah reported swiftly. "However... he was completely cast out and disowned by his own bloodline, all thanks to his ruthless stepmother. He is entirely on his own now."

?Nova’s lips curved into a subtle smirk. "I see." She shifted her focus back to the boy standing before her. "What kind of assistance could you possibly need from me?"

?Excitement flashed across Adam’s face. "After classes finish today, can we meet at the Doon Private Café? I can explain the situation much better in a quiet environment."

?Nova studied him for a long, quiet moment. "Very well," she agreed. "Now... step out of my way."

?Adam beamed, instantly taking a wide step to the side to clear the entrance. "I will see you this afternoon, Nova."

?Nova didn’t spare him another glance, sweeping past him and heading straight to her desk. Outside, Adam watched her go, a quiet, successful smile settling on his lips as he turned to leave.

?Noon.

?Alan slipped quietly into Nova’s classroom, carrying a small, neat paper bag filled with imported snacks. He slid into the empty seat beside her, gently tapping her shoulder as she rested her head against her desk. "I brought your snacks, Snow."

?Nova blinked awake, lifting her head. She immediately reached into the bag, pulled out a gourmet chocolate bar, tore off the wrapper, and took a small, appreciative bite.

?"By the way," Nova murmured between bites, "I will not be able to ride home with you this afternoon. I have an errand to run after school."

?"Huh? Let me come with you," Alan immediately said, staring into her brilliant blue eyes with a look of pure puppy-dog desperation.

?"No. You cannot tag along," Nova rejected him simply.

?"Why not?" Alan whined, leaning closer and giving her his best pleading look.

?Nova let out an amused chuckle, reaching out to gently caress his cheek. "Be a good boy, baby. Just wait for me at home."

?Alan fell silent for a beat, a soft pout touching his lips before he finally nodded in defeat. "Alright. Oh, by the way... the new principal called me to his office earlier."

?Nova raised an eyebrow, a lethal glint flashing in her eyes as her protective instincts flared. "Did he give you trouble? Shall I go ruin his career?"

?Alan laughed softly. "No, nothing like that. Cassian already contacted the administration regarding our concurrent exams. The principal simply called to confirm which date we wished to schedule them for, and I told him I needed to consult with you first."

?Nova’s expression softened, her features clearing. "Ah. That is fine. Choose whichever date you feel most comfortable with. I am prepared to sit for them anytime, anywhere."

?Alan considered this for a moment. "Then I will select next Monday. How does that sound?"

?"No problem at all," Nova agreed, breaking off another square of chocolate. "Though you should seriously apply yourself to your studies this week. It is going to be intensely rigorous, and I do not want to see you sweating bullets when the exam papers land on your desk."

?Alan rolled his eyes playfully, flashing a cocky grin. "Will you promise me a reward if I breeze through the exams with top marks?"

?Nova smirked, amused by his confidence. "And what exactly do you want me to promise you?"

?"You... you have to promise to spend a whole day with me, completely alone, at my private estate," Alan declared, his eyes bright with excitement.

?Nova’s lips curved into a sharp, challenging smile. "Deal. But you must also rank high enough to enter my university. If your scores fall below my standards, this agreement is automatically nullified."

?Alan eagerly grabbed her hand, pressing a series of passionate kisses to her knuckles. "Agreed! I will not disappoint you, my one and only."

?Nova watched him, her heart skipping a beat at the sheer, radiant joy shining in his eyes.