As I pondered all this, the convoy of cars stopped at a large gate. Ronald said, "Master, we have arrived at our destination." I got out of the car and looked at the gate, which displayed the words "Golden Star Academy." I didn't waste any time thinking and walked straight into the academy, telling my convoy to wait for me outside, just as I always do.
I walked slowly, looking around for someone. The students nearby stared at me with various expressions, but I ignored them until I spotted someone who caught my attention.
I was momentarily stunned. I could only look ahead. The students around me, especially the girls, threw glances my way, and I understood why. With my looks and my matching outfit—a white shirt, black pants, and a black coat—I resembled a groom ready for a wedding.
In front of me stood my bride. I focused on her. Yes, there was someone who looked exactly like my Lina from my past life, and from what I remembered, she studied at the same academy. Her name was also Lina. There couldn't be this many coincidences; it felt like fate bringing us together.
She looked familiar, blending Asian and European features, with one slight change: her hair was pink instead of the black I remembered. But that didn't diminish her beauty; if anything, it enhanced it.
As I kept staring at her, she noticed me too. Dressed in a simple academy uniform with a black shirt, brown skirt, and a brown coat marked with the academy's insignia, she looked stunning. When she approached, she said, "Good morning, Mr. Amar. I hope you are well. I have to contact you about an issue regarding the orphanage."
Her voice brought tears to my eyes, but I snapped out of my daze. I wiped my tears and replied, "Yes, Lina, if you have something to discuss, please tell me directly."
I wasn't sure why, but seeing my tearful expression made her look a bit concerned. Still, she continued, "Okay, Amar, I'll tell you. But first, I need to attend my class, and after that, I need to focus fully on my third awakening. This is my last chance." She delivered this with a monotone voice, sounding quite professional.
Her tone annoyed me. I felt a whirlwind of emotions, but I sensed she hadn't awakened any memories from her previous life and was acting as if she hadn't.
Ignoring her formal response, I said, "You don't need to be tense. When is your scheduled awakening?"
She replied, "My allotted time for awakening is at 12 PM."
I responded, "There's no need to worry. It's currently 8 AM, so you have plenty of time to talk. As for your morning class, you don't need to attend. I'll inform your teacher that you have an important discussion with me. He will understand."
She flinched at my reply but nodded. I then said, "Okay, come with me. Let's head to the student council office."
Taking her hand, we walked toward the student council room. I felt the warmth of her hand, and she seemed a bit shaken, likely due to my sudden action. I could understand why someone might feel nervous if a guy suddenly took their hand like that.
As we approached the student council room, we attracted many curious stares. A guy like me holding a girl's hand down the academy corridor would certainly draw attention. I opened the council room door, and the members inside focused their gazes on us.
Not wanting to waste time, I said, "Hi everyone, I need this room for a while, so I would appreciate it if you could leave."
Some looked astonished, but they all followed my request. One student, a boy with green hair, approached me. "Good morning, Amar. I'm Vincent, the vice president of the student council. It's nice to meet you. I would like to comply with your request, but our president has assigned us some work. As vice president, I can't let them leave before it's completed."
I wasn't interested in conversation. I replied, "I don't care about the student council president or the principal of this academy. I said to leave this room now." My tone was firm, and he flinched, following the others out.
Once the room was empty, I walked to the furniture in the middle of the room. Sitting on a sofa, I said to Lina, "Lina, come and sit with me."
She followed my command, sitting nervously beside me. "I need to talk about something," she said.
"Go on, say whatever you like," I encouraged her.
Lina began, "Actually, I need more funds for the orphanage. I'd appreciate it if you could help. I know I'm asking again, but I will do anything if you assist me." She dropped to her knees in front of me.
Sighing, I said, "Okay, there's no need for this. Tell me how much you need."
"I don't need much, just 10,000 star coins," she said.
"Is there anything else?" I asked.
"No, but if you need anything, feel free to ask me," she replied, shaking, her eyes welling with tears.
Not understanding her distress, I said, "You've said several times that you would do anything for me. But what can you actually do?"
Lina responded, "I will try my best to follow your orders. If you want, I can be your maid."
Hearing this from her, tears in her eyes, made my heart ache. I said, "There's no need to do anything for me. As for what I need from you…" I paused, walked toward her, and gently lifted her chin. I looked into her eyes and continued, "What I want from you is you. So, Lina, from now on, you will be mine, and in return, I will be yours." I dropped to one knee in a proposing gesture and said again, "Lina, I love you. Will you be mine?"