The day at university had passed in a whirlwind of new impressions, unfamiliar faces, and casual conversations. But Aïnis already felt cramped in this environment she hadn't chosen. The freedom that university seemed to offer her classmates eluded her. She, Aïnis Morel, heir to an empire, daughter of Victor Morel, had never had the luxury of that freedom. She was always under surveillance.
After her meeting with Raphaël in the park, Aïnis had isolated herself for a while, but it wasn't to escape the crowd. No, she was just tired of having to play a role. Inside the university, she was no longer the "queen," the one everyone watched, the one whose life was predestined to be perfect. She was just another student, in search of a semblance of normality.
She sat on a bench, watching the constant flow of students, wondering how many of them really understood what it meant to be her. The constant pressure, the shadow of her father, the obligation to maintain a perfect facade. The lunch bell rang, pulling her from her thoughts.
She slowly got up and headed toward the buildings where students had gathered. At the entrance of the cafeteria, she immediately spotted Sofia, Maya, and Inès, who were chatting around a table. They were one of her first reference points at the university, even though they weren't in her section. But their smiles and friendliness seemed to pull her out of her closed world.
— Aïnis! Sofia exclaimed, enthusiastically getting up to greet her. You finally came!
Aïnis smiled despite herself, appreciating the effort her friends were making to help her feel good in this new environment.
— We missed you, it's not the same without you! Maya added, grabbing a sandwich and handing it toward her.
— I see there's room for me here. Aïnis sat down next to them, almost forgetting the constant gaze of Blake, who, true to his mission, was standing outside the cafeteria.
Inès, the calmest of the group, gave her an amused look.
— So, how was your first day? she asked. Wasn't it... strange?
Aïnis shrugged, a slightly sad smile on her lips.
— I think I'm starting to understand why I wasn't looking forward to it. But I've gotten used to the idea. I guess it must be like this for everyone, right?
Sofia looked at her curiously.
— What's bothering you, exactly?
— The looks. The feeling of being different... as if I'm not supposed to be here. She took a sip of her water, then added with a forced smile: But I suppose it'll pass.
Inès looked at her seriously.
— You know, you don't have to face it all alone, Aïnis.
Aïnis shook her head, a glimmer of determination in her eyes.
— No, it's just that... it's a step I have to take. She forced a smile. I'll adapt. It's just that I have no choice.
Maya, always enthusiastic, tried to change the subject to lighten the mood.
— So, what's your schedule like? she asked while munching on a piece of bread. I'm sure you're going to rock this place. The professors have no idea what's coming!
Aïnis smiled, but her mind immediately drifted to Raphaël and his silent commitment. He was always there, always ready to be the one she had to listen to, even without saying a word.
The conversation died down for a moment as they talked about this and that, but Aïnis felt that this day marked the beginning of something more complicated than she had imagined.
Back Home
The day at university had just ended. The sun was slowly setting on the horizon as Aïnis got out of the family car, her eyes a little tired but curious to return home and the imposing atmosphere of her mansion. The drive, as always, had been marked by the heavy silence of her bodyguard, Blake, sitting in the car opposite her, attentive to every movement.
As she entered the hall, she was immediately surrounded by the familiar voice of Rose, the housekeeper, and the silhouette of Jean, one of the butlers.
— Welcome, Miss Aïnis. Rose smiled gently as she approached. How was your day?
Aïnis smiled, but the question seemed almost absurd. What could she say? "Well, I was followed like a criminal, but it's fine." But she didn't have the courage to respond honestly.
— As usual. She shrugged with a slight smile, playing the role of the calm, composed young girl. Nothing special.
Jean, who was always discreet but attentive, looked at her with a questioning gaze.
— A tough start, wasn't it? he said, adjusting his collar. But I'm sure you'll get used to it.
Aïnis responded with a polite smile, wondering if they too understood the reality behind the mask she wore every day.
Entering the living room, she immediately saw Victor, her father, who looked at her intently, a serious expression on his face. As expected, he was already prepared to discuss her day.
— So, Aïnis... He waited for her to sit. How was your first day?
She felt a chill run down her spine. Every question from her father seemed like an official inquiry, a routine investigation. She sat on the sofa, her posture impeccable as always.
— It was... normal, I guess. She slightly turned her head. People didn't really notice me, except when I had a little chat with Raphaël.
Victor didn't respond immediately. He scrutinized her face, as if searching for something she didn't want to reveal.
— Raphaël, huh? he finally said, a small smile playing on his lips. I suppose he's still as... protective.
Aïnis rolled her eyes, embarrassed.
— Dad, I told you it's nothing more than a friend.
Victor fixed her with a steady gaze, his eyes glinting in a way that almost made her forget to breathe.
— I know what you think. He stood up and walked toward the desk to grab a file. But remember, the marriage we've arranged is much more important than you think. It's not a game.
Aïnis felt a wave of frustration overwhelm her, but she forced herself to stay calm.
— I understand. She turned her head to avoid looking at him. But it's a constant pressure, Dad.
Victor stared at her for a moment before responding coldly.
— This is the life we've chosen for you, Aïnis. Accept it.
She quickly stood up and left the room, but before going upstairs, she stopped in the hall and took out her phone. She called her brother Ivan.
— Hi, Ivan. Her brother's calm voice came through at the other end of the line. So, how was your day?
Aïnis slumped against the wall, holding the phone to her ear.
— It was... strange. She closed her eyes. But I guess I'll get used to it.
Ivan didn't answer immediately. Then, with a sigh, he added:
— You know, Aïnis, I understand that it's hard, but you're not alone. He paused, and his voice became softer. You don't have to carry all this by yourself.
She smiled faintly, her eyes a little teary.
— I know, Ivan.