Chapter 12 : she's So Cool
"So… where are we?"
Everyone froze.
She spoke just one word, and everyone immediately left.
So this is what power looks like.
"Hmm… Realiana, I like the way you think."
"Huh?!"
"But thinking and doing are very different things, dear."
"Yes. I know. I'll do everything to achieve my success."
She smiled faintly. "Then tell me—have you even told Leo that you want to go to college? That you don't want to miss your lectures?"
I stayed silent.
"You've been here for almost a month," she continued, "and you didn't even think about college."
"You're right," I admitted. "But he said he kidnapped me, so I thought he wouldn't allow me to go out."
She sighed softly. "Oh, dear. Be brave. You think too much, but you didn't even try to ask him."
Her gaze suddenly sharpened.
"That's why there's a line between you and your father."
She said those words with a deadly stare. She was kind—but dangerous at the same time. And painfully, she was right.
"Yes, you're right," I said calmly. "But I didn't even ask Leo. Still, stay away from my family matters."
"All right," she said easily. "From tomorrow, you'll go to college. You'll graduate, become a doctor, and work for me."
"No way," I replied instantly. "Why would I work for you? I don't want any connection with the mafia. Sorry."
She chuckled. "Cleo, let's go. Leo, come."
"Really," she said, turning to Leo, "you're born into a mafia family, and now—"
She stopped mid-sentence, her eyes fixed on him.
Then she turned back to me.
"Oh, and Miss Realiana," she added casually, "before talking to anyone, ask their name first. I never give advice, but I made an exception for you."
She stood up, extended her hand, and smiled.
"My name is Cleo. Nice to meet you."
And just like that, she left.
"My name is Realiana," I said softly, shaking my head with a smile. "Nice to meet you too."
Her name was similar to Leo's—just with a 'C' in front.
Still… she was cool.
I'm going to college from tomorrow.
After a whole month, I felt excited—
like it was my very first day.