Aiden's phone buzzes, and judging from his serious expression, it's probably about work. Maybe his employee has sent the report.

"I need to get back to work." Aiden stands up. "I'll be back once I'm done with it. Just let me know if you need any help, okay?"

I nod, watching as he walks back to his home office. A sigh escapes from my lips as my eyes return to the book.

I pick the notes he gave me and can't be more grateful for the points he jotted down.

Oh, God, why is he so kind? He's still helping me with this college stuff even though he's busy.

My heart squeals because there's a hope that I'll be able to get a good mark for my quiz. I can share what I learn with Ash and Maya too tomorrow.

I stare at the book and papers in front of me with a determined look.

Yes. I can do this.

I can't do this.

I lean back against the sofa leg with desperation. Why is this so difficult?

I was wrong. Aiden made it seem like these case studies were easy, when in fact, they're much more complicated.

Or maybe I'm just plain stupid.

I stare at the door to his office and bite my lower lip.

"Just let me know if you need any help, okay?" his words ring again in my ears.

Should I just go there and ask for help?

My mind is debating, but I shoot to my feet anyway. I walk closer to the door, and luckily, it's slightly opened.

I peek into the room, and there, at his desk, Aiden is working on his laptop.

My heart sinks. I don't have the heart to disturb him. He might be dealing with something important, while my problem is just a quiz. I have to handle it myself.

With disappointment, I shuffle again toward the living room.

The voice in my head begins to chant again, 'You can do it, Nevaeh.'

I don't know how long I've spent time in front of my laptop, but now, I find myself laughing, watching a funny scene of a romantic comedy movie.

Right. I'm watching Netflix on my laptop.

How the hell did this happen? I'm not the only one doing this, am I?

Don't get me wrong. I've spent hours working on the case studies from the book I borrowed from Aiden. The papers on the table are full of my handwriting, although I don't even understand most of the things I wrote.

I've written the analysis of the case study after picking some examples.

I've written my answers based on Aiden's guidance.

I've also written whatever it was in my head when I was desperate.

OK. Let's get real. I've doodled too. Scribbled. You name it.

I've even drawn stick people. Mom, Dad, Sienna, and I. I just miss them so much.

Gosh, my drawing is terrible.

My gaze darts on Aiden's office again. He still hasn't come out of it.

I hope that he would check my work and let me know whether I did it correctly or not. A girl can hope, can't she?

But then, Aiden must be tired after he finishes his work, and I don't want to bother him.

Getting the work done with the overseas branch office tonight is apparently more time-consuming than I've expected. However, the number of contracts signed is worth it. Dad will be happy to hear about this.

I glance at the clock. 11 pm. Again, I've lost track of time. It's my habit, but it has become worse in these past two years.

I sigh, stand up from my chair, and stride toward the door. Distinctly, I hear sounds from the living room, and when I step into it, I find Nevaeh sleeping in front of her laptop.

She's still sitting on the floor, her head and arms on the coffee table. Papers are scattered all over it. She must have fallen asleep while studying.

The sounds are coming from the movie she played on her laptop.

Dammit. I was too focused on my work that I didn't even hear what was going on. I forgot that I promised her to come back here.

I hope that she didn't really wait for me.

The sound from her laptop catches my attention, and when my gaze darts on the movie playing on the screen, my eyes widen.

It's playing a mature scene where the couple is having sex on a couch. The girl is moaning like crazy.

My eyes also notice that a pen is still in Nevaeh's hand, which means that she was writing something before she fell asleep. I check what was written on the paper, and it says:

My pulse quickens as I quickly shut her laptop with a loud thud. Even after I do that, my heart is still racing inside my chest.

Then I notice the other writings on the papers, which are all about business economics.

Of course, she wants me to teach her about the case studies, doesn't she? What the hell was I thinking about?

I shut my eyes and throw my head back. "Fuck," I curse, laughing at myself.

I bend down next to her. Her writing makes me realize all over again that she's indeed waiting for me. She shouldn't have.

I sigh before deciding to check her work. I pick the papers, and a smile touches my lips when I scan her funny doodles and drawings.

I focus on her answers to the business economics case studies, and my eyebrows rise. She's doing pretty good. She has noted what I taught her earlier.

I write more explanations in addition to her answers so that she can check them later to help her study. I glance at her peaceful sleeping face, unaware of another smile that creeps on my lips.

"You did good, Nevaeh," I whisper. "Well done."

After I finish all the notes, I put the pen down and sigh. She shouldn't be sleeping here, but I don't want her to feel that it's inappropriate if she suddenly finds herself on her bed.

I pick her up in my arms and lay her down on the couch instead. She slightly winces but doesn't wake up.

Watching her like this triggers something in me. She's as young as Luna, probably even younger, and maybe that's why I'm determined to help her and protect her.

I grab the blanket lying on the chair and slowly cover her with it, watching as she sleeps soundly.