Chapter 3 Dear Miss Farrah , We received your application , but unfortunately , as we're right in the middle of the semester , there are no available Teaching Assistant positions . Please apply again at the beginning of next semester . I grit my teeth , locking my phone and shoving it back into my apron pocket . I turn back to the counter , furiously blinking back tears . It's been three days since Professor Lincoln gave me his sick ultimatum . I can't sleep with him . So that means I'll lose my TA position , the extra income , and my scholarship . June's medication is almost out , and- " April , pass out refills . " 1 refrain from shooting Mindy a scathing look . I don't think I can ever forgive her for not helping me out with Professor Lincoln yesterday . 1 grab the pot of coffee and step around the counter . I weave between customers , offering refills . " Which one do you want ? " " Lucas , duh . He's the eldest and has more to inherit . " " I want Peter , he seems like a sweetheart . " " Nathan is the best looking by far , we'd make gorgeous babies . " I bite my lip , wishing I didn't have to listen to the chatter all around me . But Rover is a campus hangout spot , and the Ashfords have heavy influence on campus . It's no wonder a vast majority of the students are interested in the selection . " Oh look , they're interviewing them now ! " a girl squeals , and suddenly , the usually muted TV has sound . " So tell me , Nathan , what is your ideal bride like ? " A chuckle . " To be honest , I'm not really picky . " I freeze , Nathan's voice washing over me like warm caramel . Even when he taunted me and threw snide remarks my way , I always thought he had the best voice I'd ever heard . I turn to face the screen , and there he is - seated between his brothers . He gives the camera a winning smile , and several girls around me swoon . " The point of this selection is to have a partner that will aid me in leading the Ashford Empire ; as long as she meets the set requirements , I'll be content . " I frown . He really is no longer the boisterous boy I once knew ; he's so ... mature and graceful . " Well , I'm sure the girls vying for your hand in marriage would love something to give them an advantage . Can you tell us anything about your past relationships ? " 1 would rather eat shit than kiss you . The awful memory slams into me , and my grip on the coffee pot slacks . It drops to the floor and shatters with a loud crash . My eyes widen and my cheeks burn with embarrassment as I apologize profusely to the customers I shocked . Feeling stupid and mortified , I clean the mess as quickly as I can , hating myself for letting Nathan Ashford still have an effect on me after all this time . What do I care about what he looks for in a bride ? Or about his past relationships ? We never had anything - he made damn sure . This whole selection thing is throwing me for a loop , and I have more important things to worry about . Do you like this story ? ADD TO LIBRARY Chapter 3 As an apology for breaking an expensive coffee pot , I offered to stay back and close up . Mindy was only too happy to oblige . I wipe down the last of the tables , thankful to have a little peace and quiet after the busy , chaotic day I've had . The little bell in the coffee shop jingles , signaling someone's entrance . " Sorry , were clo- " I whirl around and balk . Professor Lincoln smiles , moving towards me slowly . " It's day three , April . " I swallow . " I'm aware . " " And ? " 1 grit my teeth as I say , " I quit . I'm not sleeping with you for anything . " He raises a brow , still moving towards me . " You'll lose your salary , and your scholarship , and you'll fail my class . " I move back , away from him . " I'm aware . " He shakes his head . " You're not being smart , April ; think about June . " I hiss , feeling my back hit the counter . " Keep my sister's name out of your mouth . " e He chuckles , still moving towards me . My heart rate quickens as he closes the space between us and braces his arms on the counter , trapping me between them . " I'll give you one more chance to reconsider , " he says , his eyes roving over me hungrily . I gulp and push against him . " Move the fuck away from me . " He smiles wickedly . " Wrong answer . " I yelp when he yanks my wrist from his chest and slams it against the counter painfully . I start to struggle as he presses himself into me , his weight pushing me down into the counter . " Get off me ! " I try to keep the fear out of my voice , but it's difficult , with the panic choking me . 1 " I gave you a chance for it to be win - win , but you gen z's are so damn stubborn . " " Let me go ! " I struggle harder , but Professor Lincoln is a large man . I heard he used to play football in his heyday ; I'm no match for him . " Please , " I beg . " Please don't do this . " He already has his hand on my shirt , undoing the buttons . " Shhh , " he coos . " It'll be fun . " " No , " I sob , struggling harder but to no avail . " Stop ! " Suddenly , his weight is thrown off me , and I blink at the sudden change . My eyes widen as I stare at my would - be - rapist , groaning on the floor of the coffee shop - then my gaze shifts to the large muscular man dressed in all black that threw him . " Wha- ? " " What the fuck ? " Professor Lincoln hisses , his face purpling with rage . My hands fly to my buttons , hastily doing them back up as more men in black file into the shop - four in total . The one that threw Lincoln glares at him . " Touch her again and I'll break every bone in your body . " His words are dangerous and threatening enough that my professor cowers . Do you like this story ? + ADD TO LIBRARY 12:34 Chapter 3 " Who- " I swallow , trying to get my bearings . " Who are you ? " My rescuer turns back to me and bows slightly . " Forgive me for the less - than - ideal first impression . I'm Gabriel ; you're April Lilian Farrah , correct ? " I nod , blinking in confusion . " How do you know me ? " " We're here to escort you to the Ashford family estate . " The name makes my heart skip a beat . " What ? Why ? " His next words shock me even more than my almost rape . " Because you've been shortlisted for the bride selection of the Ashford heirs . " Chapter Comments Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!