Burning Passion

CHAPTER 274: EXCHANGE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

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Cambridge, England

It's the last week of January, still cold in England. Nina was in the library when the Dean of Economics summoned her.

She wondered why the Dean wished to talk with her. As far as she remembered, she did nothing or violate the school. But now, facing the Dean, she was somewhat in a good mood, then it was good news. Nina mused. 

"Miss Li… Congratulations! Your application we have chosen. You will be our exchange student at Leroy Collins University in New Jersey." 

"Mrs. Wright? Come again?" 

"You will attend a year in Leroy Collins University," Mrs. Wright explained further. She then handed the documents that needed to sign. "Here, your parents or guardian need to sign these documents for their compliance... If they have concerns, they can come to me, and we can talk about it." 

"Okay, ma'am." With trembling hands, Nina takes the documents from Mrs. Wright. She thanked the Dean and left her office.

When Nina arrived home, Jessica noticed she was in a trance, seated on the French couch for half an hour already. Even the tea she served remained untouched and now cold. 

"Miss... What's the matter?" 

Instead of answering, tears find their way down her cheeks. "Jessica..." 

Seeing her Miss in tears, Jessica rushed to her side and asked, "What's wrong, Miss Nina? What happened?" 

"All I want is to see him again..." Sobbing, she stammered her words. 

Jessica, who guesses that it's about Harry. It confused her why Nina has to cry like this. "Miss, I noticed you were holding those papers since you arrived home. What is it?" 

Wiping the fresh tears flowing down her face, Nina breathes in. She handed the envelope to Jessica and said, "I applied as a representative of Cambridge. They chose my application as an exchange student at Leroy Collins University... I did it to talk to Harry! But now, what should I do? Steven and I..." 

It shocked Jessica. "No, miss! You can't go! You should not go! You need to stay away from Master Steven!" 

Nina heaves a sigh. She rested her forehead on Jessica's left shoulder. "They need Aunt Annie's permission before I fly to New Jersey." 

"Miss... You don't need to do this..." 

"I've been waiting for this day, Jessica. But I mess up! The only person to blame is me. I let myself be played by him." 

"That's not true! You are not at fault! Master Steven is just a cunning man! He took advantage of the moment you are weak! You shouldn't blame yourself!" 

Pressing her lips, Nina uttered, "But I still want to go, Jessica." 

"Miss..." concerns written on Jessica's face. If only she could stop her.

"Follow me after you settled your credentials and US Visa." 

"Miss, I don't trust Master Steven. I wasn't there, nor Mrs. Grant. How if..." Jessica didn't continue her words… 

She's been fearing to leave her Miss alone with Steven. But now? She will be a thousand miles away! Steven has all the opportunity to do what his cunning mind works to take advantage of her Miss! 

"Talk to Mrs. Grant, Miss Nina. She is worried about you being in a relationship with Master Steven." 

Nodding, Nina replied, "Yes. I will." 

The very next day, Nina was in the study with Annie discussing the exchange student program. 

"Nina, your parents are so worried about you. You know how your father feared for you to go to the US."

"I know, Aunt Annie... And it was so stupid of me for giving in to Steven! And so, I want to end it soon with him." 

"Can you do it? You are alone there... It will take a while for Jessica to follow you." 

"I need to be brave, Aunt Annie. I should not hide in my comfort zone forever. That is what I'm pondering at this moment." 

Hearing this, Annie feels like a proud mother. She commented, "You are so like your Aunt." 

She and Nina giggled. After settling down, Annie told her niece. "I won't stop you if what will be your decision. I'm just worried about your parents. Well, I'm in no position to lecture you because I've also been a hard-headed, rebellious girl in the past. Even though I regret nothing even a single thing… I won't encourage you, but let you decide for yourself." 

Tears threaten her eyes, Nina allows them to trail down her cheeks. Annie let her niece cry. It will help her lift the pain that dwells in her chest. 

"Take care of yourself. I will visit you sooner after I take care of some business contracts here." 

"Thank you, Aunt Annie." 

After two weeks since she received the notification, Nina is all ready to fly to New Jersey. She didn't write a letter to Steven to let him know about this. She didn't feel the need to tell him as she will go to the US to find herself and prove that she can be strong and didn't need protection but can make better decisions for herself.

This time, her decision does not involve a man. She wants to explore the world. She wants to discover the real meaning of life to her. Not just being a princess and pampered by her family. But she wants to be independent for once in her life.

Of course, fear also lingered in her chest. But the questions in her head won't have answers if she lets it buried inside forever because she has been a coward. 

However, Steven was told by Dean Collins about the exchange student's arrival from Cambridge, England. 

Dean Collins has been reading all the information available about Nina Li. He saw her in a magazine as a celebrity model. It labeled her as a Princess, and she is one of the twin's girlfriends.

Dean Collins assigns Steven to attend to his girlfriend with everything she needs to know in the University and responsible for her stay in the US, which Steven feels on cloud nine. 

Finally, he can be alone with Nina!