Marrying My Father’s Enemy

Chapter 6 : First Day At University 

Eira glanced at her phone as they walked out of the apartment, adjusting the strap of her bag on her shoulder.

It was the first day of university, and her nerves were bubbling up despite the calm expression she had on her face. 

Callian was walking behind her with a lazy smile. He caught up with a few long strides.

"You sure you don't want a ride?" Callian teased her, unlocking his sleek, black car with a click. "You know, I could spare my poor wife the embarrassment of public transportation."

Eira gave him a kind smile and curled her lips. "And give myself a bad image right off the bat? Riding up to campus in your ridiculously expensive car? I'll pass."

Callian leaned against the car, crossing his arms. "I could send the driver instead. Then no one will know it's my car."

"With another luxurious car?" Eira stated, shaking her head. "People will just think I'm some spoiled brat who can't even take a bus."

His smile faded a bit as his eyes looked concerned. "I don't like the idea of you on the metro. It can be dangerous, Eira. Especially for a woman, alone."

"I'll be fine, Callian," Eira assured him. "It's just the metro. Besides, it's broad daylight."

He sighed, clearly wanting to argue more but knowing he wouldn't win this one. "Text me when you get there, okay?"

She gave him a quick wave as she walked toward the station. "I will! Don't worry."

The metro was crowded as expected, and Eira found herself pressed between people, gripping the metal pole tightly as the train swayed. 

She glanced around, trying to distract herself from the slight anxiety that pushed her in when she was surrounded by too many people.

Suddenly, someone bumped into her. She staggered slightly but caught herself. The guy turned around quickly.

"Oh! I'm sorry," he apologized in a soft and sincere voice.

Eira looked up, surprised to see someone around her age. 

He had short blond hair, messy but in a way that looked intentional, and striking blue eyes. 

He was tall, though his body was on the skinnier side, his shoulders narrow but his posture still seemed so confident. 

He had a book tucked under his arm.

"No problem," Eira smiled as her eye caught the book title. It was a textbook she recognized. "Wait… that book, do you go to Weston University?"

The guy blinked twice as if he was surprised, then smiled back. "Yeah, I do. It's my first year. Are you…?"

Eira's eyebrows shot up. "No way! It's my first year too! Business major?"

"Yep," he nodded, his grin widened. "You too?"

"Yeah," Eira laughed. "This is crazy. Same university, same major, and we meet on the metro."

He chuckled softly. "Small world, huh?"

Eira shifted her bag on her shoulder, feeling more at ease now. "I'm Eira, by the way."

"William," he offered, extending his hand with an easy smile. She shook it, his grip felt warm but not too strong.

"So, first day of classes," William said, glancing around the crowded train. "Are you nervous?"

"A little," Eira admitted as her fingers tapped lightly on her bag. "I mean, it's a whole new environment. What about you?"

"Same. I'm excited, though," he replied, his blue eyes seemed to be shining bright. "I've been looking forward to this for a while."

"Yeah, me too," Eira agreed. "Though, I'm also just hoping I don't get lost on campus."

William laughed, his shoulders relaxed as they continued talking. "Same here. It's huge. I had to look up where all the buildings were last night just to make sure I don't end up wandering around like an idiot."

"I know, right?" Eira chuckled. "I think I memorized the map, but I'm pretty sure I'll still get turned around."

As they talked, the train pulled into the station near the university, and they stepped off together, falling easily into step with each other as they headed toward campus.

"So," William said, glancing at her with a kind smile. "Since we're both first years, and in the same major, do you think we'll end up in the same classes?"

"Maybe," Eira smiled back. "It'd be nice to have someone familiar around."

"Yeah," William agreed as his smile softened a little. "It would."

They reached the university gates, the grand entrance ahead of them. 

Students milled around, some hurrying to classes, others standing in small groups. 

Eira felt the butterflies in her stomach, yet at the same time, her hand kept tapping, but glancing at William, she felt a little more grounded. 

At least she wasn't walking in completely alone.

"Looks like we're in for an interesting year," William said, nodding toward the busy campus.

"Definitely," Eira agreed, feeling a little lighter as they made their way toward their first day at university.

As they approached the main reception hall, Eira and William followed the flow of students toward the information desk. 

The building was vast, sunlight poured through tall windows, sending warm patches of light across the marble floor. 

It was busy, but there was an energy in the air — the kind that only seemed to come with new beginnings.

William glanced at Eira as they stood in line. "Do you know what classes you have today?"

"Not exactly," she admitted, fishing out her phone to check the schedule. "I've got to pick up the notes and class list."

"Same here," William said, shifting his backpack on his shoulder.

When it was their turn, the receptionist handed them both a small folder with their timetables and campus maps. Eira opened hers and looked through the pages.

William leaned over, peeking at her schedule. "Wait… you've got Business Theory at 10:00?"

Eira lifted her head and her eyes widened. "Yeah! Do you have Professor Harris too?"

William nodded, laughing. "I do! And… Marketing Principles right after?"

"Are you serious?" Eira grinned, flipping through the papers quickly. "We have the exact same classes."

"All of them?" William's eyebrows lifted. He scanned his own folder and nodded, not being able to believe it. "This is crazy."

"It's awesome!" Eira shouted. "I wasn't expecting to find anyone in the same classes this early."

"Me neither," William said, clearly excited. "This makes everything a little less nerve-wracking, don't you think?"

Eira laughed. "Yeah, definitely. At least I won't be wandering around by myself, trying to find the right rooms."

"Same. Guess we'll be seeing a lot of each other," William added with a smile.

Eira felt better, the first-day's worries faded.