My contract love story

After the confrontation, an uncomfortable silence settled between Adrian and Ashleigh. Adrian decided to spare Larry and the other staff from termination, as Ashleigh had requested, and departed for an extended business trip that same evening, before Ashleigh returned from her farewell party. The house felt emptier than usual for Ashleigh, and unable to bear the embarrassment, she decided to move into the hostel permanently, instructing Susan to pack her belongings accordingly.

As they arrived at Robin College, Susan announced, “We have arrived, Madame.”

Ashleigh looked up from her device to see the college gates, marking the first verification point, where security would check her admission letter and orientation slip. Susan offered to handle the check-in process, but Ashleigh declined.

“That won’t be necessary, Susan. I’m the student, after all. There’s nothing special about me.” She unbuckled her seatbelt and stepped out of the car, walking up to the security building to check herself in.

The gate, adorned with gold and the college’s initials, stood tall, and the building bustled with activity. Ashleigh was promptly attended to, and once her identity was verified, she received a stamp on her orientation slip, instructing her to present it at every entry point. She quickly exited the office and returned to the car, which drove into the college vicinity as the gates opened.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

As they drove down the long, empty road, Ashleigh lowered the window, placing her chin on the sill to feel the soothing breeze on her face. She smiled slightly, savoring the moment she had craved true freedom. After a few minutes, they arrived at the main campus, abuzz with activity. Tall, cutting-edge buildings stood alongside bustling sidewalks, where students engaged in conversation and banter. Various stores offered a range of items for purchase, and traffic regulations governed the movement of cars.

Ashleigh’s eyes sparkled with excitement as they pulled up to her hostel, a three-story building with a pastel color scheme, decorated with grass and flowers. A walk path led to the reception area, neatly tiled. Ashleigh stepped out of the car, and Susan and the driver followed, offering to help with her luggage, but Susan insisted Ashleigh enter alone. Inside, the reception area was spacious, with two female staff working on computers at the front desk, near the entrance to the main hostel.

“Good afternoon, it’s lovely to meet you! Welcome to Robin College, and specifically to the female hostel, where I, Miss Maisie, and my colleague, Mrs. Johnson, serve as managers,” the lady introduced herself and her colleague, who offered a brief smile. Ashleigh nodded in response.

“I’m Ashleigh Hartman, and I’ve just gained admission. I was asked to attend the orientation program,” Ashleigh explained, and Miss Maisie nodded.

“Okay, then! May I see your acceptance letter, orientation slip, birth certificate, and high school diploma, please?” Ashleigh handed over the documents, which Miss Maisie reviewed before typing the information into the computer.

The printing machine promptly produced a paper, which Miss Maisie handed to Ashleigh along with her submitted documents.

“I’ve logged your information into the system, and this basic info slip contains your room details. Please carry this slip with you at all times for your registration, which begins tomorrow. Remember to sign out before leaving and sign in upon returning. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask,” Miss Maisie instructed, and Ashleigh nodded in understanding.

“I’ll have a staff member escort you to your floor and room when you’re ready. Unfortunately, your friends cannot proceed beyond this point,” Miss Maisie said, glancing past Ashleigh to Susan and the driver, who stood waiting. “Okay, I’ll see them off,” Ashleigh replied, turning to walk back to Susan.

“This is all for now, Susan. Thank you for accompanying me,” Ashleigh thanked her, and Susan shook her head.

“You don’t need to thank me, Mrs. Ashleigh; I’m here to serve you. Always take care of yourself, and if you need anything, I’m just a call away,” Susan said, and Ashleigh nodded silently.

They stood in silence for a moment, each trying to hold back their emotions. Susan looked at her Madame, knowing she was still hurting from the previous conversation with Adrian.

“Mrs. Ashleigh, please don’t go this far,” Susan whispered, hoping to prompt Ashleigh to reconsider her decision. Ashleigh stared at her, and soon a tear dropped on her cheek, which she quickly wiped away.

“Don’t talk nonsense. Now go,” Ashleigh smiled, shooing Susan toward the door.

At the door, Susan turned to wave at Ashleigh one last time before entering the car. The driver started the engine and drove away, leaving a trail of dust behind. Ashleigh gazed into the empty space for a while before taking a deep breath and turning to face her hostel. This would be a new start for her, and she was determined not to let anything weigh her down. With the attendants behind her, slips in hand, Ashleigh walked into the hostel, ready to make the most of her time.

As they exited the elevator on the first floor, Ashleigh made her way down the marble-tiled hallway, her footsteps echoing off the walls. The corridor was bathed in a warm glow, accentuating the sleek design of the hostel. Each floor boasted six spacious rooms, with the largest situated at the end of the hall. Ashleigh’s room, the second-to-last, was a serene oasis. As she approached, she noticed a group of girls casting curious glances and whispering among themselves, making her feel slightly uneasy.

The attendants paused at the door, and Ashleigh smiled, dismissing them. “This will be all, thank you.” They nodded and handed her a sleek black keycard adorned with the college’s logo and her room number in gold. Ashleigh unlocked the door and stepped inside, her luggage in tow.

The room exceeded her expectations, boasting a lilac color scheme and elegant furniture. Two princess-styled beds, draped in fancy curtains, stood at opposite sides of the room, accompanied by dressers and study desks. A small kitchenette allowed for microwave cooking, with a snack drawer below. A cozy corner featured plush bean bags, a dainty center table, and a TV for movie nights. Ashleigh’s eyes widened in amazement; private colleges certainly offered a unique experience.

Noticing her roommate’s belongings on the second bed, Ashleigh assumed they would meet later. She began unpacking and arranging her belongings, taking her time to settle in. As night fell, Ashleigh decided to shower and change, too excited and tired to feel hungry. As she drifted off to sleep, she wondered about her roommate’s whereabouts, but the thought soon faded into a peaceful slumber.