Marked By The Alpha's Cursed Blue Moon
Chapter 48. Schemes and Secrets at the College

Chapter 48: 48. Schemes and Secrets at the College

Maria grew increasingly impatient as Bernard kept smiling at her for no apparent reason. She finally snapped, her voice edged with irritation.

"Bernard, what’s going on? Why are you smiling at me like that?"

Bernard’s expression shifted in surprise. Clearly, he hadn’t expected her to confront him so directly.

"I’m smiling because I’m happy. I don’t think that’s a crime, is it?" he said, a hint of displeasure in his tone. His eyebrows lifted slightly as he countered, "Do you have a problem with my smiles?"

Choosing to avoid further argument, Maria turned away from him and kept silent.

There must be something he’s hiding... she thought nervously. Maybe he knows I was in his room at midnight?

Maria felt a surge of panic but quickly masked it. She knew she needed to double her efforts and move faster to uncover Bernard’s plans and retrieve the documents she had failed to find.

They soon arrived at the college and walked into their classroom together. It felt strange to Maria, considering how long it had been since they last walked into class side by side.

Without exchanging words, they headed to their separate seats.

Relief washed over Maria when she spotted her friends. She hurried over, and they greeted each other warmly with hugs and cheerful whispers.

"Maria, we missed you so much! How are you now?" Cassandra asked, her voice low and affectionate as she leaned close.

"I missed you all too. I’m fine... for now," Maria joked, flashing a playful smile. "But who knows about tomorrow or even the next few minutes?"

They laughed quietly together, momentarily lifting the heavy cloud hanging over Maria.

Laura leaned in, her face serious. "Have you been able to settle everything?"

Maria shook her head and whispered, "We can’t talk about it here, not with Bernard around. Let’s go outside."

The three friends slipped out of the classroom, careful not to draw attention. As they walked away, Maria cast a quick glance over her shoulder toward Bernard’s seat, checking if he was watching. He wasn’t.

Out in the open, Maria wasted no time.

"I was in Bernard’s room at midnight," she began, "but I couldn’t get the documents. I only found a duplicate marriage agreement, not the original."

"So what are you going to do now?" Cassandra asked, concern etched across her face.

Maria sighed deeply. "I don’t even know. But I need to act fast. I’m running out of patience living under that roof."

Just then, an idea sparked in her mind, and she couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face.

"Why the sudden smile, Maria?" Cassandra asked, puzzled.

"I just got an idea. And Cassandra, you’re the key to making it work," Maria said excitedly.

Laura and Cassandra leaned in closer, their curiosity piqued.

"Cassandra, you’re the most outgoing among us. I want you to get close to Bernard. Make him think you’re interested in him and willing to snitch on me because you like him."

Cassandra recoiled immediately. "No way! Bernard can be such a snob. I don’t want to make a fool of myself and become the laughing stock of the whole college!"

Maria pleaded, her voice earnest. It seemed hopeless until Laura spoke up.

"Why don’t we just give it a try? It’s better than doing nothing. We all know what Maria is going through. I would have done it, but Bernard might suspect me since I’m too quiet. Cassandra, you’re perfect for this."

Cassandra looked conflicted but slowly began to relax.

"Okay, fine. But the very moment he tries to make me feel stupid, I’m out!" she warned sternly.

Maria practically jumped with joy. She hugged Cassandra tightly, causing her to burst into laughter while Laura smiled her usual calm smile.

"I’ll give it a shot today. Let’s see where this leads us," Cassandra said, smiling lightly.

They returned to the classroom, where Maria’s eyes instantly met James’s. Panicked, she looked away quickly.

I can’t afford to let anyone suspect anything between James and me, she thought nervously.

She took her seat cautiously, feeling extremely uneasy with both James and Bernard present in the same room. It had been a long time since both were in class at the same time.

Soon, Bernard stood up and walked out of the classroom without a word. Maria gave Cassandra a subtle eye signal, and Cassandra promptly followed him without attracting attention, except from Maria and Laura.

Outside the Classroom...

Bernard made his way to the deserted basketball court and sat down, focusing on his phone. He noticed someone approaching.

When he looked up and saw Cassandra, he quickly turned his attention back to his phone.

"So you came out here just to spend quality time with your phone?" Cassandra teased with a playful smile, sitting a few meters away from him.

Bernard was startled. They barely spoke usually. Still, he remained silent.

"I’ve been curious," Cassandra continued casually. "Curious about what the great Bernard does alone at the basketball court whenever there are no lectures."

Bernard finally responded, his eyes still glued to his phone. "Some curiosities can be dangerous."

"Well, I’d gladly risk getting hurt if it means satisfying my curiosity about a winner like you," Cassandra said sweetly. "Unless you want to pretend you haven’t noticed how much importance I place on you."

Bernard looked at her then, genuinely stunned by her forwardness.

"Can I ask you something?" Cassandra asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Go ahead," Bernard replied cautiously.

"Why are you still with Maria? Do you love her or not?" she asked bluntly.

Bernard was momentarily speechless, staring hard at her.

"It’s okay if you don’t want to answer," Cassandra said, smirking. "I guess I’m being too nosy."

"I don’t think I have to answer that question. It’s personal," Bernard said finally, his tone clipped. "Sorry to disappoint you."

As he turned his gaze away from her, Bernard’s mind raced.

What is Cassandra up to? Is she serious, or is she planning something? he wondered, shooting her a suspicious glance...

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