Chapter 61. Can You Keep Your Distance?

Elena's POV.

It's Derek.

The principal's hand dropped the stamp, and a look of surprise crossed his face.

"Oh, Mr. Derek, I didn't know you were coming over," he said, rising from his seat with a forced smile.

Derek shook hands with the principal, his gaze flicking towards me for a brief moment. I gave him a tight smile, hoping for some sign of support, but his expression remained stern, unreadable.

My heart sank, knowing he couldn't show his true feelings in front of the others, but a part of me had wished he would.

"I can't wait for him to publicly claim me as his," I thought, "but for now, I have to face this problem head-on."

Derek sat down, his presence commanding attention.

"What's the offense?" Derek asked, his voice firm but calm.

I swallowed hard, feeling a surge of embarrassment. It was humiliating to have them narrate the details of my expulsion