Falling for my Enemy's Brother-Chapter 31: Tutor from hell

Merlina’s footsteps echoed down the empty hallway as she approached Dean Halbridge’s office. The doors were heavy, the kind that looked like they belonged in a courtroom or a place where someone would tell you life-shattering news.

Her heart was beating faster than normal, but that wasn’t exactly a surprise. After the email, the spiraling thoughts about Craig, and that weird, unsettling conversation with Louis earlier, she wasn’t sure what to expect.

She knocked on the door, and a voice from inside called out.

"Come in."

Taking a deep breath, she swung the door open and walked into the Dean’s office. It was the kind of room that made you feel like you were about to get your life evaluated. Dark mahogany bookshelves lined the walls, and there were leather chairs that looked like they cost more than her whole dorm setup.

Dean Halbridge was sitting behind his desk, flipping through a stack of papers. His glasses were perched at the end of his nose as he glanced up, offering her a polite, detached smile.

"Ah, Miss Sanchez, please take a seat."

Merlina sank into the chair across from him, trying to ignore the chill running down her spine. She had no idea why she was here—was it about her grades?

Was it about her mysterious disappearing act earlier in the week? Or was it something else entirely?

"Thank you for coming on such short notice," the Dean said, his voice calm but professional. "I’ve been going through your academic record and thought it best to have a face-to-face chat."

Merlina’s heart skipped. "Uh... okay. Is something wrong?"

The Dean didn’t beat around the bush. "Well, to put it bluntly, Miss Sanchez, your grades are not where they should be. In fact, you’re currently ranked among the bottom twenty in your class."

Merlina’s face froze. The words hung in the air like a punch she hadn’t seen coming. Bottom twenty? How?

She blinked, her stomach twisting into knots. "What do you mean? I—I’ve been trying my best."

The Dean gave a small nod, his tone softening but still firm. "I understand. But you missed a number of critical tests and assignments. Your late resumption to the semester hasn’t helped matters. These things add up, Merlina. It’s not just about effort, it’s about the work you put in when it counts."

Merlina’s hands gripped the arms of her chair, her mind spinning. "I... I didn’t know it was that bad."

"I’m afraid it is," the Dean said, not unkindly. "But this is why we have the Students Tutorial Committee."

Merlina blinked. "What’s that?"

The Dean smiled, a slight gleam in his eye. "It’s a new initiative we’ve been running for students who might be struggling, freshers like yourself who haven’t quite found their balance yet. The STC assigns upperclassmen who help guide and support you academically. They’ll mentor you, help with your coursework, and get you back on track."

Merlina frowned, still processing the news. "So, like a tutor?"

"Exactly. A tutor with the added benefit of mentorship. You’ll be paired with someone who can inspire you, help you pick up the pace. And I believe it will be a great opportunity for you to catch up."

He reached into his desk drawer, pulling out a sleek contact card. He slid it across the table toward her with a small nod. "Here’s the contact for your STC member. Mr. Lesnar."

Merlina’s eyes shot up as the card slipped into her hand. "Wait...what? Craig Lesnar?"

"Correct. He’s a second-year student, top of his class, and highly recommended for the role. He’ll be in touch soon, and you can start working with him immediately."

Merlina felt her heart sink into her stomach. "You’ve got to be kidding me. This is a mistake."

The Dean raised an eyebrow, looking at the card in confusion. "A mistake? Where do you see a mistake?"

She flipped the card back toward the Dean, her eyes wide in disbelief. "Does this say Craig Lesnar?"

The Dean didn’t blink. "Yes, that’s the name on the card. Craig Lesnar is his full name, but the card is correct."

"No, I—I can’t. I can’t work with him. He’s...." She shook her head, her pulse rising. "There has to be someone else. Anyone else."

The Dean didn’t seem to understand. "Why not Mr Lesnar? He’d make an excellent tutor. He’s been through the system, and he’s a reliable resource."

Merlina’s stomach churned as she stood up, pacing in frustration. "I can’t work with him. I just can’t." ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com

"Do you have personal issues?" The Dean asks with worry on his face.

Merlina scoffed. "Yes, plenty." She said firmly.

"Miss Sanchez, I understand you may have personal issues with Mr. Lesnar," the Dean said, leaning forward, his expression calm. "But this is an opportunity for you to resolve those issues while also receiving academic support. The STC program isn’t just about tutoring. It’s about growth, both personal and academic. You need to look at this as an opportunity."

She threw her hands up, her voice rising with frustration. "What kind of opportunity is that? I’m supposed to learn something from him? That’s ridiculous."

The Dean sighed, leaning back in his chair, giving her a serious look. "Why do you have a problem with him, exactly?"

Merlina stopped pacing, her face flushed with frustration. "Because....he’s arrogant and insensitive. Too self absorbed to care about anyone but himself. How does someone like that become a student tutor?"

But that wasn’t the whole truth. She couldn’t tell the Dean the real reason. Couldn’t explain the tangled, bloody history between the Lesnars and her mother’s death. Not yet. Maybe not ever. Not when trust felt like a luxury she couldn’t afford.

The Dean’s eyes softened, but his tone remained firm. "I understand, but you need to look past personal grievances. Craig Lesnar is currently top of his cohort, with the highest GPA in his department. This is a chance for you to improve your grades and work through whatever issues you have with Mr. Lesnar. It’s an opportunity for you to grow. And I believe it’s one you shouldn’t pass up."

"No, sir, you don’t understand—"

"What you don’t understand, Miss Sanchez," the Dean cut in, his tone firm, "is that Belford College takes the S.T.C. very seriously. Any student who skips their tutorial sessions will be punished. The member assigned to you tracks attendance and rates both punctuality and attentiveness. Fail the S.T.C. ratings, and there will be consequences. That’s not a situation you want to be in."

For the first time, his expression was stone-cold serious.

Her eyes narrowed slightly. The way Craig had brought up her grades earlier, so matter-of-factly, like it had all been leading here. Had this been the plan? Pair her with Craig and call it academic redemption? In attempt to humiliate her? The thought made her stomach twist.

Merlina’s mouth went dry. "So, there’s no changing this?"

"Unfortunately, no. It’s finalized."

She let out a long, defeated sigh and eased back into the chair. She eyed the Dean, not fully suspicious, but not not suspicious either. If Craig Lesnar was behind this setup, she wouldn’t even be surprised. The guy probably had half the faculty on speed dial.

"Fine," she muttered, almost to herself. "Fine, I’ll deal with it."

The Dean gave her a nod, standing up. "Good. You’re starting to see the bigger picture. Craig Lesnar will reach out to you soon. I trust you’ll make the most of this opportunity."

Merlina stood up too, walking toward the door, a quiet frustration settling over her. As her hand gripped the cold doorknob, she turned back to him.

"Can I at least... can I at least ask for another STC member?"

He gave her a pointed look. "I think you’re better off sticking with the one you’ve been assigned. It’ll serve you well."

With that, she stepped out of his office, her heart still pounding in her chest. Craig Lesnar. She had to work with him. And she didn’t even know how to process that.

She looked at the card again, staring at the name like it might rearrange itself into something less stressful. But no. His name was still there. Still him.

Craig Lesnar.

Her assigned tutor.

This was going to be a disaster.