Chapter 9: The Hidden Enemy

Marriam's hands tremble as she slips Jay's message into her pocket, her thoughts a whirlwind of dread and speculation. Who could be behind this? Why target her and Jay? The questions twist in her mind as she heads toward their meeting place, every step echoing with the rhythm of her pounding heart.

By the time she arrives, the sky is darkening, and Jay is already there, pacing in the shadows cast by the dim streetlights. His face is tense, shadowed with worry. As soon as he spots her, he closes the distance between them with a few urgent strides. "I've been digging around," he begins, his voice low and cautious as his eyes scan their surroundings. "I think I know who sent the tip—and who's been watching us."

Marriam swallows hard, her pulse quickening. "Who?" she breathes, her voice barely a whisper.

Jay takes a deep breath, his jaw tightening. "It's Richard. He's a graduate student in my research group, and he's been there for the last two years. Lately, he's become… troublesome. Constantly challenging my decisions, questioning my authority. I didn't think much of it at first, but now… he's got a motive. He's had it in for me ever since I refused to co-author a paper with him. And he knows I've been spending time with you."

Marriam's brows furrow as she tries to recall Richard's face. "I've seen him around… but why would he care so much about us?"

Jay hesitates, his expression darkening. "He's ambitious, Marriam. He's desperate to make a name for himself, and he sees this as an opportunity. If he can bring me down, he thinks it'll elevate his own standing. And if he exposes us, it won't just damage my career—it'll put your future at risk, too. He's playing a very dangerous game."

A wave of anger and fear crashes over Marriam. "So, what's our next move? How do we stop him?"

Jay's face hardens, a steely resolve settling into his features. "We need proof. Proof that he's the one who sent the tip and made those threats. I have a plan, but it's risky."

Marriam listens intently as Jay outlines his idea. Instead of confronting Richard directly, they'll lay a trap, setting up a situation that will force him to reveal his involvement. Marriam will casually mention to a mutual acquaintance that she and Jay are planning to meet somewhere private—somewhere they know Richard might overhear. If Richard takes the bait and shows up, they'll have their answer.

Marriam bites her lip, feeling the weight of the plan. "And if it doesn't work? If he doesn't show?"

Jay squeezes her hand gently, his eyes unwavering. "Then we find another way. But we have to tread carefully. Richard is clever, and if he senses that we're onto him, things could escalate quickly."

Marriam nods, determination flickering in her eyes. "Alright, I'll do it."

The following day, Marriam goes about her classes with a composed demeanor, masking the turmoil inside. She approaches Lily, a fellow student known for her insatiable curiosity, and casually drops the hint. "I think Professor Morado wants to meet me tonight," she says in a voice loud enough for Richard, seated nearby, to overhear. "You know, to discuss some… concerns."

Lily's eyes widen with interest. "Really? I heard the dean is already looking into him. Be careful, Marriam."

Marriam nods, keeping her expression neutral. "I will."

From across the room, she catches Richard's gaze. His eyes narrow slightly, and she knows he's heard every word. Now, all they can do is wait.

That night, Jay and Marriam head to their designated spot—a secluded corner of the old library where the air is thick with the scent of aging paper and dust. They sit close, feigning a conversation, while their eyes flicker to the shadows, waiting for any sign of movement.

Minutes crawl by, each one heavier than the last. Just when Marriam begins to doubt their plan, she hears a faint rustle, a telltale sound of someone trying to remain hidden. Jay tenses beside her, and they both turn in unison, catching sight of a figure lurking near the doorway—a figure that quickly tries to slip away once he realizes he's been spotted.

"Richard!" Jay calls out, his voice slicing through the silence like a knife.

Richard stops dead in his tracks, then turns around slowly, a cold, calculated smile on his lips. "Oh, Professor Morado," he drawls with feigned surprise. "I didn't realize you were… occupied."

Jay steps forward, his expression sharp and unyielding. "Cut the pretense, Richard. I know what you're up to. You're trying to destroy me—to destroy us."

Richard chuckles, the sound devoid of any warmth. "And why shouldn't I? You've been carrying on with your little fling for everyone to see. Did you really think no one would notice? Did you think you could break all the rules and just get away with it?"

Marriam's chest tightens with a mix of fear and fury. "Why, Richard? Why do you care so much?"

Richard's smile disappears, his face hardening. "Because I've worked too hard to let someone like him"—he jerks his chin toward Jay—"stand in my way. And you," he sneers at Marriam, "are just collateral damage."

Jay's voice is calm but firm as he takes another step closer. "What do you want, Richard? An apology? A deal? What is this really about?"

Richard's eyes flash with resentment. "I want you out of my way. I want you disgraced, gone. And if that means exposing your dirty little secret, then so be it."

Jay remains composed, his tone almost diplomatic. "What if there's a way for both of us to get what we want?"

Richard pauses, his curiosity piqued. "What are you suggesting?"

Jay glances at Marriam, then back at Richard. "Let's talk privately. But first, you back off—no more threats, no more anonymous tips. If you push this any further, you're risking not just my career, but your own as well. Think it over, Richard."

A heavy silence hangs in the air as Richard weighs his options. Finally, he gives a reluctant nod, though suspicion still lingers in his eyes. "Fine. But this better be good."

Jay nods, his face impassive. "It will be. But this stops now."

Richard turns on his heel and strides away, his footsteps echoing down the corridor. Marriam lets out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, her heart still racing in her chest. "Jay, what are we going to do?"

Jay sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I'm not sure yet," he admits, the weariness clear in his voice. "But at least we've bought ourselves some time. Now we need to figure out our next move."

As they leave the library, Marriam's thoughts swirl with uncertainty. She knows Jay is doing everything he can to protect them, but a gnawing fear persists—Richard may have agreed to back down, but what if he's just waiting for another chance to strike?

The days that follow are fraught with tension and anxiety. Jay keeps a close watch on Richard, while Marriam tries to focus on her studies. Yet, the constant fear of exposure looms over them like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over everything they do.

Then, one afternoon, Jay's phone rings with an unexpected call from the dean's office. "We need to talk," Dean Collins says, her tone urgent.

Jay's heart sinks as he makes his way to her office, a cold knot of dread tightening in his stomach. He knows this could be the moment everything falls apart.

Dean Collins is seated behind her desk, her expression grave as Jay enters. "Professor Morado," she begins, her voice measured but firm. "I've been reviewing the situation regarding your conduct, and I've decided it's time to address these concerns more formally. An anonymous source has provided… additional information."

Jay feels a chill run down his spine. "What kind of information?"

Dean Collins leans forward, her eyes boring into his. "Enough to warrant a full investigation. I suggest you prepare yourself, Jay. This isn't over."

As Jay leaves the office, his mind races. Who else could be involved? And what new evidence could they possibly have?

He knows he needs answers—and fast. Because the next move could determine everything.