Chapter 2

I returned to Roger's residence to gather his belongings.

There weren't many everyday items, so I swiftly organized them.

Nevertheless, the enormous quantity of papers in his office left me uncertain about what to do.

Roger's sudden illness meant many of his ongoing projects remained unfinished.

I then realized I hadn't connected with many of his students on WhatsApp.

It had always been Daniel who communicated with those students.

Daniel, my father's esteemed pupil, had remained at Hensen University after completing his doctorate.

Roger had provided him with numerous project opportunities, enabling Daniel, despite his youth, to outperform many senior faculty members in terms of project quality.

The academic symposium he was presently attending even bore my father's name.

It seemed wise to reach out to him regarding the project handover.

After careful consideration, I attempted to call him.

However, there was no response.

I tried seven or eight times before giving up.

"The number you're trying to reach is currently unavailable. Please try again later..."

That automated message was all too familiar to me.

The failed attempts to connect no longer frustrated me as they once did.

I just felt exhausted now.

I arranged for one of Roger's colleagues to collect his documents.

It was through this colleague that I discovered Daniel was attending an overseas conference in partnership with the neighboring university.

The person overseeing it there was Barbara, who had also traveled abroad for the event.

Everything suddenly made sense.

It explained why Barbara had answered my earlier call.

Her voice exuded superiority.

"Daniel's occupied. I have his phone. If you need anything, tell me."

"My father's in intensive care. Please inform him to return urgently..."

She interrupted me before I could finish.

"Got it, he's about to present."

"Is there anything else?"

Her tone grew increasingly impatient.

"Just one thing, divorce. Let him know when he returns."

A week passed before I encountered Daniel again.

As I was leaving the office of Logan Willams, the college principal, I ran into him.

Logan had specifically requested my presence.

He explained that, according to school regulations, I could work there if I wished.

Logan warmly suggested I think it over at home and escorted me to the exit.

At the doorway, I saw Daniel.

"What brings you here?"

He ignored me and greeted Logan directly.

"Hello, Mr. Willams."

"Daniel, if I recall correctly, you two are married. When you go home, help your wife consider the job offer."

He nodded and followed Logan into the office.

I politely bid Logan farewell and moved away from his line of sight.

Unexpectedly, Daniel called out to me.

"Hold on; we'll leave together."

I was taken aback.

For me, not seeing him for a week felt like an eternity had passed.

Yet, he seemed unchanged, his manner the same as ever.

Though his words appeared caring, they felt cold to me.

"Alright," I agreed.

Not wanting to embarrass him in front of Logan and needing to discuss the divorce, I waited for him in the office.

After thirty minutes of waiting, I grew tired and told him I'd take a taxi home.

To my surprise, it began pouring outside.

As I hesitated at the entrance, contemplating whether to go back, Daniel and Logan approached.

"Louisa, are you waiting for Daniel to go home together? They're having a team dinner tonight. Would you mind if I joined for a meal?"

I shook my head. Since I wasn't going, why would I object?

Daniel walked Logan to his car and then hurried back to me.

"Louisa, I apologize for not responding to your messages earlier. I was preoccupied.

"Logan will be at the gathering later. It wouldn't be appropriate if you didn't attend."

It was because he was worried about Logan's perception of him that he insisted I come along.

Observing Daniel's anxious demeanor as he looked down, I couldn't bring myself to refuse.

"Fine, I'll go."

I compromised once again, not for any other reason, just to part on amicable terms.

Daniel valued his work greatly, and I didn't want to cause him any embarrassment.

As we got into the vehicle, I noticed Barbara sitting in the front passenger seat.

Daniel turned to explain, "Bella has been a great help with a recent project, so she's here today."

Seeing me waiting by the car, Daniel appeared conflicted.

He said, "Bella, perhaps you could sit in the back..."

"Louisa, I apologize for this. I'm accustomed to sitting here. I'll switch with you," Barbara said, but made no move to change seats.

Before they could argue further, I simply sat in the back.

I shook my head, reminding Daniel that if we didn't leave soon, we'd lose sight of Logan's car.

I'd been through this before.

I once insisted on sitting in the front passenger seat, and the result was Daniel berating me at home.

He accused me of lacking decorum all for a seat and questioned if it was really necessary.

Now, it seemed it truly wasn't necessary.

I sat silently in the back, watching the heavy rain outside.

I was conflicted about whether to accept the position at Hensen University.

Logan mentioned both administrative and teaching roles were available, but he favored the administrative position, given the higher demands of the teaching role.

I understood Logan's implication.

Anyone could handle an administrative role, but teaching required genuine talent.

Seeking Daniel's advice about university matters would undoubtedly be beneficial.

However, looking at the two in front of me, I didn't even want to speak.

Barbara was trying hard to initiate conversation, but this time, Daniel, unusually, ignored her.

Instead, he kept glancing at me through the rearview mirror, steering the conversation towards me.

Unfortunately, this time, I had no desire to engage with him.