Chapter 2

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Bradford! I'm Marion Sterling, one of Mr. Bradford's students."

"Mr. Bradford is such a dedicated and responsible instructor! We all admire our professor immensely!"

Her auburn locks framed her lovely visage, and dimples appeared when she grinned.

Additionally, a subtle scent of jasmine surrounded her.

"Mrs. Bradford, would you mind if I followed you on Instagram?" She then turned to me with a radiant smile, her eyes gleaming mischievously in a way that made it difficult to decline.

After I consented to follow her back, she beamed and said warmly, "I truly admire your relationship with Mr. Bradford."

"He's so committed to you. Oh, being his spouse must be such a blessing!"

Later that evening, I mentioned this student to Rowan during our meal.

He slightly furrowed his brow and made a dismissive sound. "She's unreasonable and overly reliant on petty tactics for attention. Don't give her too much thought."

His contempt for her was evident, but I still felt compelled to advise him against being overly stern with the students.

At that moment, I couldn't have foreseen who was encouraging her little ploys.

And who would ultimately fall so deeply for such "cunning."

That night, I lay on my side, restless and unable to drift off.

Rowan embraced me from behind. He used to say, "True lovers slumber in each other's arms."

Suddenly, the gentle vibration of his phone buzzed on the nightstand.

Rowan glanced at me, seemingly motionless beside him.

Presuming I was sound asleep, he quietly slipped out of bed and tiptoed to the living area to answer the call.

"What do you mean it wasn't your doing?"

"If you hadn't planted that item in my pocket, how would Olivia have discovered it?"

"I'm cautioning you, if Olivia learns of your existence, forget about graduating!"

Rowan reprimanded in hushed tones from the living room, but I couldn't discern the response on the other end.

"What? You're just playing games!" he said harshly.

Then, he abruptly stood up, heading towards the entrance and reaching for his jacket as if preparing to leave.

"Rowan, where are you off to?" I suddenly inquired from behind.

Rowan halted mid-motion, then turned around, startled to find me standing there.

I feigned having just awakened. "It's so late already. Are you heading out?" I asked.

Noticing me in my thin sleepwear, he swiftly removed his jacket, hurried to my side and wrapped me up snugly. Then, without hesitation, he carried me back to our bed.

"The night air is too chilly. What if you catch a cold? I'd be so concerned."

"Some students are working late on experiments and an issue arose in the lab. I need to check on the situation."

"Is that so? Alright then. Be careful on your journey," I said.

Rowan leaned down and kissed me tenderly, his actions gentle, as if handling something delicate and precious.

"Alright. Get some rest. When I return, I'll bring you your favorite soup dumplings from Evernight City," he whispered softly, then turned and departed.

After Rowan left, I quickly changed my attire and slipped out to follow him. His vehicle stopped at the entrance of the graduate housing area on campus.

At the doorway stood a young woman pacing back and forth, clearly anticipating someone's arrival.

It was the girl who had eagerly requested to follow me on Instagram.

Marion Sterling.

"Threatening me with death again? I'll transfer seven thousand dollars to you later. From now on, we're strictly professor and student. Nothing more." Rowan's icy voice pierced the silence.

"I don't believe you mean that," Marion replied, embracing him. "I... I just longed for you so much."

Rowan eventually drew her into his arms.

Under the faint streetlight, they shared a passionate kiss.

Like a pair deeply enamored.

I clenched my fists, resisting the overwhelming urge to rush out and confront them.

Instead, I retrieved my phone and captured a photo before driving away.

Rowan didn't return home until dawn.

And he appeared to be in high spirits.

"Didn't you say you were going to the lab for overtime work? How is it that you look so energetic? Whenever I work late, I'm completely exhausted."