The next morning, Elena woke up feeling strangely nervous. The previous night’s events kept replaying in her mind Adrian teasing her, his lingering touches, the way he smirked at her as if he knew exactly what effect he had on her. It was driving her insane.
She sat up in bed, running her hands through her hair. The realization that she was going to the university with him made her stomach twist. She wasn’t ready for the stares, the whispers… the judgment.
But what choice did she have?
Taking a deep breath, she got out of bed and changed into the fresh set of clothes Adrian had provided. It fit her perfectly, almost as if he had known her exact size.
When she stepped out of the guest room, she found Adrian already waiting for her in the dining area. He was dressed in his usual crisp suit, looking effortlessly intimidating yet alluring at the same time.
His eyes flickered toward her, scanning her appearance.
“Good. You’re ready,” he said, sipping his coffee. “Let’s go.”
Elena swallowed hard. No small talk? No teasing?
He was back to being the cold, unreadable Professor Adrian.
She followed him outside, where his sleek black car was parked. He opened the passenger door for her, and she hesitated for a moment before stepping in.
As he slid into the driver’s seat, the air inside the car felt strangely charged.
Elena stared out of the window, trying to ignore the way her heartbeat quickened every time Adrian’s fingers tapped against the steering wheel.
“You seem quiet,” he commented suddenly, breaking the silence.
She turned to him, surprised. “What do you expect me to say?”
Adrian smirked, keeping his eyes on the road. “I expected you to complain about going to the university with me.”
Elena frowned. “There’s no point. You already made up your mind.”
Adrian chuckled, shaking his head. “Smart girl.”
Silence fell between them again, but this time, it wasn’t as uncomfortable.
Elena found herself sneaking glances at him-at the way his jaw tensed slightly as he focused on driving, at the way his fingers gripped the steering wheel. Why does he have to be so annoyingly attractive?
She sighed internally. This was going to be a long day.
Arriving at the University
The moment Adrian’s car pulled into the university parking lot, everything changed.
It was as if the entire campus had frozen in place.
Students turned to stare, whispering amongst themselves. Some even stopped mid-conversation, their jaws practically hitting the ground.
Elena could already hear their voices.
“Is that Professor Adrian? With… Elena Harper?”
“No way! She actually came with him?”
“What the hell is going on?”
Elena gripped the strap of her bag tightly, anxiety creeping up her spine. She knew this would happen, but seeing it unfold in real time was overwhelming.
Adrian, on the other hand, was completely unfazed.
He stepped out of the car, walking around to her side and opening the door. “Get out,” he instructed smoothly.
Elena hesitated. “Everyone’s looking…”
He raised an eyebrow. “So?”
She took a deep breath before stepping out. Immediately, the whispers grew louder.
Adrian shut the car door behind her and began walking toward the main building. Without thinking, she followed him.
With every step they took, the stares intensified.
Some students looked shocked. Others looked jealous.
And then there were those who looked angry.
“Why is she with him?”
“Did something happen between them?”
“She must be trying to seduce him!”
Elena clenched her fists. This was exactly what she wanted to avoid.
But Adrian? He acted as if he didn’t hear a thing.
His steps were firm, his posture upright, his expression unreadable.
He owned the moment, and no one dared to question him directly.
But then-
“Elena Harper, huh? I didn’t know you were that kind of girl.”
Elena froze at the familiar voice.
She turned her head to see Lisa and a group of other girls standing nearby, arms crossed, smirking in satisfaction.
Lisa, one of the most popular girls in the university, looked her up and down. “So, this is how you plan on getting good grades? By sleeping with the professor?”
The group of girls giggled mockingly.
Elena’s blood boiled. “Excuse me?”
Lisa’s smirk widened. “Oh, don’t act innocent. We all saw you coming out of his car. What, did you spend the night at his place?”
Elena opened her mouth to fire back, but before she could…
Adrian spoke.
“Miss Harper’s personal life is none of your concern,” he said coolly, his gaze locking onto Lisa.
Lisa’s confidence wavered for a second, but she quickly regained her composure. “Oh, Professor Adrian, I was just making an observation,” she said in a sickly sweet voice. “After all, we wouldn’t want anyone misunderstanding the situation, right?”
Adrian stepped closer, his presence instantly intimidating.
“You seem very interested in Miss Harper’s affairs,” he said, his voice sharp. “Perhaps you should focus more on your studies. I’d hate to see your grades suffer because of your misplaced curiosity.”
Lisa’s face turned pale.
Elena almost smirked. Serves her right.
But Adrian wasn’t done.
“And for the record,” he continued, “if you ever spread baseless rumors about my student again, I will ensure disciplinary action is taken against you.”
Lisa’s eyes widened. She opened her mouth, then closed it, looking completely humiliated.
Without another word, Adrian turned to Elena.
“Let’s go.”
Elena didn’t hesitate this time.
She walked beside him, feeling strangely protected by his presence.
The whispers hadn’t stopped, but Lisa’s humiliation had silenced a lot of people.
And for the first time that day, Elena felt a little… victorious.
Inside the University
Once they were inside, Adrian slowed his pace.
“You don’t have to let them get to you,” he said casually.
Elena sighed. “It’s easier said than done.”
Adrian stopped walking and turned to face her.
“People talk, Miss Harper. It’s what they do. But their opinions don’t define you.”
Elena stared at him. He said it so easily, as if he had never cared what people thought of him.
“But they define my reputation,” she muttered.
Adrian smirked. “A reputation is only ruined if you let it be.”
Elena didn’t know what to say to that.
Before she could respond, he reached out and flicked her forehead.
“Ow!” She rubbed the spot, glaring at him. “What was that for?”
Adrian chuckled. “You looked like you were overthinking. Stop doing that.”
Elena huffed. “It’s not that easy.”
His smirk deepened. “Then I guess I’ll have to keep distracting you.”
Her breath caught. What does he mean by that?!
Adrian didn’t elaborate. Instead, he simply started walking again, leaving her standing there, flustered and confused.
She groaned internally before rushing to catch up.
This man was impossible.
And worst of all…..
He was making her heart race way too much.