章節 16: Chapter 15
I clung to the wall as I felt the dizziness again. Seriously, I only drank what Sheriah offered me last night, but until now, I still feel it. I really don't want to try any unusual drinks next time.
"Baby?"
I opened my eyes and saw him looking at me with concern. He had food with him, and it seemed like he came from the kitchen because he was still wearing an apron.
I straightened up and gave him a faint smile. "P-prof.."
His eyebrows furrowed. "Are you feeling alright? What did you drink last night? You look pale."
"Pale?" I asked.
"Yes, what did you drink?"
"I don't know its name. Just one glass, but it was stronger than I expected."
He scanned me from head to toe, and then I noticed the slight pursing of his lips, indicating he was thinking something I didn't know.
"Just drink plenty of water, and I bought medicine for your dizziness," he handed me the tray with food. I immediately smelled the aroma of the soup he cooked. "Eat this first; I'll head home because I have an early day today."
I accepted the food container, and before I could say anything, he turned away quickly. I was planning to tell him that I would go to his office later. I don't know why he's avoiding me again.
I looked at the food again and placed it on my study table near my bed.
I invited him to sleep with me in my apartment, and unexpectedly, we didn't do anything-just sleeping. Surprising, isn't it? But he really didn't make a move, and he ended up sleeping in the living room.
But I know he's just stopping himself. Is he going to confess to me now and hold himself back again?
I wandered around, a satisfied smile on my face. There was no longer any trace of Professor Zaiden's face in my room. I removed it two weeks ago. I adjusted my glasses again and tidied up. I know he's early today because he left early from here, and he should also be early at the University.
I grabbed my phone before heading to the kitchen to get the medicine he left there. Before I swallowed it, I noticed it had no label. What kind of medicine is this? I just ignored it and took it.
I will ask him about Shannon. If he really loves me, he should have broken up with her.
After getting ready, I immediately went to the University. It was still early, so there were only a few students, some of them involved in school sports activities.
I went straight to his office, and when I saw him inside, I knocked to get his attention because he was facing his laptop. He glanced at the door, and when he saw me, his eyebrows raised.
"Ms. Valencia?" I raised my eyebrows.
"No students here yet, Prof. Why are you still calling me that?" I said firmly.
He couldn't react when I closed the door and sat on his desk. I noticed his surprise when I suddenly kissed his cheek and leaned my head against his chest.
"Why didn't you come into my room last night? I was waiting for you."
I tried to kiss him, but I was surprised when he pushed me away. I clung to the table as I staggered back. He pushed the chair back, so I stood up, feeling confused.
"What are you doing?" He asked sharply.
"Huh? What are you talking about?" I was puzzled.
"Why did you kiss me?" I slowly noticed the anger in his voice. I couldn't speak and just stared at him.
We stared at each other, and trying to understand his feelings, I approached him and held his cheeks. "Why are you so upset? I thought... I thought you wanted me too. Didn't you confess to me last night? There's no one here; we can talk normally like we usually do."
But he quickly took my hand and stepped back. "Get out, Ms. Valencia."
"P-prof? What's happening?" I felt shocked and anxious.
"I said get out!"
I stopped because of the volume of his voice. I felt scared and quickly left his office. I went straight to the cafeteria and ordered my food. I ate quietly, and no matter how much I swallowed, I kept pausing because of my thoughts.
"Is she that girl?"
"Where?"
"They're talking about someone wearing a nursing uniform. Isn't that her?"
They were all staring at me, and I felt the weight of their eyes tracking my every move. I swallowed and looked around until I noticed people looking at me while holding their phones.
"Oh, it's really her. Isn't this Professor Zaiden?"
"Impossible, her hairstyle is different."
"It's different, but she just tied it up. And besides, she looks so alike. I haven't heard that Professor has a twin."
I swallowed again and looked around. They were really looking at me, and out of curiosity, I also took my phone and opened my social media, and the first thing that greeted me was a video.
I haven't played it yet, but I already knew who was in the video because of the familiar attire. Fear and anxiety surged in my chest as I pressed the play button.
In the video, Professor and I were talking, and then he kissed me, and it was clear in the video. I scrolled down, and it had thousands of likes and shares.
"She's flirting with a teacher! I thought I only read this in books!"
"I was shocked too, especially when the Professor is engaged!"
"Oh my, yes, right! This is trouble. The dean will surely be mad at this."
After seeing the video, I couldn't control myself and left the cafeteria heading towards the corridor where Professor Zaiden's office was. The rumors spreading around were like thunder in my ears.
I quickly opened his office door and confronted him. "Prof.." I saw him talking on the phone, and when he heard my voice, he quickly turned and pulled my arm. I winced in pain.
"What did you do? Did you upload that video to ruin my engagement?" He said angrily.
"No, I didn't do that."
"Who are you fooling? Aren't you crazy about me? That's why you're doing things that tarnish my name again!"
I pulled my arm away and slapped him. "You're the one who kissed me last night. You even confessed. What do you want me to do? We're in public, Professor, and you're the one not thinking straight!"
He gave me a stern look, but I didn't back down and approached him. "What? Don't tell me you're going to deny it again?!" I shouted angrily.
"Calling for Sir Contreras and Ms. Valencia. The dean requested your presence. Please head to the office now."
He looked away and sighed.
"This is trouble," he said, looking at me. "Why do you have to--" He stopped and clenched his fist.
"This is not what we agreed on," he whispered.
"Calling for Sir Contreras and Ms. Valencia. The dean requested your presence. Please head to the office now."
He cursed under his breath and left the office first. I was nervous about what would happen next, but I couldn't do anything because it was already widespread.
---
"Professor Contreras and Ms. Valencia, please have a seat," the dean ordered as he closed the office door.
We sat in front of him, and I could see anger and nervousness on Professor Zaiden's face. My hands were still trembling as we waited for what the dean would say.
The dean sat on his chair and adjusted his glasses before shifting his gaze between us. I kept my head down, waiting for his words.
He opened his laptop and turned it towards us. Professor Zaiden couldn't bear to look at the video, so he just looked away and closed his eyes.
"Let's get straight to the point. There's a video circulating on social media showing an intimate moment between the two of you," the dean said as his laptop played the video. "Can you explain this?"
Professor Zaiden attempted to contain his anger as he clenched his hands.
"Is it true?" the dean asked me, but all I could do was shake my head and hold back tears. "Ms. Valencia, please answer. Are you in a relationship with Professor Zaiden Contreras?" the dean asked sternly.
I avoided eye contact, but instead of answering, I felt resentment building up. "No," I replied firmly. "I'm having an affair with Professor Zaiden."
We're not officially in a romantic relationship. We don't have labels, but I acknowledge that what we did was an affair.
I saw the surprise on the dean's face. "You're having an affair?" he added. "Affairs between students and teachers are strictly forbidden in this university. This is a serious matter."
The office fell silent, and I could hear some faculty members laughing outside, perhaps unaware of what was happening inside.
"Stop this nonsense, Laurenestine. We're not having an affair!" Professor Zaiden suddenly burst out, furious.
"Professor Zaiden, it's best to be honest. This video is clear evidence," the dean said, looking at Professor Zaiden. "Are you denying it?"
"I am denying it, Dean. We didn't do anything," he said firmly, and I could feel the anger in every word he spoke.
Dean Hernandez furrowed his brow before speaking again. "I will have to call your parents to discuss this situation further. This is a violation of the university's policies."
"No, Dean, please don't. Don't call my parents. It's my fault," I pleaded, but I was ignored.
"I categorically deny any involvement with Ms. Valencia. This is a misunderstanding," Professor Zaiden said firmly, but I trembled even more with anxiety.
"The evidence is right in front of us. This video clearly shows an intimate moment between you and Ms. Valencia," Dean Hernandez replied. "We need to address this issue seriously."
I remained quiet in my seat, feeling the world spinning around me. I wanted to escape this situation.
Professor Zaiden, still denying, retorted, "Dean, I have no involvement with Ms. Valencia. I don't know why she's saying this."
"Enough!" The dean's patience was wearing thin. "We have evidence, Professor, in the form of that video. We need to address this issue accordingly."
I glanced at Professor Zaiden, who avoided my gaze, frustration evident in his clenched fists. The dean continued, "We will conduct a thorough investigation, and based on the findings, appropriate actions will be taken. This involves both of you, and it's a serious breach of university policies."
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