Chapter 73

Leon wasn’t any better; Kelly’s body was pressed close to his. He could feel her soft curves against him. Her loose strands of hair brushing his jaw stirred deep inside him. The atmosphere felt hot and heavy. After a few long seconds, Leon swallowed hard, forcing down the rising heat in his chest. Then, he gently helped her to her feet. “Are you alright?” He was calm and composed, as opposed to Kelly, who was clearly flustered.

“I’m fine, totally fine!” she said quickly, standing up straight, trying to sound casual. She added defensively, “I just… I just wanted to check—”

“Check if I dropped dead from exhaustion?” Leon finished her sentence bluntly.

Kelly didn’t dare say those words out loud. She looked embarrassed and met Leon’s gaze helplessly. He slowly removed his glasses and placed them on the table. It was getting dark, so she could barely see Leon’s features. But somehow, that only made his voice seem even clearer.

“I may be older than you, but I’m not going to die from pulling an all-nighter.”

Kelly murmured, “Even young people are getting sick these days.”

Leon chuckled lightly, “That’s me. But I’m in good shape. You’ll see for yourself eventually.”

That statement left a lot to be imagined; Kelly had to admit that her mind went straight into the gutter. Thankfully, it was dark enough. Otherwise, Leon would have seen her red face.

She heard footsteps as Leon walked past her. A moment later, the lights came on… Kelly instinctively turned her head to the side, hoping he hadn’t noticed her blushing.

Fortunately, Leon seemed more focused on something else. He glanced at the clock and said, “I didn’t realize I fell asleep. It’s getting late. How about pierogi for—”

Kelly immediately agreed, “Sure, I’ll cook.”

Leon was already heading into the kitchen. “No need. Pierogi are quick to make.” He was the type who never took no for an answer when it came to small things like that, so Kelly simply stood at the doorway and watched him work.

After they finished eating, Leon handed her her medication and even gave her a piece of candy, like a reward. That night, they both went to bed early.

Days passed, but for Kelly, those days were the most peaceful and happiest she’d felt in all twenty years of her life.

Early that morning, Leon was called into the Academic Affairs Office. The director, Lillian White, was a woman in her 50s with cropped hair and a sharp, commanding presence.

“Professor Butler,”

The moment Leon walked in, Lillian’s usual stern expression melted into a warm smile. Leon was practically the crown jewel of the university. His credentials were flawless, and that face alone could charm just about anyone. There were very few who would give him attitude. Every woman, no matter her age, loved to be around handsome men.

“Ms. White,” Leon greeted her politely.

“Talir a seal,” Lillian said, gesturing to the chair across from her.

Leon sat down, and Lillian began, “So, how are you settling in? Everything going well so far?”

Leon had been personally invited to the university after multiple attempts by the dean. The higher-ups had all been eager to treat Leon with special care. Lillian was initially worried that someone with his reputation might be difficult, maybe even arrogant. But after working with him, she realized he was the complete opposite—polite, modest, and incredibly cooperative with any task assigned.