Chapter 145: Unshakable Commitment

The entire class had abandoned any pretense of paying attention. Whispers and hushed discussions filled the air.

“Did Mr. Yeager just smile at her? And not just any smile, but one of those heart-melting ones!”

“Damn it! I already ate a full breakfast; why am I being force-fed PDA?”

“Is this our new normal? I came here to study, not to be drowned in dog food!”

“But honestly, it’s kind of cute?”

“Shit. I think I’m falling into the dark side. Why do I suddenly find this adorable?”

“Okay, but real talk—how are we supposed to face her from now on?”

“So… do we start calling her ‘Professor’s Wife’ now?”

“Just kill me.”

But while the entire class was losing their minds, neither Jonathan nor Sierra seemed to care. At first, Jonathan had intended to keep things subtle. However, after seeing how the rumors spread, he changed his mind. Why should he bother hiding anything? Now, he openly gazed at Sierra throughout the entire lecture. The heat in his stare was so intense that, even through his glasses, Sierra could feel it scorching her skin.

She tried her best to focus, but under such an unrelenting gaze, even she felt a little overwhelmed. Finally, unable to handle it anymore, she lowered her head, choosing to ignore the hundreds of burning stares surrounding them.

Meanwhile, the rest of the class had fully given up on paying attention to the lecture. Initially, some had believed that Jonathan’s post earlier that morning might have been fake. Perhaps he was hacked and forced. But now, watching him openly ogle Sierra during class, there was no denying it anymore. Mr. Yeager had completely lost his mind over this woman. The depth of his expression, the way his usually unreadable face softened when looking at her, was almost unnerving. He wasn’t even trying to hide it anymore. That was the scariest part.

Once class ended, Jonathan took his time packing his materials, moving at a deliberately slow pace. Then, instead of heading out alone, he walked straight to Sierra’s desk. Without a word, he took her bag, slung it over his shoulder, and casually grabbed her hand. Then, just like that, they left the classroom together.

The moment the door shut behind them, the lecture hall exploded. The sheer volume of noise nearly shook the walls.

“What the hell did we just witness?”

“Did he just…? Did that happen? Did he just carry her bag?”

“He’s… He’s down bad for her.”

“You guys don’t get it. This isn’t just dating. He’s skimping hard.”

“We’re doomed. We’re going to spend the rest of the semester drowning in their PDA.”

Sierra, meanwhile, glanced at Jonathan as they made their way outside. He remained completely unaffected by the uproar behind them. As if none of it had anything to do with him, she sighed internally. So this was what he meant by not bothering to hide anymore.

As soon as they reached his car, Jonathan’s phone rang. He checked the caller ID, his eyes narrowing slightly.

“Wait in the car for me,” he said. “I forgot something.”

Sierra simply nodded. But as he stepped away, she couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. She had caught a glimpse of his…

University had strict policies regarding teacher–student relationships. But did he care? No.

Sitting across from him, Vice Principal Wagner hesitated before speaking. Even though he was supposed to be the authority figure, Jonathan’s calm yet intimidating aura completely overshadowed him. Clearing his throat, Wagner finally said,

“Mr. Yeager, I heard about today’s… developments.”

Jonathan leaned back lazily in his chair. “Get to the point.”

Wagner coughed, clearly irritated by his bluntness. “Well, technically speaking, your personal life isn’t the school’s concern. However, given that Sierra is still a student here…”

Jonathan immediately cut him off. “Not an issue. I can resign anytime.”

The room fell into stunned silence. Wagner’s face paled.

“Resign!”

If Jonathan left, Northwind’s entire Biochemistry Department would take a severe hit. The Board of Trustees would slaughter Wagner for this. That could not happen. Scrambling to find another angle, Wagner forced a smile.

“Ah, no, no. That won’t be necessary, Professor Yeager. We aren’t saying you can’t date her, we’re just…”

Jonathan raised a brow. “So, what exactly are you asking me to do?”

Wagner gulped. “Well, perhaps you could keep things a little more… discreet?”

Jonathan sighed, as if this was the most tedious conversation in the world.

“Single for years. Finally found a girlfriend. Can’t help it.” His tone was deliberately nonchalant.

“But if it’s such a problem, I can still resign.” With that, Jonathan rose from his seat.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have lunch plans with my girlfriend.” He didn’t even glance back as he walked out, leaving Wagner utterly speechless.

Meanwhile, Sierra was still sitting in the car, absentmindedly scrolling through her phone when the passenger door opened. She looked up to see Jonathan sliding in, his expression as relaxed as ever.

“All done.” She eyed him suspiciously.

“What did they want? Nothing important.” He started the car smoothly.

Her lips pressed together. “They didn’t make things difficult for you, did they?”

Though she knew Jonathan’s credentials made it unlikely that the school would seriously pressure him, she still felt concerned. Jonathan turned his head slightly, glancing at her. A slow, knowing smile curled his lips.

“Worried about me!” Sierra rolled her eyes but didn’t deny it.

Instead, she simply said, “Of course.”

The casual tone of her response made his fingers twitch. That simple admission, so natural, so unforced, stirred something deep in his chest. Jonathan’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. He hadn’t expected to care so much and to feel such satisfaction just from the fact that she cared. As they pulled out of the university parking lot, he suddenly reached over and laced their fingers together.

“What are you doing?”

“Making sure you don’t run away,” he replied smoothly.

She chuckled. “Who said I was going anywhere?”

Jonathan squeezed her hand lightly, his gaze flickering toward her briefly before turning back to the road. He didn’t respond. Because the truth was, even if she did try to run, he wouldn’t let her.