Chapter 9

Evelyn walked ahead with Adrian following at a leisurely pace behind her.

Gone was the nervousness from last night—she had regained her usual composure.

A black sedan pulled up slowly. Evelyn opened the door and slid inside.

Passing a fruit stand, she suddenly spoke up: "Could we stop? I'd like to buy some fruit."

"Fruit?"

"For Professor Roland."

Adrian's slender fingers rested on the steering wheel as he frowned slightly. "Is that necessary?"

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "Do you usually visit elders empty-handed?"

He nodded frankly.

She couldn't help laughing. "Impressive."

Apparently successful people didn't bother with such trivialities.

Despite her remark, the car still pulled over smoothly.

......

Professor Roland's residence was in the hillside villa district near Harvard.

European-style houses nestled among lush greenery blended classical elegance with modern touches.

After passing through a fiery red maple grove, the estate came into view.

Six years...

Evelyn tightened her grip on the seatbelt, eyeing the fruit basket at her feet with sudden hesitation.

Adrian glanced sideways. "Not getting out?"

She bit her lower lip. "I need another minute."

The man studied her for two seconds before nodding. "I'll go in first then."

"......"

She appreciated his thoughtfulness.

Once Adrian was out of sight, she took a deep breath and opened the car door.

The early summer garden bloomed with vibrant flowers.

A breeze carried faint floral scents. The neglected vegetable patch by the fence looked somewhat wilted.

Before reaching the entrance, she heard the professor's familiar voice. Her heart skipped a beat as she quickened her pace.

"Professor."

Eleanor set down her academic journal and adjusted her reading glasses. "Adrian? What brings you here?"

He stepped forward to support her arm. "Just checking on you. Feeling better?"

"Just minor ailments. You're all overreacting."

She patted his hand. "I'm perfectly fine, no need to worry!"

Adrian paused. "I brought someone with me today."

"Who?" Eleanor looked up in confusion.

Following his gaze, she saw Evelyn hovering awkwardly in the foyer like a chastened child.

Eleanor's pupils contracted. She instinctively took two steps forward before schooling her expression into sternness.

"What are you doing here?" Her tone was icy.

"Professor..."

Evelyn fidgeted helplessly.

Eleanor said coldly, "Who was it that swore six years ago she'd abandon her studies for love? Why come back now?"

Evelyn's eyes reddened. "I'm sorry I disappointed you."

"And?" Eleanor rarely spoke so harshly.

Her voice choked. "I was wrong."

After a beat, she whispered, "Is it... too late?"

"Finally..." Eleanor exhaled deeply, her expression softening. "Do you know how long I've waited?"

"Six whole years."

Tears streamed down Evelyn's face. "I didn't realize..." Had her professor really been waiting for her return all this time?

"Better late than never."

Seeing Evelyn's haggard appearance, Eleanor's eyes filled with tenderness.

Evelyn could no longer hold back, throwing herself into the older woman's arms. "Professor..."

Warm hands patted her back as Eleanor's voice gentled. "There now, a grown woman crying like this—people will laugh at you."

Adrian stood quietly aside. Seeing them reconciled, he discreetly retreated to the balcony to give them space.

During their reunion, Eleanor inquired about Evelyn's life while carefully avoiding romantic topics.

That Evelyn could say "I was wrong" proved her past choices had been mistakes.

Why reopen old wounds?

"...I rented an apartment near campus. I'm reviewing materials to apply for your graduate program..."

Eleanor's eyes lit up, her voice trembling with excitement. "Really? You're not joking?"

She even double-checked.

"Yes." Evelyn hung her head in shame.

The opportunity she'd once tossed aside now required starting from scratch...

"Wonderful! It's about time! I've been saving a spot for you—finally it won't go to waste..."

Evelyn looked up in shock.

Though she'd suspected, hearing her professor had reserved a position was still unbelievable.

Evelyn Langley, how could you possibly deserve this...

"Professor, I might not qualify. You shouldn't—" get your hopes up.

Eleanor cut her off firmly. "With your abilities, you'll get in if you truly want to! Unless you deliberately fail to mock this old woman!"

"Of course not..." Evelyn laughed through her tears.

"It's getting late. You and Adrian should... Hmm? Where's Adrian?"

"Professor." He reentered from the balcony.

"Stay for dinner! I'll cook!"

Evelyn's expression changed instantly. Adrian also looked subtly uncomfortable.

"Um... You should rest. Let me handle dinner."

It wasn't ingratitude—the professor's cooking was legendary for all the wrong reasons.

Eleanor coughed awkwardly, saving face. "Ahem... Right, I'm still recovering. Probably shouldn't overexert..."

Evelyn efficiently tied on an apron and disappeared into the kitchen.

Adrian rolled up his sleeves and followed. "I'll help."

Watching their retreating figures, Eleanor's eyes sparkled with knowing amusement.

The fridge was well-stocked with fresh ingredients.

Considering the professor's recent hospitalization, Evelyn opted for light dishes.

Adrian asked, "What should I do?"

She glanced at the sink. "Can you wash vegetables?"

"Shouldn't be difficult."

She moved aside.

Though clumsy, the man washed each leaf with meticulous care.

Evelyn asked casually, "Any dietary restrictions?"

"None."

"Preferences?"

"Anything's fine."

"...You're easy to please," she muttered under her breath.

Unlike someone else who was picky and high-maintenance.