Chapter 6 Part 6

After that day, she and the Professor became closer. It had been a month, and Trinidad University's foundation day was approaching. The university's name was a mystery to all students, and she wanted to find out too.

She was in the cafeteria when Jasmine arrived with her long-time boyfriend from Section A.

"Girl, Sir Pietro is calling you. He wants you to go to his office, he has something to ask you," Jasmine told her.

"Bianca, it looks like Professor has a special task for you!" her friend teased.

Jasmine playfully pinched her boyfriend, Daniel, who winced in pain. He then said, "We'll go ahead, Bianca," and walked away with Jasmine.

"Ouch, honeypie! That hurts!" Daniel complained, which made her laugh.

She stood up and left the cafeteria. It seemed that the Professor had a lot of work and had summoned her again. He often asked for her help, and she was happy to assist him.

"Good morning, Sir!" she greeted the Professor as she entered his office. He was busy with his laptop but looked up and smiled when he heard her voice.

"Good morning too. Come in," the Professor invited her. She entered and closed the door behind her.

She walked closer to the Professor's desk and asked, "What would you like me to do, Sir?" The Professor didn't speak immediately but handed her some papers.

"Can you list these alphabetically?" Sir Pietro requested as he handed the papers to Bianca.

"Sure, Sir," she replied and began sorting the papers while the Professor continued working on his laptop.

Bianca stretched after finishing her task, and her gaze inadvertently turned to the Professor, who was still engrossed in his laptop.

He wore reading glasses, which he often did, and sat with a straight posture. His profile was like a work of art, something no talented painter could replicate. His nose was sharp, and his thin lips looked attractive. Almost like... they were tempting to kiss?

She closed her eyes tightly. "Bianca, come on, control yourself," she scolded herself in her mind.

Her eyes wandered to his long fingers. His nails were neatly trimmed, and his hands felt strong and comforting. Bianca knew this from the few times their hands had accidentally touched.

"Bianca, he's married," she reminded herself.

"Is it really so wrong to have a crush on the Professor?" She couldn't help but think, her words slipping out.

She saw the Professor pause and slowly turn to look at her. "Did I hear you correctly, Miss Bianca?" he raised an eyebrow, questioning her.

Her cheeks burned with embarrassment, and she was caught off guard. "Um... I mean, you must have misheard, Sir," she stammered, forcing a fake laugh.

The Professor tilted his head and raised an eyebrow, asking, "Should I cleanse my ears then?" His voice was dripping with sarcasm.

She couldn't come up with a response, and the Professor continued with a sly grin, "Well, in my opinion, it's okay to have a crush on me, but make sure you'll catch me once I fall."

Bianca couldn't sleep that night, thinking about the Professor's words and the days that followed. She felt embarrassed by her feelings and decided to avoid him.

The Professor's demeanor in class became harsher, and he scolded her for her one mistake on a quiz. She felt on edge as she waited for her quiz score.

"Martin Bianca, 59," he announced, and her heart sank. The Professor's stern look only added to her anxiety. "What is this? You made just one mistake!"

The class was disappointed in her, and the Professor scolded her before leaving the classroom.

Her classmates tried to comfort her, but she remained silent, her mind filled with worries. She had no money for any contributions to the upcoming Foundation Day.

As she walked alone to the cafeteria, deep in thought, she heard a familiar voice, and her heart skipped a beat.

"Miss Martin," the Professor called out to her. She turned to face him.

"Professor..." was all she managed to say.

"In my office, now," he said sternly and walked ahead.

Bianca quietly followed the Professor, unsure of what to expect. When they reached his office, he locked the door and sat down, his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on her.

"What. Is. Your. Problem. Miss Bianca?" he asked in a cold tone.