The Professor My Husband

Chapter 1

I come from a poor family. My mother works as a maid in the Mondragon mansion, and my father is no longer around, having passed away early in my life. It's only my mother who supports me, and fortunately, the Mondragon family is kind. They've provided me with a scholarship, allowing me to study despite our difficult circumstances.

One day, I visited the mansion because they needed extra help. Don Simon and Doña Margaret were preparing for a grand feast as the twins were coming home.

Just hearing their names sounded intimidating, but my mother had already advised me on what to do and what not to do, so I wasn't scared anymore.

The first twin I met was Lauter. I got to know him as Lauter since he was the first to arrive from Manila. I served him a snack, and I felt comfortable around him. Maybe it's because he's friendly and approachable, not arrogant like others. I wished he could be my older brother.

While Brother Lauter and I were happily chatting-he's a great storyteller-his older brother, Frank Lin Mondragon, suddenly arrived. To my surprise, he seemed angry for no reason.

"Relax, Brother. You're scaring her," Brother Lauter tried to calm Frank Lin, so I looked at him.

"When did you start talking to the child of a maid, Lauter?" Frank Lin sternly scolded Kuya Lauter, making me automatically lower my head. Frank Lin's attitude was terrible, so unlike Brother Lauter.

"brother" Brother Lauter called him softly, so I raised my head again, but Frank Lin just turned his back on us as if we didn't matter.

"Don't mind him, Rana. My twin must just be stressed," Brother Lauter reassured me, and I simply smiled in response.

Frank Lin was a serious person who rarely smiled, as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders. He was intimidating, like he'd shout at you over the slightest mistake. I placed a hand over my heart because I felt it beating fast. I took a deep breath, unsure if it was anxiety caused by Frank Lin's aura. It was so different from Brother Lauter, who was cheerful, smiling, and had a pleasant demeanor.

"Come here, Rana," brother Lauter said, pulling me outside to the garden. He sat me at a garden table and gave me a thoughtful smile.

"Stay here, Rana. I'll be right back," he said before turning and running back into the house.

"Wait, Brother Lauter!" I called after him, making him stop and come back.

"I still have work to do. Nanay might scold me," I explained as I stood up.

"I'll handle it, Rana," he said with a smile before leaving me. I had no choice but to sit where he told me.

"What's taking so long?" I muttered to myself, looking up at the house when I sensed someone watching me. Our eyes met, and I stood up suddenly. It was Frank Lin again, with his usual serious expression, so I forced myself to smile, but he didn't return it.

"He's so mean," I muttered again.

"Who's mean?" brother Lauter asked, startling me. I hadn't noticed he had come back.

"N-Nothing, Brother," I stammered.

"Alright, Rana, sit down," Brother Lauter instructed.

"Okay, Kuya."

"What are you doing, brother?" I asked out of curiosity, causing him to glance at me.

"I'm drawing you," he said shortly, making me clap my hands in excitement.

"You know how to draw, Kuya?" I asked.

"I'm an architect, you know," he replied.

"Oh, sorry! I didn't know," I said apologetically, since we had only just met.

"Stay still, you're moving too much."

"I want that drawing, Kuya Lauter, so you'll have a gift for me," I said playfully, but he just kept concentrating on his work, so I let him be.

"Is it almost done, Kuya?" I asked after a while, starting to feel stiff.

"Almost, just a little more patience, Rana," he said with a smile.

"Kuya, you're so handsome," I commented, and he simply smiled and nodded. He could be a bit cocky, too.

After another five minutes, he finally handed me the drawing, and I was amazed. He captured me perfectly.

"Wow!" I exclaimed.

"You're so talented, Kuya!" I told him, jumping up and down in front of him.

"That's just basic stuff, Rana," he said modestly, ruffling my hair.

"I'll keep this for now, Rana. Next time, I'll paint you, and that one you can take home," he said, taking the drawing from me.

"Okay, Kuya," I agreed, and he excused himself to head to his room, leaving me alone.

I glanced back up, knowing Frank Lin was still there. I smiled at him, even though he didn't smile back.

"Goodbye!" I called, waving at him before running inside to find my mother.

"Rana?!"

"Hey! Rana?" someone called out to me.

"Chrisian Rana?!" The voice was firm, and I turned to the person next to me.

"I've been talking to you for a while now. You're just staring into space," she said irritably.

"Come again?" I asked my friend, Alexa. She frowned at me and glanced at Jon Peter, another friend of ours.

"What were you saying?" I asked to appease her, sensing she was upset. She sighed and ran her fingers through her long hair.

"Sorry, Alexa, I just remembered something from the past," I apologized.

"They say we have a new professor from Harvard University for a Ph.D. program," she informed me.

"That's all you were trying to say?" I replied, resting my chin on my hand.

"They say he's handsome and young, only around 29 years old."

"Even if that's true, it won't change anything. They'll still bully me," I said, pouting.

"You let them bully you," Jon added.

I took a deep breath, feeling anxious, worried that my clothes might get soaked again from their bullying. I even carried an extra uniform and everything else in my locker because not a day goes by when the wealthy students here don't pick on me.

"Have you seen the new professor?" I overheard Jon asking Alexa.

"Not yet. I think he's starting tomorrow," she replied.

"I hope he's nice."

"I'm sure he is," I added, hoping to end the conversation.

"Let's hope you're right, Rana!" they both said in unison, and we sat up properly as the class was about to begin.

They know I'm a scholar here at the Mondragon school, which is why I get bullied. They say I don't belong here. Ever since I started, my life hasn't been peaceful, but I'm okay with that. That's just how life is. I thought I wouldn't have friends who would accept me because I'm poor, but I realized that even if you come from nothing, people will accept you if you have good intentions in life.

I'm happy and thankful to the heavens because I have friends who are always there to defend me.

"Dismissed!"

Class ended, but nothing stuck in my head because my mind was wandering, and our professor called me out several times for not paying attention.

"Oh, life," I muttered, which made everyone look at me. Yeah, I'm really stressed out right now.

The three of us stayed behind because that's what we usually do, letting the others leave first. I didn't want to be pushed around again since I'm quite clumsy, and I don't like trouble. I just want to study hard.

"Hey!" Jon called out to me.

"What's on your mind, girl?" Alexa asked.

"Nothing."

"Nothing?" Alexa pressed.

"I just don't feel well," I replied.

I was startled when my phone vibrated and a message tone rang. I quickly grabbed it to see who sent the message and stood up in shock.

"What happened?" they asked. My hands shook as I opened the message and read it. He said he'd pick me up from school. What do I do? I scratched my head, feeling nervous.

"What's going on, Chrisian Rana? You've been out of it for a while now!" Jon asked. I took a deep breath, not knowing what to do.

"A-Aren't you going home yet?" I stammered and quickly grabbed my bag.

"We'll go home together," Jon replied, heading out first, so we followed him until we reached the gate.

"You go ahead. I have something to take care of," I said, pretending.

"Weird!" Alexa remarked, nodding.

"Oh, life!" I said, relieved they didn't ask any more questions. They eventually left after their rides arrived, and a few minutes later, Frank's car pulled up in front of me.

My heart started racing in surprise. There were still a lot of students around, so before getting in, I made sure no one was watching. I didn't want this to turn into an issue tomorrow. I kissed him on the lips before settling into my seat.

"How's your studies, baby?" he asked, adjusting my seatbelt.

"Everything's fine, Baba. Just a normal day at school," I replied, kissing him on the cheek and hugging him tightly. I love kissing that part of his face because I know he loves it, too.

"Where do you want to eat?" he asked me. I smiled because I used to only dream about moments like this, and now he's mine.

"Anywhere, as long as I'm with you," I answered, and he playfully messed up my hair before kissing me on the lips.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 2

The next day

I was roused from sleep because I felt someone kissing the tip of my nose, so I smiled before stretching out both my arms. I was too lazy to get up, and my eyes didn't want to open just yet.

"Good morning, baby. I love you," he greeted me sweetly and kissed me on the lips.

"Good morning, too, Baba," I replied sleepily, wrapping my arms around his neck. I slowly opened one eye, and our gazes met.

"Is something missing?" he asked seriously, looking at me intently.

"I love you, too," I responded sweetly. He smelled fresh, clearly having already showered.

"Get up now. I've prepared breakfast already," he told me.

"Okay," I replied and pulled the blanket over my head, still feeling sleepy.

"Maybe you want a different kind of breakfast, Chrisian?" he teased, which made me sit up abruptly, scratching my head.

"We just finished a while ago," I retorted, getting out of bed. I stretched before heading to the bathroom to take a shower.

"I'll wait for you in the dining area. The food is ready, baby. Hurry up, or you'll be late for class," I heard him say. I nodded, even though he couldn't see me, and followed his advice since the older ones are usually right.

We finished breakfast, and as we were heading to the university, I took a deep breath because here we go again-I was feeling incredibly nervous. I didn't want to go with him, afraid that he might find out what they were doing to me at school. Baba would get angry, and they might all be expelled if he found out. This was also why I was so uneasy yesterday, because Baba didn't know about the bullying.

He opened the car door for me, but I just looked at him and didn't get out immediately, as I was scared. There were still a lot of students walking in and entering the building.

"Baba, go ahead without me," I instructed him. It was annoying because this routine was going to make me late.

"Hello, Professor Frank!" a group of students greeted him, which made him look their way. He smiled but didn't say anything.

"Go ahead, please," I told Baba again, noticing his puzzled expression.

"Don't tell me you're ashamed of me, Chrisian Rana?" he asked seriously, and I quickly shook my head. Of course not, I was proud to be his wife.

"It's not that..." I trailed off, glancing around to see if any more students were coming our way.

"Are you getting out, or do I have to carry you all the way to your classroom?" he threatened.

"You're wasting our time, baby!" he said irritably.

"Please, Baba, just go ahead, even just a little bit. Please?" I begged.

He took a deep breath, handed me his car keys, and started walking. I hurriedly got out since no students were passing by or parking their cars yet. I kept my head down while walking because Professor Lin was right in front of me. I wasn't a nerd, I just didn't like being stared at while walking, especially since they had no right to bully or hurt me.

I could smell his cologne lingering in the air, and it made me smile-I was in love, and we even used the same scent.

"Ouch!" I yelped, touching my head where an empty water bottle had been thrown and fallen right in front of me. This was exactly what I was worried about, I thought.

"Who did that to her?!" Professor Lin angrily asked the students nearby.

"NO ONE'S GOING TO ADMIT IT!" he shouted at them.

"Sorry, Professor Frank," Ella apologized. She was the instigator of everything.

"Who are you?!" he demanded angrily.

"I'm Ella Vyl Chua. My family is one of the Mondragon partners at this university," she announced smugly, which only made Frank angrier.

"This is exactly what I'm talking about," I thought. I usually just let them be because it's embarrassing-they're partners with the Mondragons, so I don't report them to Baba.

"Correction, Ms. Chua! Your family is a partner of *our* family, right? Your family is not irreplaceable to us. You are just a student here, like everyone else at this school."

"Stop bullying!" he yelled at Ella.

"Everyone!" he called out to get the attention of the other students.

"This university enforces anti-bullying policies. Now, I'm warning all of you-stop bullying, or else I will have you all expelled from this school. And I'll make sure no other school will ever accept you. Is that clear?!" he threatened the students. I thought he was done, but then he turned to me.

"We'll talk later," he said seriously before walking away. I just watched his back and shook my head.

"You're lucky Professor Frank defended you," Ella said irritably as she bumped into me while walking past. I exhaled and hung my head again. This wasn't new to me; I had gotten used to it.

I rushed to check if I was heading to the right classroom for my first subject. I walked and ran because I was really in a hurry after what happened. If only Baba had let me be, there wouldn't have been any commotion, and I wouldn't be five minutes late.

I entered the room slowly and sat in the vacant seat between Alex and Jon. Our professor, Mrs. Thomas, was another problem. It was obvious she didn't like me, and she wasn't hiding it.

"Why are you late, Reyes?" she asked me.

"Sorry, Professor. It won't happen again," I replied politely, bowing my head.

"What is Subject-Verb Agreement, Reyes?" she asked. She always asked me questions, but thankfully, I could answer them since she taught English, which was my major. I stood up confidently and answered.

"Subject-verb agreement means that a subject and its verb must both be singular or both be plural. A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb," I explained at length. She didn't say anything, just nodded.

"Now, Reyes, give me an example of subject-verb agreement in a sentence and write it on the board. Also, circle the subject and the verb so your classmates can understand," she ordered. It seemed like I was the only one she knew, so I stood up and walked to the board.

"What's your example?" she asked me sternly.

"Alex walked to the store," I said briefly and wrote it on the whiteboard.

"Alex is singular," I said as I circled "Alex," "and walked is a verb," I added, circling "walked." I handed her the marker and returned to my seat.

"Very good, Reyes," she said, so I smiled, though I knew her praise wasn't sincere. She was fake.

"Hey, why were you late again?" Jon asked me.

"I couldn't catch a ride," I replied.

"That's impossible, Rana," Alexa chimed in, making me look at her. She didn't believe my excuse.

"It was Ella again, wasn't it?" she guessed.

"Just leave it," I told them, focusing back on Mrs. Thomas and her English lesson.

"Rana?" Jon called out, a bit giddy. I glanced at him. These two never really focused on their studies. They didn't need to; they were rich, after all.

"What?" I asked, annoyed.

"Alexa and I are excited for our next professor," Jon said, clearly thrilled.

"Focus, Jon. Stop acting giddy," I scolded him. His name sounded so masculine, but his behavior was far from it.

Our next subject was Philosophy, and Frank was our substitute professor. He had recently taken over as the school's president, following in his father's footsteps, and now he wanted to be dean too. He was only substituting because our professor had gone to Canada for a master's degree, and since they were cousins, Frank had been convinced to take over for a while. Baba had just finished his Ph.D. at Harvard and had only recently returned.

I glanced toward the door, and it felt like everything moved in slow motion. He was serious. This was the professor Jon and Alexa had been waiting for, and Jon was visibly excited, adjusting his posture.

"Everyone!" Frank called for our attention, and we all looked up at him. He was wearing glasses and scanned the room with a serious expression.

"Let me introduce myself to all of you," he began, and we nodded.

"I am Professor Frank Lin Mondragon. I completed my degree in Teaching Spanish, and I've been teaching here for..." He paused and scratched his eyebrow. "I think it's been almost five years now, even before I got married," he continued, raising his left hand, which bore a wedding ring. A lot of students reacted to this, including my two friends.

"After my wedding, I decided to finish my Ph.D. in Philosophy at Harvard University, and at the same time, I was also an instructor there," he informed us, looking in my direction.

"Professor, can I ask you a question?" Jon raised his hand and asked.

"Yes, Jon Peter De," Frank called on him.

"Go ahead," Frank added, which made Jon even more excited.

"I forgot what I was going to ask," Jon said as he sat back down, making me shake my head in disbelief.

"You're ridiculous. You're just embarrassing yourself," Alexa whispered to Jon, but he just rolled his eyes and continued to swoon.

"Why does he know my name?" Jon whispered to me excitedly, but I just shrugged.

"Alexa Claire Smith," Frank called on Alexa, making her stand up quickly.

"What are you whispering to your seatmate?" he scolded.

"Sorry, Prof," she apologized and glanced at Jon, who was still giddy.

Frank Lin-or my Baba- knew everything about me, from my schedule to my school friends. The only thing he didn't know was how the students acted at school and the fact that the driver didn't drop me off at the gate but a bit farther, leaving me with a five-minute walk. I'd explain it to him if he ever found out.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 3

I knew the two were wondering why Professor Frank knew them, but I just smiled and let them think about it since they never asked about my life, so I wasn't going to tell them.

One by one, our classmates introduced themselves by row, so I knew I was going to be the last one to speak.

"Excuse me, Professor?" a familiar voice interrupted the introductions, and we all turned to look at the door. He waved at Professor Frank, and Baba immediately frowned.

"What are you doing here?" he asked his brother, annoyed, as he approached him.

"You called for me," his brother answered with a grin. I could hear it clearly since I was near the door.

"You should go to my office, Lauter, not to my class!" he scolded angrily.

"Okay, bro," Lauter replied with a grin. To my surprise, he came up to me and suddenly pinched both of my cheeks.

"Ouch!" I complained, rubbing the sore spots and glaring at him, but he just shrugged and smiled.

"Lauter Clifford!" his twin reprimanded him, but Lauter just smiled at him and waved. Professor Lin returned to where he was standing earlier, his expression serious.

"Has everyone introduced themselves?" he asked in a stern tone.

"Only Reyes and Sanchez haven't yet, Professor," Jon answered, causing the professor to glance in my direction. Just then, the buzzer rang, signaling the end of the class, but he ignored it.

"Okay, Sanchez. Introduce yourself," he ordered Sanchez.

"Hi, everyone. I'm Ksenia Faith Sanchez," she said with a bright smile. I glanced at her-she was undeniably beautiful, well-kept, and polished.

"Okay, Sanchez, take your seat," he instructed, and she sat down.

"Now, Reyes, introduce yourself," he said, looking at me seriously. I stood up right away.

"I'm Chrisian Rana Reyes, third-year college," I introduced myself, but he simply raised an eyebrow at me.

"Okay, Reyes, you may sit down," he said, and I quickly sat back down.

"Everyone, eyes on me," he commanded, and the room filled with excited murmurs from my classmates.

"Thank you for your cooperation during our first class meeting. I hope everyone will participate in a panel discussion and brainstorming session next week to improve your critical thinking. Can I count on that?" he asked.

"Yes, Professor," we all responded.

"Alright, see you again," he said before glancing at me. My classmates quickly exited the room. He handed me a book on Philosophy, and I immediately took it.

"Nice meeting you again, Ksenia," he said with a smile, messing up her hair playfully. It seemed like they were whispering to each other because they were speaking so quietly. Frank even moved closer to her.

"Did you bring me a treat?" Sanchez asked with a smile, to which Frank also smiled.

"Visit my house," Frank replied, making sure I could hear him.

"What treat do I get?" she asked excitedly, her face showing eager anticipation.

"Jollibee," Frank answered shortly, making her frown.

"Never mind. I'll get in trouble with you," she replied, and I couldn't help but smile as they both looked at me. Professor Lin then approached and flicked my forehead.

"Reyes, follow me to my office," he ordered before leaving the classroom. I was left standing there, stunned, but at least it was just us left in the room.

"Shall we go?" I asked the others, as I still had to head to Frank's office.

"Sanchez?" Jon called out to Ksenia.

"Yes?" she responded.

"Why does it seem like you're close to the professor?" he asked, curiosity evident in his voice. She just smiled sweetly.

"Sanchez, you're so quiet, but it turns out you've got your secrets," Alexa chimed in with a laugh, patting my shoulder.

"I don't have any secrets. I'm just close to the professor you all admire," she said casually.

"Right, Reyes?" she added, winking at me. I just shook my head, feeling like she was about to reveal more about me.

"I'll go ahead," I said, turning to leave, but to my surprise, the three of them followed me as I walked away. I couldn't help but close my eyes in frustration. This is exactly what I was talking about.

I hadn't even gone far when someone poured water on my head. Luckily, Frank's book didn't get wet, or else I'd be in serious trouble.

"Why didn't you tell him they're bullying you?" Sanchez whispered as she took the book from me to keep it dry.

"Do you want them all to get expelled?" I whispered back as I brushed off my soaked uniform. Thankfully, I had an undershirt on.

"But you're letting them do this to you."

"This is just a one-time thing," I lied, but she smirked at me.

"I've been here for a week, Mondragon," she whispered.

"I've seen them bully you over and over again."

"Alright, I'm going ahead. Just wait for me-I'll change quickly. See you in a bit!" I told them before rushing to my locker room.

I quickly changed into my uniform, thankful that only the top part got wet. I fixed my hair and let it down since I was heading to Frank's office-he might notice if I took too long.

I returned to where I left them earlier, and fortunately, my friend was still there. However, Sanchez was gone since he had class. He's taking up a course to become a police officer.

We headed to Professor Frank's office and knocked, but there was no response, so we went in. They both looked at us.

"Good afternoon," we greeted them together as they were deep in discussion. I shook my head because they're always like that-Lauter is playful, while his older brother is serious. They both looked at us, Lauter smiling while Frank frowned.

"We're just here to return your book, professor," I said, walking up to him and placing his book on his desk.

"You changed your uniform, why?" he asked with curiosity, making me look at him. You can't fool him-once he remembers you, there's no point in lying because he'll know even if you don't say anything.

"I got really sweaty earlier," I answered politely, though it was just an excuse. His eyebrows furrowed even more, and he stared at me before shaking his head. He didn't believe me.

"But you have a handkerchief, right?" he pressed.

"I forgot it," I replied, which was actually true.

He sighed, pulled his handkerchief out of his pocket, and handed it to me. I took it gratefully.

"Thank you," I said with a smile. I knew my two friends were wondering about the exchange since they had gone quiet. We were about to excuse ourselves to have lunch since we had class soon.

"Have you eaten yet?" Lauter asked.

"We're just about to," Alexa responded.

"You can join us for lunch. I ordered food for the school president and me," Lauter offered, looking at his twin brother.

"What do you think, big bro?" he asked.

"Lauter, they're students," Frank replied. I knew he wouldn't agree.

"But I invited them, and it's my treat," Lauter insisted. Frank just sighed. He never wins when it comes to his twin.

"Fine," he said curtly, taking a seat.

"Have a seat," Lauter gestured to us, and we quickly sat down next to him.

"Professor's brother is so nice, isn't he?" Alexa whispered to me. I nodded with a smile. Lauter is indeed kinder than Frank.

We waited until the food Lauter ordered arrived, and it seemed they had already forgotten about Frank's earlier suspicion, which was a relief to avoid more questions.

"Let's eat, it's free!" I cheerfully told my friends, and they nodded, focusing on their meal.

After finishing lunch, we thanked Lauter for the treat. We were about to leave since we had class from one to three in the afternoon.

"Christian?" Professor Frank called out to me.

"Drink water first before you go," he instructed seriously, handing me his tumbler. Lauter hadn't bought enough bottled water, so I hadn't drunk any yet. I was planning to buy some from the cafeteria before heading to class, but Frank had noticed.

I looked at my two companions before taking the tumbler from him. They smiled and decided to go ahead without me so I wouldn't feel rushed.

"Thank you," I said, but before I could take a drink, someone arrived. I smiled again when I saw that they had brought milk tea my favorite. Good thing I hadn't drunk any water yet.

General McLlonard," I greeted cheerfully and bowed to him in respect.

"I came straight to your office, Professor, so I can wait here for my student," he informed my father and playfully ruffled my hair.

"I brought you milk tea. I passed by the shop to get one for you," he said to me, so I immediately stood up and looked at my father. My look clearly said that I wanted the milk tea.

"You haven't drunk water yet, Christian," my father scolded, so I quickly drank water from his tumbler.

"Baba, I already drank some," I informed him, excited for the free milk tea.

"Finish what's left in the tumbler before you drink the milk tea," he ordered seriously, making me pout because there was still half of the tumbler left, and I'd be too full to enjoy the milk tea. General Sanchez handed me a milk tea, and I took it right away-it was free after all.

"Baby!" My father reprimanded, so I quickly approached him.

"Can we share, Baba, please?" I begged, just so I could have some of the milk tea.

To Be Continued...