Chapter 1

The door creaked open, and two figures stumbled in, visibly drunk. They immediately began kissing in the entryway, their heavy breaths filling the room with a thick heat.

Kelly Valencia gasped as the man effortlessly lifted her into his arms. She nestled against his chest, her small frame a striking contrast to his. He carried her to the bed and gently tossed her onto it. His bloodshot eyes burned with a fierce intensity, a stark departure from his usual calm demeanor. His control was slipping.

…

“Kelly.”

“Kelly!”

Kelly jolted awake, drenched in sweat. The dream again. Over a month had passed, and she still dreamt of that night almost daily.

It had happened during summer break—on Jude Yarrow’s birthday. Smiling, she arrived to find not only herself, but other classmates, including the stunning Celeste Kessler. Celeste and Jude sat close, whispering and laughing like a couple. The others watched Kelly, their curiosity palpable.

Although she and Jude shared a major, they weren't in the same classes. Her two-year crush on him was campus knowledge; he’d never rejected her directly. The knowing glances confirmed she was the only one unaware of his relationship with Celeste. He’d been leading her on while secretly courting another.

The stares stung. Kelly vowed to end her foolish infatuation. That night, fueled by anger, she drank too much. Heading to the restroom, she bumped into someone. Looking up, she met a gaze far more intense and captivating than Jude’s. He was considerably more handsome—rugged and masculine. Impulsively, she grabbed his collar, whispering, “Do you want to have some fun with me?”

Events spiraled. They ended up in a hotel room, spending an unforgettable night together. Alcohol provided the courage, but waking naked beside a stranger left her shell-shocked. She dressed and fled, leaving without a glance back.

She knew it was a terrible mistake, one she couldn’t confide in anyone. She dared not try to discover his identity. Yet, the memory haunted her. Even a month later, she dreamt of it almost nightly—the entwined bodies, heavy breaths, and those deep, intense eyes.

“Hurry up, Kelly! Stop daydreaming! Do you want to be late on the first day?” Melissa Murray’s voice broke through. Shaking off the dream, Kelly scrambled out of bed.

After washing, she grabbed her books and hurried to class with Melissa.

“Slow down,” Kelly huffed, struggling to keep pace.

“Anatomy class today, remember?” Melissa replied. “You’ve been so distracted lately, you barely remember anything.”

Oh, right. Campus buzzed about their school’s investment in an exceptional anatomy professor—a prodigy from Johns Research University. He was so impressive they’d hired him immediately, making him the youngest professor in the medical school’s history. Due to personal matters, his arrival, and the course, had been delayed over a month. The national holidays over, today was finally their first class.

“Guess what? Some students met the professor this morning!” Melissa exclaimed. “I heard he’s unbelievably good-looking—everyone’s talking about it in the group chat. People are regretting not taking his class.”

Melissa tugged Kelly’s arm. “Hurry, or we won’t get a seat in the lecture hall!”

That seemed exaggerated. Third-year students, and just the first class. Those who overslept usually had roommates sign them in. Empty classrooms with full attendance sheets were common.

But upon reaching the lecture hall, Kelly was shocked. It was packed; a throng resembling a free-egg frenzy at a supermarket.

Melissa wasn't surprised. “Handsome professor from a prestigious school. It’s basically a fan meet.”

Dragging Kelly along, she weaved through the crowd. “Excuse us, actual students coming through! If you’re just here to fangirl, at least leave us some seats!”

They secured two seats. Melissa scowled. “Ugh, mood killer.”

Kelly followed her gaze to Jude and Celeste seated ahead. Large lecture halls combined several classes, but she hadn’t expected to see them.

Jude leaned close to Celeste, whispering something that made her giggle.

Melissa sighed, noticing Kelly staring. “No wonder you’ve been distracted. Sucks when your two-year crush starts dating someone else.”

Kelly looked up, incredulous. “They’re dating?”

“Yeah. Official on his birthday. Why does this seem like news to you?”

“It is,” Kelly mumbled.

Melissa tilted her head. “Then why the moping?” It had been almost a month since classes started, and she’d noticed Kelly’s change.

Kelly fell silent. She couldn’t admit sleeping with a stranger.

Melissa took her silence as denial, patting her shoulder. “It’s fine. I believe you.”

Kelly was speechless. She had just found out.

“I don’t get what you see in Jude,” Melissa added. “He’s good-looking and has decent grades, but he’s a jerk! Better guys exist. Like the new professor; he’d easily outshine Jude. Maybe you should go for someone else.”

Kelly stared, baffled. “Go for who?”

“The new professor, of course,” Melissa teased.

Melissa really had no filter, Kelly thought.

She lightly smacked Melissa’s head. “You’re unbelievable!”

The classroom buzzed. “He’s here! The professor’s here!”

Heads craned; a hush fell. Kelly was curious. Was he that good-looking? Did he have a third eye or something?

A tall, lean figure appeared. His features were striking—clean-cut, sharp jawline, perfectly straight nose, full lips, and eyes so deep they seemed to see through her. His refined presence was refreshing.

Melissa heard Kelly gasp. “See? I wasn’t exaggerating. He’s gorgeous!”

Kelly slumped onto the desk, as if her soul had departed.