After their divorce, she always acted fiercely before him, like a little kitten baring its claws. She had scratched his heart; it wasn't painful, but

Now that Celine was in his chest, she was instantly surrounded by his clean, refreshing masculine scent. Struggling harder, she yelled, "Let go of me!"

Adam simply shoved her, sending her sprawling onto the bed. Her slender back pressed into the soft mattress. Just as she tried to sit up, his presence loomed over her again.

He was already on one knee, propped on her bed, his hands bracketing her sides. His expression held an amused smirk as he looked down at her. "So, Celine, just how impressive are you?"

He was clearly mocking her. Anger flushed her delicate face rosy as she glared at him. "Being impressive isn't something you say; it's something you show. And soon, you'll see how capable I am!"

Her fiery defiance only piqued his interest further. His fingers reached out, pinching her delicate chin. "Celine, who are you really?"

He was growing suspicious. There was something about her, layers of secrets he couldn't unravel.

His grip on her chin hurt. She shoved his hand away, snapping, "I'm someone you'll never have!"

The light in Adam's eyes darkened; his sharp brows arched slightly. "Weren't you mine once?"

Celine glared at him. "That won't happen again."

The tension between them crackled, charged with unspoken intimacy. His thoughts wandered, unbidden, to the last time they were on this very bed, where they had slept together. The night before their divorce, the sound of footsteps echoed through the dormitory corridors. She had sat on him, biting her lip, her flushed face glowing with embarrassment. She had been so nervous, so unbearably sensitive.

The memory hit him hard. Now, with her lying beneath him again, Adam felt a tightening in his throat. Quickly, he released her and stood up. The sheets were different now—no longer the pink heart pattern from that night, replaced with a floral design.

Celine sat up. "Mr. Alvarez, you should leave. No matter what, I won't tell you."

Adam looked at her for a moment before turning and walking out of the dorm room.

As he left, Celine's phone chimed. A message from Samuel appeared in their group chat, tagging both her and Adam: "Pinnacle of Academic Symposium is happening tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing our senior and junior duo debut together. Congratulations!"

Celine stared in the direction Adam had gone. She wouldn't say anything; they would be seeing each other again soon enough.

Just then, her phone buzzed—a call from Sonia. Whenever she called, it was never for anything good. Celine could guess what this was about. Carly must have gone crying to her after things hadn't gone her way.

Celine answered. Sonia's tone was harsh and commanding. "Celine, come back to Tate Manor tonight."

Celine's lips curved into a smile. "Of course. I'll be there on time."

Later that evening, Celine arrived at Tate Manor. The house was bustling; even extended family members were present.