Chapter 13
History repeated itself. While she drowned in pain, the
Whitmore family fixated on Tessa. She pushed past him
without another word.
Owen watched her thin frame retreat, his anger dissolving into
uneasy concern. When did she get so frail? But duty called. He
turned toward Griffin’s office.
After a brief exchange post–consultation, Griffin agreed. “Bring
Tessa this afternoon.”
Owen’s gratitude overflowed. “Thank you, Doctor-”
Griffin waved him off. “Save it. I’m doing this for your sister’s
sake.”
Owen froze. ‘Sister? Does he know Tessa? A smug warmth
spread through him. Tessa, it seemed, moved in impressive
circles. If only I’d known sooner!
*****
Tests completed, Mike handed Aria a small bag of cancer meds.
Outside the hospital, she headed for the bus stop.
Chapter 13
“Ms. Whitmore,” Mike called. “Need a lift? School or home?”
Aria paused. No crowded bus? “School, please.”
With hours to spare, campus felt like a sanctuary–anything to
avoid Whitmore Manor’s suffocating drama. She stuffed the
pills deep into her bag.
Juliet’s eyes widened as Aria approached. “You came!” She pulled
her into a fierce hug. “Mr. Knight’s elective is next. You in?”
Jasper Knight? The name sent a ripple through Aria’s memories.
In her previous life, he’d offered her one of two coveted research
assistant spots.
But because Asher had said he did not want her wearing herself
out and wanted her to stay home and be his wife, she turned
down the old man’s kind offer.
The disappointment in Jasper’s eyes still haunted her. Worse,
she’d actively avoided his classes afterward. Only later did she
learn the truth: Asher had cleared the path for Tessa.
Back then, she’d loved Asher enough to abandon anything he
disliked. But now, everything was different.
Aria smiled at Juliet, “Why skip it? I’m here to learn.”
Chapter 13
Juliet gaped. “But you always ditched his lectures!”
Since it was an elective, most people did not think it mattered. In
the past, Aria would always skip class–either trailing after Asher
like a lovesick puppy, or running off to the company to help
boost the Whitmore family’s business.
“My brain was scrambled back then,” Aria said, ruffling Juliet’s
hair. “It’s rebooted. Let’s go.”
They settled near the center of the lecture hall. Jasper entered, his sharp gaze immediately locking onto Aria.
A disdainful hmph escaped him. Back then, she was so
determined, saying that love mattered more than her studies,
and that she would rather not graduate than give up on love. He
turned away and started the lesson.
Class ended. As Aria gathered her books, a voice cracked like a
whip behind her. “Stop right there.”
Aria turned, confusion etching her features.
Jasper fixed her with a fierce glare. “My office. Now!”
Nodding, Aria motioned for Juliet to leave, then gathered her books and followed the professor with cautious steps, mindful not to aggravate the famously irritable old scholar. This is what I get for past mistakes, she thought.
Chapter 13
Behind his desk, Jasper swiveled to face her. “So. A week in the
hospital fixed not just your injuries, but your brain too? Done
chasing fairy–tale romance?”
Aria kept her eyes downcast, shifting uncomfortably. “Yes.
Fixed.”
“Hmph. At least you’ve got some conscience left.” Jasper dropped
into his chair. “That slot wasn’t wasted on you after all.”
“What?” Aria’s head snapped up. He kept the position open?
Jasper tapped her forehead with a book. “What? You little
ingrate. Skipping the admissions exam was bad enough, but
dodging my lectures? Is this how you repay me?”
TAMA
Among all his students, Aria had shown the brightest spark-
sharp, driven, brimming with potential. He’d reserved the spot
specifically for her.
Rubbing her temple, Aria murmured, “I’m sorry, Professor”
Jasper pulled a thick stack of books from his desk drawer, piling
them onto hers. “Good. Now take these. My annotated texts.
Study them. Thoroughly! His gaze sharpened. “And this time? Ace that admissions exam. Don’t you dare disappoint me.”
“I won’t. Thank you, Professor.” Determination surged through
her.
Chapter 13
In her previous life, she’d traded ambition for love. Now? Love
was a lie. She’d learn, build, and achieve.
Even if cancer claimed her, her final days would leave
something meaningful behind. What a damn good plan.
