Chapter 5: Four Years Later

Four years later. Fourth floor, Kellogg building, faculty office.

“Sophie Mitchell, this won’t do. You already took three years off—if you don’t graduate now, what do I tell the department?” Professor Martinez handed me my transcript, sighing. My grades were mostly fine—except for one glaring 59 in “International Financial Situation.”

I’d picked that class for the easy A—no attendance, just a final. But I’d missed everything, and the old professor had gone on maternity leave, replaced by a strict substitute.

Martinez rubbed his temples, wedding ring glinting. “You got zero for participation. Go see the instructor—Office 508.”

I trudged down the hall, knocked softly. “Come in,” a voice called. I pushed open the door—and froze. Ethan Blake. Four years older, even more devastating. His sharp youth had settled into something steely, his charcoal suit and MIT ring screaming success. My mind blanked. The comments flooded back:

[The male lead is back—ready to humiliate her!]

[Supporting character about to get schooled.]

My hands shook, but I steeled myself. “...Professor Blake, hello.”

He raised an eyebrow. I set my transcript on his desk, then stepped back, giving him space.

He tapped the desk, a habit I remembered. “Tell me. What happened?”

I explained—skipped classes for family medical emergencies, desperate to graduate and get a job to support Grandfather.

I expected cruelty. Instead, Ethan said, “Fine. Submit a research report. If it’s good, I’ll change your grade.”

Relief washed over me. I thanked him and turned to leave, but he stood as well. “Where are you going?”

“…The hospital.”

He picked up his keys. “What a coincidence. I’m headed that way. Ride with me.”