As Hailey stood outside the office door, she gave a gentle knock. The door was slightly ajar, giving her a glimpse inside.

Jonah was settled in his chair, and the black suit jacket was slung over the back. He wore a crisp white shirt paired with black trousers.

His striking eyes remained focused on the book he held. Hailey couldn't help but be captivated by his calm and graceful presence.

At the sound of the knock, Jonah looked up. "Come in."

Hailey stepped inside. "Mr. Pilsner, I'm here."

"Close the door," he said.

Hailey complied and shut the door behind her. As she moved closer, she asked, "Mr. Pilsner, what's the reason you called me here?"

"Hailey, are you free tonight?" Jonah asked.

A faint smile appeared on Hailey's lips. "What do you have in mind, Mr. Pilsner?"

"I'd like to invite you to dinner tonight," Jonah offered.

"Isn't that a little inappropriate?" Hailey asked.

Jonah raised an eyebrow. "And what's so inappropriate about it?"

"You're my teacher. If anyone saw us having dinner together, the whole university would be gossiping!"

Without warning, Jonah grabbed Hailey's wrist and pulled her onto his lap. "Let them talk. In fact, I'd be proud if they knew you were my girlfriend."

Despite the warmth blossoming in Hailey's chest, she squirmed instinctively. "Mr. Pilsner, please let me go. I'm worried someone might see us!"

"This office was personally assigned to me by Mr. Mendler. You don't have to worry. No one will come in."

It was clear he shared a close relationship with the chancellor of Aspenfield University.

"Why did you come to campus to give a lecture today?" Hailey asked, her eyes shining with curiosity.

Jonah didn't answer her question directly. Instead, he replied, "What's the problem? If you can come here to study, then why can't I come here to teach?"

"That's not what I meant."

"Then what do you mean? Are you saying you don't want me here?"

Hailey pouted. "How could that be? Mr. Pilsner, you've only just arrived at Aspenfield University, yet youve already captured everyone's hearts. How could I not welcome you?"

Jonah's arms tightened around Hailey as she settled on his lap. "So, does that mean I've won your heart too?" he asked.

Jonah was the perfect

partner-young, noble, wealthy and incredibly talented, it was hard to It was hard to imagine anyone turning him down. As for Hailey, she certainly couldn't.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.

Jonah's eyes twinkled mischievously as he looked at her rosy lips. "Is that all? Am I really so easy to brush off?"

"Then how do you want me to kiss you?"

"I want..."

Without warning, Jonah leaned in and claimed her soft, inviting lips.

Hailey didn't resist. She simply wrapped her arms around his neck, returning the kiss with equal passion.

Their kiss deepened, pulling their bodies closer. With Jonah as her mentor and Hailey as his student the air between them pulsed with a charged, forbidden tension.

Suddenly, a melodic ringtone pierced the quiet. Someone was calling Hailey.

She quickly pushed Jonah away. "My phone's ringing."

After taking out her phone, she saw it was a call from a female classmate.

"Who's calling?" Jonah asked.

"She's a friend I met here at Aspenfield University today."

"Mr. Pilsner, please don't make a sound while I'm on the phone, okay?" Hailey added.

"Alright, I'll be quiet."

When Hailey picked up, her classmate's cheerful voice greeted her. "Hailey, have you already left campus?"