20 Years Ago [Summit City]
A man in his mid-twenties strolled across the campus, heading towards his office located in the corner of Summit Capital University.
This man was Professor George Martin, one of the professors here who was conducting his own research on various types of minerals.
This place held the top spot in the region and ranked 8th in the entire country. It was a prestigious institution where not just anyone could enter, and most graduates ended up working for reputable companies or government agencies.
"Professor George, let's walk together, " a sweet female voice called out to George from behind.
When he turned around, he saw a beautiful woman with blonde hair and blue eyes.
She was wearing a simple white blouse paired with a knee-length black skirt. Her outfit was completed with a delicate silver necklace and matching earrings, accentuating her natural beauty.
She was so stunning and youthful-looking that just seeing her made him feel happy. Not just him, though; almost every guy in the college fantasized about dating her, but she ended up turning them down .
He would be lying if he told himself that he was not attracted to her.
Just being near her was enough to excite him, to the point that he always had to remind himself not to cross the line. He already had a wife whom he dated way back in high school, and though they didn't have a child yet, he loved her and couldn't bear to cheat on her.
"Annabele, I told you not to act too close when we're outside. I don't want others to misunderstand," George scolded her. He didn't want any rumors to spread, not for his own sake, but because he cared for her.
A beautiful woman like her hanging out with a young professor like him was a recipe for some college romance drama.
"What's there to misunderstand, Professor?" Annabelle touched her lips, acting cute and feigning ignorance.
'She's too cute, damn it,' George sighed in defeat. He couldn't win against her, no matter what.
At that moment, he also noticed some college students looking their way, their whispers barely concealed as they exchanged glances.
Some nudged their companions, their expressions a mix of curiosity and amusement.
A couple of them even pointed discreetly, their eyes lingering on Annabelle and George before continuing on their way, their hushed conversations continuing long after they had passed.
"Fine, let's just walk," George finally gave in, feeling a bit flustered.
He decided to walk faster, and Annabele followed suit, still smiling and even hopskipping while walking, making the scene even more rumor-worthy.
As they walked, George couldn't help but think about how much Annabelle had grown in just the span of a few months.
When she first came to him as his student assistant, she was so shy and timid.
Now, she was confident and beautiful, with a sparkle in her eye that made him wonder what the future held for her. He hoped she would find happiness and success on whatever path she chose.
They finally reached his office, and it was filled with rocks enclosed in vacuum-sealed glass.
It was a sight to behold, with each specimen carefully labeled and organized.
George took pride in his work, and it showed in the meticulousness of his lab.
Annabele, however, seemed more interested in George himself than the rocks. She stood close to him, her face inches away from his, and he could feel her breath on his neck.
"So, Professor Martin, what's your favorite rock in here?" she asked, batting her eyelashes playfully.
George couldn't help but feel a blush creeping up on his cheeks. He cleared his throat and pointed to a large crystal of quartz encased in glass.
"Well, this one is quite special. It was mined from a remote location in Mount Raven, and it took me years to authenticate and acquire. It's a testament to the beauty and resilience of our world," he said, trying to focus on the rock and not Annabelle's beautiful face.
She hummed in appreciation, leaning even closer, and George's heart skipped a beat.
"You know, Professor, you could use a little bit of that beauty and resilience yourself," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. He could feel her breath on his ear, and it sent shivers down his spine.
"Annabele, you're being inappropriate," he said, trying to maintain some distance between them. But she just laughed, a tinkling sound that filled the room with warmth and light.
"Professor, you know you like me, don't you? And I like you too. So what's holding you back?" Annabelle asked.
George was not the least bit surprised by her confession. He would be an idiot if he couldn't read the signs all along.
"I have a wife, and I love her," he replied. It hurt him to reject someone like Annabelle, but he was a man of commitment.
"You're so loyal and faithful, Professor. Maybe that's why I fell for you. But what about your wife?" Annabelle's facial expression shifted, a hint of challenge in her gaze.
"What do you..." He started to ask, but before he could finish his words, he was interrupted by her.
"She's cheating on you!"