The conference continues the next day, but the air between Jay and Marriam is charged with a tension that wasn't there before. Every look they exchange, every accidental touch, ignites a spark that neither can ignore. Their connection feels electric, alive—like a secret only they share in a room full of strangers.
Throughout the morning sessions, they sit next to each other, whispering comments about the speakers, their shoulders brushing now and then. Jay's fingers tap a rhythm on his knee, betraying his nervousness. Marriam senses his inner turmoil and places her hand on his, a brief but comforting gesture. He glances at her, surprised, and she offers a small smile, a silent promise that she's here with him, no matter what.
The Afternoon Escape
As the lunch break approaches, Jay leans closer to her, his voice low, almost a whisper. "Want to skip the next session?" he asks, his breath warm against her ear.
Marriam feels a flutter in her chest. She knows they're playing with fire, but she nods anyway, feeling a thrill at the thought of being alone with him. "Where do you want to go?"
He grins, a boyish grin that she's never seen before, and it makes her heart race. "There's a little café by the beach. Quiet, out of the way… we could talk, or just… be away from here."
Minutes later, they find themselves at a quaint seaside café, the salty breeze tangling Marriam's hair. The sound of waves crashing against the shore fills the silence between them. Jay orders coffee for them, and they sit outside, facing the ocean. For a moment, they're just two people enjoying a peaceful afternoon.
They talk about everything and nothing—Jay's love for classical music, his travels, Marriam's passion for literature, her dreams of becoming a novelist. She laughs easily, feeling lighter than she has in weeks. Jay watches her, his eyes softening. He feels something shift inside him, something he hadn't expected to feel—comfort, happiness, even a sense of belonging.
A Confession in the Dark
As the sun begins to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, Jay grows quiet. His gaze is distant, lost in thought. Marriam notices his change in mood and reaches out, touching his hand. "What's on your mind?"
He hesitates, then sighs, looking down. "I'm scared," he admits, surprising even himself. "I'm scared of what this means… for both of us. I'm risking everything, and yet… I can't seem to stop myself."
Marriam's heart tightens at his confession. "I'm scared too," she whispers. "But I don't regret any of it. Not for a second."
Jay lifts his head, his eyes searching hers, and for a moment, it feels like time stops. He leans closer, his hand brushing her cheek. "You're worth it, Marriam… even if it costs me everything."
They share a tender, lingering kiss, the kind that feels like a promise—a promise of something deeper, something real. The world around them fades, and for a while, there's only the sound of their breathing, the taste of salt on their lips, and the steady rhythm of the waves.
Back to Reality
That night, they return to the hotel, their hearts pounding with adrenaline and fear. They steal away to Jay's room, and the moment the door closes behind them, they're in each other's arms again. Their kisses are frantic, desperate, like they're trying to memorize the feel of each other before reality pulls them apart.
They spend the night together, bodies entwined, exploring each other with an urgency fueled by the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Jay's hands are gentle yet commanding, his touch igniting a fire in her that she's never felt before. Marriam feels a connection so intense, it's almost overwhelming.
Afterward, they lie in silence, Jay's arm around her, her head resting on his chest. For the first time in a long time, Jay feels content, at peace. Marriam traces patterns on his skin, feeling the steady beat of his heart, wondering how she ever got here—tangled up in a secret love affair with her professor.
The Morning After
Morning comes too soon, and reality sets in like a cold splash of water. They know they have to go back to the university, back to their separate roles. The conference is ending, and their little bubble of escape is about to burst.
As they prepare to leave, Jay's phone buzzes with a message. Marriam watches as his face hardens, his jaw clenches. "What is it?" she asks, already feeling a sense of dread.
Jay shakes his head, his expression dark. "Just a colleague… nothing important." But his tone betrays his unease, and Marriam knows something is wrong.
They drive back in silence, both lost in their thoughts. When they arrive at the university, they part ways with a lingering kiss, both of them pretending not to notice the curious glances of passersby.
The Rumor Mill Begins
The next day, whispers start circulating through the campus. Marriam catches snippets of conversations—students talking about Jay's sudden interest in her, speculating about why he brought her to the conference. Her stomach tightens with anxiety, and she feels exposed, vulnerable.
James, a fellow student who has been admiring her from afar, approaches her with concern. "Hey, Marriam… is everything okay? People are talking, and I just wanted to make sure you're alright."
She forces a smile, trying to brush it off. "I'm fine, James. Thanks for asking."
But inside, she's anything but fine. She's terrified that their secret will be exposed, that everything will come crashing down. Jay seems distant, distracted, and she can't help but wonder if he regrets everything that's happened between them.
She tries to focus on her studies, but her thoughts keep drifting back to Jay—the way he looked at her, the way he held her. Her heart aches with longing and fear, knowing that their time is limited, that their secret affair is hanging by a thread.
The Jealousy Unfolds
That evening, as she walks to her dorm, she receives a text from Jay: "Meet me in my office. We need to talk."
Her heart races as she heads to his office, unsure of what to expect. When she arrives, Jay is pacing, his expression tense. "What's going on?" she asks, sensing his agitation.
Jay stops, his eyes piercing hers. "James," he says flatly. "Why is he asking about you? Why is he so concerned?"
Marriam's brows knit together. "He's just a friend, Jay. You know that."
Jay's face darkens, and for the first time, she sees a flash of jealousy in his eyes. "I don't like it. I don't like him being around you."
She feels a flicker of annoyance. "You don't get to control who I talk to, Jay. We agreed to keep this casual… remember?"
He steps closer, his voice low, almost a growl. "I don't want anyone else near you, Marriam… I don't know what this is, but I know I don't want to lose it."
His confession catches her off guard, and despite herself, she feels a surge of emotion. "Then stop pushing me away," she whispers. "Stop acting like you don't care."
Jay's face softens, and he pulls her into a fierce kiss. "I do care," he murmurs against her lips. "More than you know."
For now, they decide to hold on to what they have, despite the growing complications. But both know that their secret is a fragile thing, and it's only a matter of time before everything changes.