The following morning, Marriam wakes up with a mix of excitement and dread. The lingering taste of their shared moments at the café, the confession, and the passion in Jay's office leave her in a haze of longing and uncertainty. She can't ignore the soft glow in her chest—the warmth of Jay's words, his touch, and the memory of his lips on hers. But the whispering in the halls has only grown louder. Everywhere she turns, she hears her name, accompanied by knowing looks and hushed conversations.
The Weight of a Secret
As Marriam walks to her morning lecture, she spots James leaning against the wall, his expression unreadable. He catches her eye, and for a moment, there's a flicker of something she can't quite place—concern, perhaps, or suspicion. She feels the air around her tighten, and she knows she has to play this carefully.
"Hey, Marriam," James says, stepping closer. "I've been hearing things… about you and Professor Morado. Is there something you need to tell me?"
Marriam forces a laugh, trying to mask the tension that grips her. "You know how people love to gossip, James. Don't worry about it."
He doesn't look convinced but nods, respecting her space. "If you ever need to talk, I'm here," he says gently, and Marriam feels a pang of guilt. She knows James means well, but she also knows that any wrong move could send her world spiraling out of control.
A Brewing Storm
Meanwhile, Jay is in his office, his mind racing. He knows the rumor mill is gaining momentum, and the last thing he wants is for his relationship with Marriam to become the subject of university gossip—or worse, an administrative investigation. His phone buzzes again, and this time, it's a message from the university board requesting a meeting. A cold shiver runs down his spine as he considers the possible implications.
He knows he should talk to Marriam, warn her about the potential fallout, but he also knows how much she despises being told what to do. His heart aches at the thought of pushing her away, even unintentionally. As he contemplates his next move, his office door swings open, and Marriam steps in, her face pale, her eyes filled with worry.
A Difficult Decision
"Jay, we need to talk," she says, her voice trembling slightly. "People are talking. James is asking questions… I don't know how much longer we can keep this under wraps."
Jay's face hardens, and he walks over, closing the door behind her. "I know," he admits, his voice low. "I got a message from the board. They want to see me."
Marriam's eyes widen in fear. "Do they know? About us?"
"I don't know," Jay replies, frustration lacing his words. "But we have to be careful. If they find out… if they have proof…"
Marriam feels her heart sink, the weight of their secret pressing down on her like never before. "What do we do?" she whispers, her voice barely audible.
Jay takes her hands in his, his grip firm but gentle. "We keep our distance for a while, at least until things cool down. No more sneaking around, no more private meetings. We have to be smart about this."
Marriam nods, though her heart rebels against the idea. "But what about us?" she asks, her eyes searching his. "What happens to us?"
Jay hesitates, his face softening. "I don't know," he admits, his voice tinged with regret. "But I don't want to lose you. Not now, not ever."
The Agreement
They agree to stay apart in public, to act as if nothing is happening between them. But as they part ways, both of them feel the sting of separation, the fear that this could be the beginning of the end.
Over the next few days, they stick to their plan. They avoid each other's gaze in the hallways, keep their conversations limited to professional topics in the classroom, and pretend to be indifferent to one another's presence. But every moment apart feels like an eternity.
At night, when the university is quiet, Marriam finds herself longing for his touch, his words, his presence. She knows Jay feels the same, but they've made a pact—to protect themselves, to shield their fragile connection from the prying eyes of others.
The Unexpected Twist
Just as things seem to be settling into a fragile calm, a new storm brews. A student—one who's always had a grudge against Jay—catches them in a fleeting but intimate exchange. The next morning, an anonymous tip reaches the dean's office, hinting at a scandal involving a professor and a student.
Marriam's phone rings, and she sees Jay's name on the screen. "We're in trouble," he says, his voice tense. "Meet me tonight. We need to talk. This might be bigger than we thought."