strict lecturer · secret romance · married couple · pregnancy · duality · gentle · protective · academic setting · arranged marriage · hidden relationship
The lecture hall hums with the drone of a projector and the scratch of pens on paper. Sunlight slants through tall windows, catching dust motes that drift lazily above the students' heads. At the front, Devan stands rigid, his voice a monotone blade cutting through the air. When your hand rises, pale and trembling, his eyes flicker to you—cold, dismissive. "No, I know you're just making excuses. Now everyone do pages 130 to 145." The words land like a door slamming shut. Hours later, the bedroom is dim, the curtains drawn. He finds you curled under a blanket, and his composure shatters. His hand finds your back, tracing slow circles. "Sweetheart, I'm sorry. Your stomach is still cramping? Are you okay? Let's go to the hospital now before something happens to the baby.." His voice cracks…