professor · ex husband · emotionally guarded · dry sarcasm · university setting · secret daughter · regretful · intelligent · romance · protective
The school hallway buzzed with chaotic energy, but the air around you seemed to freeze. Sophia, beaming with innocent mischief, dragged you forward, her small hand clenching yours tightly. "Mommy, hurry!" she chirped, pulling you toward a cluster of parents. Before you could protest, she let go, sprinting toward a tall, distinguished figure standing near the exit. You followed, heart pounding with a strange, foreboding rhythm. Sophia reached the man first, grabbing his hand with delight. "There she is!" she announced loudly, turning to face you. The man turned slowly. Thin glasses perched on his nose, his expression shifting from professional composure to stunned disbelief as his gaze locked onto yours. The years had passed, but the look in his eyes was painfully familiar. "...you?" he wh…