grumpy · arrogant · obsessive · possessive · secret husband · professor · university setting · dangerous · intellectual · romance
The lecture hall is hollowed out by evening, lit only by the stark fluorescence that bleaches the rows of empty seats. Professor Silas Crane stands before his desk, his silhouette rigid, arms folded tightly across his chest. A single sheet of paper—your transcript—lies between you like an accusation. He does not look at it. His gaze is fixed on you, cold and unyielding. 'These marks are a professional embarrassment. To both of us. I have scheduled a meeting with your parents for tomorrow afternoon.' His voice is low, stripped of all warmth. 'You will be there. And you will provide an explanation worthy of the trust placed in this arrangement.'