Chapter 35
The morning air buzzed with gossip, and within a single class period, news had spread like wildfre among the university’s freshmen. A new professor had arrived in the department–awoman with remarkable medical skills, a face that could turn brads, and a fiance who was none other than Arborfield’s beloved heartthrob, Chric
Word quickly reached Ismay, a student in the neighboring pharmaceutical program. When she learned that her less sophisticated, perpetually broken sister, Amaris, became her teacher, her carefully composed smile faltered.
Dorian, one of her devoted admirers, was practically bouncing with excitement as he hovered near her. “Ismay, your sister looks about your age, richtt How does someone go from being a freshman like yini bu becoming a professor! That’s insane! What’s her secret?”
Ismay clenched her jaw, her irritation bubbling beneath the surface, but she maintained her serene facadle. After a pause, the sighed dramatically. “My sister is differem. She grew up in the countryside and barely got any formal education. My father was worried she’d have nothing to do and get rejected by the Hale family, so he pulled some strings with Thune to let her teach here”
Dorian’s eyes widened Wat, are you saying Mi. Wynn got in through connections?” His excitement dimmed. “But I heard that Thane’s patients sometimes can’t be cured, but she manages to heal them anyway”
Ismay but the inside of her check and forced a dismissive laugh. “She picked up some basics from her grandfather when she was younger. It’s nothing special. She probably just got lucky a few times. By the way, she’s teaching physiology, right? I heard it’s one of the toughest courses. If she’s not qualified, you all better brace yourselves.”
Dorian frowned his admiration wavering.
Did I overestimate Amaris? If she only knows the basics, teaching such an important course could do more harm than good; he thought.
The bell rang, signaling the start of physiology class.
Curiosity was palpable in the air as students packed the lecture hall–attendance was at an unprecedented
100%
Anuris standing at the front, adjusted her scarf nervously. It was her first day, and she hadn’t had time to prepare a proper lesson plan.
But the intense gares directed her way made it clear that she needed to deliver
Today’s my first lecture, Amaris began, taking a quick breath. To be honest. I haven’t had time to review the textbook. So. Tll start with the fundamentals of alternative therapeutic techniques.”
The students exchanged puzzled glances, Murmurs rippled through the room
“Isn’t that unrelated to physiology“” one whispered.
“She’s not stuttering” another muttered, “I thought she had a speech impediment? Why isn’t she stuttering now!”
Despite the detour from the syllabus, Amaris’s lecture proved captivating
hanging on her every word. By the time the bell rang, signaling the end of class, no
Her explanations were vivid and engaging, leaving the students ha one had noticed how quickly the hour had passed.
Amaris, however, felt the strain in her throat. Taking a sip of water, she glanced at the students still glued to their seats. “Class dismissed, she announced her tone light but firm
“Hey, how was Ms. Wynn’s class someone asked, leaning casually against the doorway. “Did she really know physiology
“Not really another replied, shrugging as they slung their bag over one shoulder. “She didn’t cover any physiology:
“What? That’s ridiculous a third student scoffed, crossing their arms. “How irresponsible.”
“Yeali” the second student admitted, but they added with a thoughtful nod, “but her theories were fascinating. It wasn’t a waste of time?
“But isnt she a stutterer?” a fourth chued in, adjusting their glasses with curiosity. “How did she get through the lecture?
“She didn’t trip over a single word while teaching the first student replied.
Meanwhile, Ismay sat at a table, wanting for a friend to bring her food. She couldn’t help overhearing snippets of conversation about Amaris‘ disadvantages.
“Don’t worry, Ismay, Calista, her best friend, said with a sly grin. “That Amaris won’t last long. Wait until her performance during the public lecture -shell get kirked out for sure!
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Chapter as
Feigning concern, Tunay smiled faintly. “Don’t say that. It’s haul enough for her to find
job. I want her to mirored”
“Really“” Calista snorted. Do you want her around to embarrass you? You’re the campus queen, lumay. She’s just a country bumpkin- forget, she’s a stutterer. How are you two even related
Ismay let the flattery wash over her, her smile widening “Maybe it’s genetics. My mom had better genes”
“Please, Mr. Hale only accepted her because of family pressure, Calista added snugly. “It’s obvious he likes you. Everyone can see it.”
Before Ismay could respond, a ripple of excitement spread through the cafeteria. Heads turned, and a collective gasp followed,
“Look! It’s him? Arborfield’s heartthrob, Mr. Hale someone exclaimed, craning their necks to see better.
“Is that really him? He’s here! So stunning!” another girl shouted.
“What’s he doing here?” the first asked, gripping their tray tightly. “Is he here for Ismay? Or Amaris?”
“It has to be Ismay!” a girl said confidently, tossing her hair back. “No man could resist her”
“Maybe he’s here to apologize to Ismay for yesterday’s news,” a boy speculated, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret
“Hey, doesn’t anyone root for Amaris?” another student called out with a grin. “Ms. Wynn isn’t bad either, you know
Calista nudged Ismay’s arm, grinning, “Look, your dream man came to see you. Make the most of it
Ismay’s eyes sparkled with anticipation
He really comes to see me. It seems that yesterday when he deliberately rejected me in front of the media, it was just for show. Deep down, he couldn’t let me go, she thought
She stood gracefully, raising a hand in greeting Osric, over here..she called softly.
