Chapter 3

I heard from a friend that the call eventually reached the school administration.

The news that James got into a fight over Sophia spread through the school like wildfire.

Things had blown up, and it got to the point where I had to step in.

When I arrived at the police station, there was a man across from us who kept cursing and yelling.

When no one was paying attention, he threw a cup that came flying in my direction.

In that critical moment, James pulled Sophia tightly into his arms.

The glass shattered at my feet, and some of the shards cut into my flesh.

Next to my ear was the man's anxious voice asking, "Sophia, are you okay? Are you scared?"

My throat felt tight. Not long after we got married, we were in a car accident where the whole car was thrown off a bridge.

Back then, James did the same thing - held me in his arms and cried, saying he couldn't let me get hurt.

In the end, I only had scrapes, but he spent three days in the ICU.

Now, when James came to his senses, the first thing he did was point at me accusingly.

"Emily, you deliberately didn't answer your phone. Sophia and I just have a normal teacher-student relationship, but you're so jealous!"

"I've been stuck at the police station all night without sleep, and I still have to write an explanation report to the school. Are you happy now!"

Compared to his agitation, I seemed calm and explained innocently, "Honey, I caught a cold in the mountains and slept so deeply last night that I missed your calls."

Countless suspicious eyes fell on James and Sophia.

Instead, I smiled slightly and spoke up for them both. "This is my husband's most valued student. He's a good teacher who's always willing to help when it matters."

After quickly signing the papers, our group walked out of the police station, and Sophia immediately burst into tears. "Mr. Smith, I'm sorry for causing you so much trouble!"

James looked at her with heartache and comforted her gently, "You're just too kind. You went out to work a part-time job before you even recovered. From now on, when you don't have class, come clean my faculty apartment and I'll pay you!"

I just stood there quietly watching until James put Sophia in a taxi and then got in himself.

He seemed to remember me then, rolled down the window, and explained, "Sophia's been traumatized. I'm taking her to stay at the faculty apartment for a night, so she can get familiar with the work environment early."

I didn't stop him. Instead, I went home alone, treated my wounds, and fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, James finally came back.

"I'm back to pack some things. I want to stay with Sophia for a few days - she feels so unsafe right now."

"But don't worry, I'll only sleep on the couch!"

I looked at the man making his solemn promise, showed no opposition on my face, and even smiled in agreement. "You're the teacher she relies on most. It's only right that you take extra care of her."

Anyway, whatever you two do had nothing to do with me.

I added silently in my heart.

James didn't pause for a second while packing his luggage, as if he was already used to me not making a fuss anymore.

But his figure carrying the suitcase as he left paused for a moment.

Suddenly, he looked around and said casually, "Why does the house feel so empty?"

I stiffened slightly and just said, "Some things weren't needed, so I threw them out."

James looked at me deeply, and his voice actually became somewhat gentle, "When Sophia feels better, I'll take you to see the ocean in a couple of days. Let's make it a belated anniversary celebration, okay?"

I held back my disgust and agreed, then watched him leave.

James was gone for two days, and I took advantage of that time to thoroughly clean out the house.

Only when the last bit of my belongings was thrown in the trash was I finally satisfied.

While soaking in the bathtub, James called for the first time in a while.

When I answered, his tone carried a matter-of-fact command.

"The school is restarting a companion robot project. I heard some big shot in the industry will be joining as a professor. Didn't you study this in college? Help Sophia write a self-recommendation letter to the school - she needs this opportunity to develop herself."

"If both Sophia and I can get into this group, you'd be happy for us, right?"

I silently curved my lips and agreed right away. "Okay, in a few days."

Anyone could make verbal promises.

I just wonder if they would be satisfied with the answer I gave them in a few days.