Chapter 115: Business or Pleasure?

Michael’s POV

The next afternoon, I was walking down the hallway at Lanard when I saw Emerald.

She was standing near one of the classroom doors with Elias.

I recognised him immediately.

There was nothing unusual about the scene at first glance. Students moved through the hallway, some heading to their next class, others standing around in small groups.

Emerald had her bag over one shoulder, and Elias was standing beside her, talking with the ease of someone who had become comfortable around her.

Too comfortable, perhaps.

Emerald noticed me before Elias did. Her expression changed slightly, surprise crossing her face before she quickly composed herself.

"Professor King," Elias greeted when he finally noticed me.

"Mr. Elias." I gave him a polite nod.

Emerald smiled. "Good afternoon, Professor King."

"Miss Hugo." My voice was perfectly even. There was no reason for it to be anything else.

I didn’t stop. Neither did they. We exchanged greetings and passed each other in the hallway as though nothing about the encounter mattered.

I kept walking.

"You don’t like him." Draxen’s voice came immediately.

"Did I say anything like that?" I asked with barely controlled annoyance.

"You didn’t have to."

I continued down the hallway. "I have no reason to dislike him."

"He touches our mate," Draxen said.

I glanced at a group of students coming toward me and waited for them to pass before continuing.

"He is her friend."

He growled, "He wants to be more than that."

"You don’t know that." I narrowed my gaze.

"I have eyes," he bragged. "Remember, we are very good at recognising intentions.

I ignored him, reasoning there was no use arguing about Elias. At least, that’s what I told myself.

By the time I reached the end of the hallway, I had already put the matter aside. Or so I thought.

My favourite café was only a short distance from campus, and I went there whenever I wanted somewhere quiet to sit and watch the world go by.

The staff knew my usual order, the atmosphere was relaxed, and I could sit in the corner without being disturbed.

I arrived shortly after noon and took my usual table. A few minutes later, Emerald walked through the door.

I looked up. She spotted me almost immediately and smiled before making her way across the café.

It wasn’t a coincidence that she met me here and now. She already knew my schedule for the day.

I had told her earlier this morning when she asked what I planned to do after class.

She pulled out the chair opposite me and settled down without asking.

"You seem to be in a good mood," I said, observing her.

"I am." She placed her handbag beside her chair. "I’m happy I won’t have to have lunch alone."

I said, "That is convenient."

She smiled.

I raised a hand and called over one of the staff members. "Please take her order first."

The young man nodded and handed Emerald a menu. She looked through it while I waited. Once she had finished ordering, he turned to me.

"I will have the usual, and add another green tea."

"Certainly, sir." Then he left.

Emerald rested her elbows lightly on the table. "Elias was telling me about one of the assignments this morning."

I fixed my gaze on her. "He seems very interested in you."

The words came out calmly. Almost too calmly.

Emerald studied my face for a moment before asking, "Is that a problem?"

I shook my head. "No." I took a sip of water. "I’m your boyfriend, remember?"

She smiled. "You don’t sound very happy about it."

I gave her the calmest smile I could manage. "I’m perfectly happy."

"Liar."

I nearly choked on my water. Draxen’s laughter followed in my mind, but I made quite an effort to ignore him.

Emerald didn’t seem to notice anything unusual.

The problem wasn’t Elias. At least, that’s what I kept telling myself.

The staff returned with our food a few minutes later.

Emerald thanked him before pulling her plate closer. I started eating as well, giving my full attention to the meal.

After a few moments, she looked up. "Are you free tomorrow morning?"

I glanced at her. "Do you need something?"

"I want you to tutor me in your course."

I looked away. My attention settled firmly on the dark chocolate cake on my plate. "I won’t be free."

Then I picked up my fork and cut into the cake. "If you want to see me for academic reasons, you will have to book an appointment."

A short silence followed, then:

"Are you serious?"

I sensed her gaze on me but didn’t lift my eyes. I just nodded and said, "Yes."

Next, I reached for my green tea. Before my fingers could touch the cup, she grabbed it, pulled it across the table, and placed it beside her plate.

I had no choice but to look at her.

She was staring at me with an expression that told me she knew exactly what she was doing.

"Give my tea back," I demanded.

"No."

"Emerald."

She leaned back slightly. "You just said I have to book an appointment if I want to see you for academic reasons."

"Correct."

"But I’m your girlfriend."

I held her gaze. "I don’t mix business with pleasure."

Her eyebrows lifted.

I leaned slightly toward her and lowered my voice. "Schoolwork shouldn’t be brought home."

Her smile slowly returned. I knew that smile. She was beginning to understand that I was deliberately making this difficult for her.

"So choose one." I kept my voice quiet enough that only she could hear me. "What are you coming to my condo for?"

Her eyes widened slightly.

"Business or pleasure?" I finished.

Draxen burst into laughter. "You are enjoying this far too much."

I reached for my tea again. This time, Emerald moved the cup farther away. "Maybe I will just keep it."

I stared at her hand resting beside my cup. "That is my tea."

"And I’m your girlfriend." She said it with such confidence that I almost laughed.