Chapter 1
The heat in the lecture hall was almost suffocating, but Chiamaka barely noticed. Her mind was entirely on the exam papers stacked neatly on her desk. Around her, the hum of students scribbling answers mixed with the occasional cough or whispered comment. She prided herself on her focus, but today, for some reason, she felt a flutter of nervousness she couldn't shake off.
Professor Eze had always been intimidating. Strict. Unapproachable. But something about him today… made her heartbeat quicken. He strode in, tall and commanding, dark eyes scanning the room like a predator assessing its territory. His crisp white shirt clung slightly to his shoulders, and for a brief second, Chiamaka forgot to breathe.
"Good morning, students," he said, his voice smooth and deep. The usual chatter died instantly. He moved down the aisle with an authority that made heads turn and notes pause mid-scribble. When he reached Chiamaka's row, she felt the heat rise in her cheeks as he glanced at her papers.
"Chiamaka," he said, pronouncing her name perfectly, as if he'd known it all his life. "You seem… distracted."
"I-I'm fine, sir," she stammered, lowering her gaze. Her fingers twisted the pen nervously.
He bent slightly, his presence overwhelming, and pointed at a mistake on her paper. "Check this formula again. It's important."
Her heart skipped. His finger brushed hers—an accidental touch, she hoped—but the electricity shot straight through her. She swallowed, focusing on the paper, but the heat in her cheeks betrayed her.
As he straightened, he gave her a small nod, then continued down the aisle. Chiamaka tried to concentrate on the exam, but every time she looked up, she caught a glimpse of him, tall and confident, moving between desks like he owned the room. She couldn't help but wonder: why did he keep looking at her?
After the lecture, students spilled out into the corridor, chattering and laughing, but Chiamaka lingered. She had a habit of reviewing her notes after class in the empty corner of the hall. Today, she wasn't ready to face the hostel chaos yet.
Footsteps echoed behind her. "Chiamaka."
She froze. It was him. Professor Eze. His expression unreadable, eyes focused. She felt a shiver run down her spine.
"Sir… I was just—" She trailed off, unsure how to explain lingering in the hall after class.
"I noticed your papers," he said, his voice calm, but there was an intensity she couldn't ignore. "You're improving… but there's room for… guidance."
Her pulse raced. "Guidance, sir?"
He gave a slight, almost imperceptible smile. "If you like, I can help you after lectures. Just you… no one else."
Her stomach dropped. Private sessions? Alone with him? The campus rumor mill was brutal. If anyone found out, she'd be the talk of the university by tomorrow. And yet… a part of her was undeniably curious.
Before she could answer, a voice called from the hallway: "Chia! Come, we're leaving!" Her friend Nneka waved frantically from the end of the corridor. Chiamaka hesitated, torn between obeying and the strange pull she felt toward him.
Professor Eze's eyes lingered on her a moment longer. "Think about it," he said softly, then turned and disappeared into the hall, leaving her alone with her thoughts—and an unbearable flutter in her chest.
That evening, Chiamaka sat in her hostel, trying to focus on her books. But her phone buzzed with a message she hadn't expected. Her heart jumped when she saw it:
"Meet me in my office tomorrow after lectures. Don't be late."
Her hands trembled. She reread it twice. Should she go? Could she go? Her mind screamed with warnings about rules, ethics, and campus gossip. But her heart… it thumped loudly, echoing the dangerous curiosity she had never felt before.
Sleep came fitfully that night. Every time she closed her eyes, she imagined his sharp gaze, the accidental brush of his hand, the intensity of his voice. She knew tomorrow would change everything.
The next morning, as she walked toward the lecture hall, whispers followed her. She ignored them—or at least tried. But the knowing glances of her classmates told her the story had already begun. Professor Eze was watching her. Always watching.
And she couldn't help but wonder… what lesson was truly about to begin?
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Cliffhanger: The professor's private meeting invitation and the reader's curiosity about what happens next keeps them glued.