Chapter 14
Sample copies of the “The New American Literary Review” lay quietly on Jordan’s desk, with her column preview printed on the cover. The classroom was empty, and the evening sun’s rays filtered through the windows, bathing her in a warm golden glow.
“Working on another piece?”
Emmett’s voice came from the doorway as he entered carrying a stack of materials, his eyes reflecting concern.
Jordan looked up, her lips automatically curving into a smile. “Professor Calloway, look-my column starts next week.”
Emmett set down his materials and carefully examined the sample journal, sunlight catching on his eyelashes, casting a small shadow on his cheeks.
“It’s excellent,” he closed the magazine, his voice gentle. “But it’s time to rest now. Let me walk you back to your dormitory.”
They walked side by side along the campus path, dappled with tree shadows. Emmett suddenly stopped. “By the way, there’s a Young Writers’ Forum in the city next month. I’d like to recommend you…”
“Jordan Hayes!”
A cold voice cut through his words.
Jordan’s body tensed as she slowly turned. Maxwell Stone stood five meters away, his military uniform immaculate, his face dangerously dark. His gaze fixed on Emmett’s hand resting on Jordan’s shoulder, his eyes churning with fury.
“So it’s you,” Maxwell strode forward, his military boots making dull thuds against the ground. “I’ve been searching for you for three months. If I hadn’t seen your university’s name in that publication, how long were you planning to hide from me?”
Jordan took a deep breath, instinctively moving closer to Emmett-a subtle movement that made Maxwell’s expression even
more ominous.
“Colonel Stone,” she addressed him calmly, her voice perfectly steady. “Is there something you need?”
The formal title made Maxwell’s eyebrow twitch. She had always called him “Max” with such softness before, but now she
used this cold, official address.
“Come back with me,” he reached to grab her wrist. “Haven’t you played this game long enough? You didn’t get into college, so
De you doing hanging around a university? It’s completely inappropriate.”
mett smoothly stepped in front of Jordan. “Sir, please mind your manners.”
Maxwell finally gave this scholarly-looking man his full attention. Despite his gold-rimmed glasses and academic demeanor, Emmett met his gaze directly, showing not the slightest inclination to back down.
“Who are you?” Maxwell’s voice was ice-cold.
“Emmett Calloway, Associate Professor of Literature at Ashland University,” Emmett adjusted his glasses. “And Jordan’s professor.”
“Jordan? How familiar,” Maxwell sneered. “What kind of professor are you? Jordan never got into college. Her acceptance
letter… You must have deceived her, lured her here!”
He then turned to Jordan, his tone suddenly softening. “Jordan, stop this nonsense. I know you’re still angry. Come home with me. We need to talk.”
Jordan looked at this man who had once consumed her every thought, and felt nothing-no stirring in her heart. She found it almost laughable that after everything, he could still present himself as caring and sincere.
“Colonel Stone, I believe I made myself perfectly clear,” she met his eyes directly. “I’m not going back, and I certainly won’t marry you.”
“Moreover, I think you’ve misunderstood something.”
“I earned my place at Ashland through my own efforts. After all, you know perfectly well who truly passed that entrance exam, don’t you?”
Maxwell’s expression froze. He couldn’t believe Jordan would speak to him in such a cold, almost cutting tone, or that she would look at him as if he were a complete stranger.
“You’ve fallen for someone else?” He suddenly pointed at Emmett. “Because of him? Now you’re even making up lies about getting into college-you never passed that exam!”
Jordan shook her head. “No, this is about me.”
“I never needed to depend on anyone to live. I have my own dreams, my own future to pursue. Who’s really deceiving themselves here? Don’t you know in your heart? Do I really need to show you my student records?”
Maxwell’s chest heaved, but he stubbornly refused to believe her. He grabbed Jordan’s shoulders. “You’re lying! You loved me so much! Come back with me. I already said I’d marry you-if you keep this up, aren’t you afraid of losing everything?”
“That was before,” Jordan gently freed herself from his grasp. “Now, I don’t love you anymore.”
Those words struck Maxwell like a dagger to the heart. He staggered back, his face ashen.
“Impossible…” he mumbled. “You can’t possibly not love me…”
Emmett stepped forward at the perfect moment. “Mr. Stone, please respect Jordan’s choice.”
Maxwell’s gaze suddenly turned vicious. “Who the hell do you think you are? You’ve got no right to stick your nose in our
business!”
unch!” Jordan raised her voice. “Professor Calloway is my benefactor. Show some respect. If there’s nothing else, we’re
She deliberately took Emmett’s arm and turned to leave.
“Jordan Hayes!” Maxwell roared behind them. “You’ll regret this!”
Jordan didn’t look back, her spine straight, her steps resolute.
