A Twist I Didn’t See Coming.

SOPHIA'S POV: 

When I transferred to Moonland University, I promised myself that I was going to have fun with Maxwell, and make new memories together. But Maxwell is out of my life now and, hopefully soon, out of my head.

So I made a new promise to myself that he wasn’t going to be the reason I stopped having fun.

And honestly? Everything around me felt like some kind of dramatic movie I couldn’t stop watching because my one-night stand turned out to be my professor, who also happened to be my second-chance mate.

Fate clearly had a sense of humor.

At first, Professor Eric did everything he could to avoid me. He avoided eye contact, skipped hallways I walked through, and pretended I was invisible. But I wasn’t the kind of girl to back off when something, or someone, interested me. So, I made it my mission to tease him, make him uncomfortable, and to see just how far that calm, mature, professorly exterior would stretch before it cracked.

And no, it wasn’t because I liked him, not yet, at least. It was because it was fun.

And with that, days turned into weeks, and what started as a game became something neither of us could completely control. The bond between us was strong, and no matter how hard he tried to fight it, I could feel it pulling him closer every time he looked at me.

Still, I had my life too. 

Darcy had become my closest friend and I didn’t expect it, especially since I’d never really been the ‘best friend’ type back at my old university. I’d always felt like I didn’t quite fit anywhere, but Darcy made space for me effortlessly. She was bright, blunt, and genuinely kind in a way that didn’t feel fake.

We did everything together, ate together, studied together, laughed at random memes at 2 a.m. in her dorm room. But there was one thing I didn’t tell her, Professor Eric.

Maybe it was guilt, maybe it was fear, or maybe I didn’t want to see her look at me differently. Darcy wasn’t judgmental, but some things… they just sounded worse when spoken aloud.

So I kept our long nights when our bond made it impossible to stay away to myself. He always told me he was nervous about the age gap, that he worried it wasn’t right. But he cared for me and I respected him enough not to push too far.

Still, somewhere between the laughter, the teasing, and our nights together, I realized I was beginning to feel something more. It wasn’t love, not yet, but it was close enough to scare me.

“What do you think about this?” Darcy asked, dragging me back to reality.

I glanced up to see her holding up a short red dress that looked like it belonged on a runway and raised an eyebrow

“That’s way too tight, Darcy. I am visiting your father, not auditioning for a music video.”

Darcy laughed. “Fine, fine,” she mumbled, putting the dress back and diving into her closet again. “You’re no fun.”

I rolled my eyes, watching her rummage through hangers like she was on a treasure hunt. 

Her dad was apparently some big shot in the Capital, he was an Alpha by birth who gave up his position, moved to the Capital, went to Moonland University, and now worked as the financial advisor to the royal family. People whispered he might soon be made a Councilman, the youngest one ever. 

And that was who I was going to meet today.

I should’ve been nervous, but honestly, I was just curious. Darcy’s excitement, though? It was over the top.

“Okay, seriously,” I let out with a sigh. “Why are you acting like this? You’re glowing. Are you planning to make me your stepmother or something?”

Darcy froze, then threw a pillow at me. “God forbid!” She said, laughing so hard she almost fell backward.

I grinned. “I’m kidding. Relax.”

I knew the joke hit a bit close to home. Darcy’s parents were divorced, and she still hadn’t really gotten over it. I think she secretly wished they’d find their way back to each other. Still, something about her excitement today felt… different. 

By the time we were both ready, Darcy looked stunning as always, and I’d let her talk me into wearing a blue dress she claimed brought out my eyes.

She got a call just as we were about to leave then turned to tell me that a cab was waiting for us downstairs. We took the elevator down, 

I climbed into a black cab that was waiting outside, passed the front gates after showing our IDs, then drove out of the university and I could feel my stomach knotting the closer we got to our destination.

The car finally turned into a private driveway lined with tall iron gates and trimmed hedges.

The mansion that came into view was breathtaking with white marble walls, gold-lined windows, and a massive fountain out front. 

Darcy practically bounced out of the car, motioning for me to follow. “Come on!”

I stepped out, clutching my purse, and followed her up the steps. A middle-aged woman opened the door before we could even knock .

“Good afternoon, Miss Darcy,” she said warmly.

“Hi, Anna. Where is my dad?”

“In the living room,” she eeplied.

Darcy led the way down a polished hallway, and I trailed behind her, trying to smooth my nerves.

He was sitting near a table, reading through some documents with his back fscef to us.

“Dad!” Darcy called out, running up to him and wrapping her arms around him from behind.

He chuckled. “Hey, sweetheart.”

I stopped a few feet away, smiling. And then Darcy said. “Oh! I haven’t introduced you to my friend yet.”

Her father turned around, and my heart stopped. He froze too, eyes widening slightly before he schooled his expression into something neutral. 

Darcy beamed, completely oblivious. “Dad, this is my best friend Sophia. Sophia, this is my dad, aka Professor Eric.”