Chapter 8

Noelle was a student in Vivian’s class. This girl was constantly sick and would always go on sick leave every two to three days. The longest was that one time just before summer vacation. She could not even take the end of term exams. Vivian was not surprised that she was dropping out, but she was cautious. “I need to call Noelle for confirmation.”

She pulled the class address book out from her drawer and flipped through it. However, Edwin beat her to it and found a number on his phone. Then, standing a table away, he handed the phone over to her. “Miss Vivian, I have her number right here. Use this.”

After a moment of hesitation, Vivian extended her arm to accept the phone. Her eyes lingered on his hand—clean, slender fingers like the fingers of an educated man. Her misgivings diminished a little as she took the phone from his hand and dialed the number on the screen.

She listened to the caller ringtone from the other end and did not have to wait too long before Noelle answered the call. Her answer was more or less aligned with Edward Levin’s explanation. The young girl only sounded a little nervous. Her voice seemed rather tense. Many students were afraid of their lecturers since it was an issue nurtured from a young age and generally remained unchanged, even after entering university.

Vivian was accustomed to this. She asked her a few simple questions about her condition, then kindly consoled her with a few reassuring words before ending the call. When she looked up, Edward Levin was standing across from her and looking at her with a half-smile. His face still filled her with fear. She pursed her lips and gave the phone back to him. “Mr. Levin, come with me to the general office to collect the application form.”

She led him to collect the termination application form and explained the materials that he still needed as well, “You’ll need the diagnosis from the hospital, as well as their recommendation for her to leave school. Noelle herself must sign the application form. Then, you can bring the documents along with her application form back to me, and I’ll get the dean to sign it.”

Edward nodded gently. “May I have your phone number, Miss Carraway?”

Vivian hesitated and replied, “You can call my office.”

Edward smiled and did not insist any further.

Out of courtesy, she escorted him out of the office. Before leaving, he suddenly asked, “I hope this isn’t too bold of me to ask, but do I look like someone else?”

His question surprised her. “You’re afraid of that person, aren’t you? Has he hurt you before?” he continued asking.

Vivian was like an iron fist in a velvet glove. Despite displaying an amiable temperament, deep down, she was sorely tempted to snap back at him with, “None of your beeswax!”

However, her self-restraint would not allow her to do so, hence she simply smiled and pretended not to hear his question. “Hmm? What did you say?”

Edward smiled and extended his hand to shake hers. “I said goodbye, Miss Carraway.”

Vivian was still afraid of the man in front of her. She put her hand in his, instantly looking forward to his departure from the moment she touched him. “Goodbye.”

He smiled but did not say much. Instead, he turned around and left.

She was uneasy the entire afternoon. Liam Fairdew had called her a few times to check on her, and even drove over to pick her up from the university just before she went off the clock. Happiness quelled the nameless fear in Vivian’s heart. She grabbed her handbag and headed downstairs to get into the car with a pout. “What about my car?”

“Leave it at school,” Liam replied.

“Then, how am I supposed to go to work tomorrow, huh?” she asked despite already knowing the answer.