Semua Bab My Professor's Dirty Little Secret: Bab 71 - Bab 77

Sloane POV—The first day back at Shalesberg University felt… off. Not bad, just different. I was the new girl again. The air was quieter here, cleaner. There wasn’t the constant buzz of the city, no crowded lecture halls or busy hallways echoing with a hundred different conversations. Just the soft hum of the campus tucked away in the trees, and the little cabin waiting for me a few miles outside town.Lila’s family had let me use it for the semester “It’s got Wi-Fi, running water, and a coffee maker that actually works,” she’d said with a grin. “You’ll be fine.” She wasn’t wrong. The cabin was small, just a cozy one-bedroom with creaky floors and a big window that looked out into the woods, but it was mine for now. Peaceful, quiet, and perfect for someone who needed to start over.I dropped my bag by the couch and sank into the worn armchair, glancing around. It still smelled faintly like the cedar candles Lila had left behind, and a blanket she’d crocheted was draped over the back

Sloane POV—A year and a half later…The air smelled of spring and new beginnings. Sunlight poured over the university courtyard, glinting off rows of black caps and gowns. I could barely feel my feet touch the ground as I stood among my classmates, the world a blur of cheers, camera flashes, and laughter.When my name was called, the sound of Dalton’s voice cheering above the crowd made my smile widen. I stepped forward, accepting my diploma with shaking hands, and when I looked up, I saw him, standing just behind the rail, tall and composed in a black button-down and open collar, pride gleaming in his dark eyes.Sloane Mercer, college graduate.The thought made me laugh under my breath. For all the nights I’d doubted myself, for all the anxiety and chaos, I’d done it.After the ceremony, the sea of students broke apart into families, hugs, and photographs. Lila came bounding toward me in her heels, her cap clutched in her hand, mascara slightly smudged but her grin wide and bright.

Sloane POV—I couldn’t stop smiling, even hours later.Dalton had confessed the “surprise party that wasn’t supposed to be revealed,” followed by Rhea bursting into the bedroom ten minutes later, red-faced and apologizing so hard she nearly tripped over her own words.“I thought she knew!” Rhea insisted, hands flailing. “I literally told you she didn’t,” Dalton said, exasperated. Rhea gasped. “I completely forgot!”I hugged her before Dalton’s eye could twitch off his face. “It’s okay,” I laughed. “I’ll still be surprised, I promise.”Rhea beamed, instantly forgiven. She gave Dalton a look of… maybe relief? And quickly looked away with a smile.By the time we arrived at Marc’s lake house, if you could call a three-story architectural masterpiece with glass walls and a wraparound deck a “house,” my nerves fluttered with excitement. And not just for the party. Dalton had laced our fingers together the entire drive, thumb brushing circles on my skin like he was committing the shape of m

Sloane POV—Five years had a way of passing in the blink of an eye, yet in the quiet moments, they felt endless. For Dalton and I, life had settled into a rhythm that was both hectic and blissfully perfect.The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains of our cozy home, catching on soft golden hair that belonged to a small, giggling toddler bouncing in her crib. Jade was now four, and already showing the perfect mix of her parents’ personalities, My curiosity and sassiness, Dalton’s stubborn determination, and both of our hearts.I leaned over the crib, brushing a stray curl from Jade’s face. “Good morning, princess,” I whispered, planting a soft kiss on my daughter’s forehead. Jade responded with a delighted squeal, stretching her tiny arms toward her mother.Dalton emerged from the kitchen, cup of coffee in hand, a warm smile spreading across his face when he saw us. “I take it someone’s awake early today,” he said, his voice low but playful. Jade’s giggle only grew louder, an