All Chapters of Triplet Heirs; The Romano daughters : Chapter 321 - Chapter 329

~LUCAS~I know Camilla is sitting in the lecture hall, but I make a deliberate effort not to look in her direction.It is harder than I expected.Since I began teaching at the University of Milan, I have learned to keep my attention on the students who need it, to explain my lessons clearly, and to maintain the professional distance expected of someone in my position. It shouldn't be difficult to treat Camilla the same way I treat everyone else, especially when that is precisely what I have been trying to achieve for the past few days.Yet, somehow, I am more aware of her presence when I am determined to ignore it.I know when she settles into her seat. I recognize the quiet movement of her belongings against the desk, and I can almost picture the expression on her face without turning around to confirm it. I have become so accustomed to paying attention to her that pretending not to notice her requires considerably more effort than I care to admit.I hate tha

~CAMILLA~I'm still staring at Mr. Lucas in shock, refusing to believe that he actually replied to my text message.“Did you really reply to my text?” I ask, when I finally find my tongue to speak.He doesn't reply. He just puts my phone down on the table.I quickly grab my phone and take a look at the screen to reconfirm that he actually did reply.“Why did you do that, Mr. Lucas?” I say, not having it at all. “Why did you reply to my text?”“Because I don't want you spending a night at his house,” he replies nonchalantly.“That's still not enough reason, Sir,” I retort. “You have no right to reply to my text negatively, because it's actually something I considered.”"Camilla, do you even know this man well enough to be considering something like that?" He asks.I almost laugh, and it's not because anything about this situation is funny, but because I cannot believe the audacity of the question coming from him."Steven is my friend, Mr. Lucas. We've been spendi

~LUCAS~I want to say a lot to her, but I can't speak.She stares at me for several seconds obviously waiting for me to speak, and fucking say something. Then she smiles.It is the sort of smile people give when they have finally stopped expecting something from someone who keeps disappointing them.She turns towards the door again."I'll see you in class, Mr. Lucas. Enjoy the rest of your day.""Camilla."She stops, but she does not turn around immediately.For one fleeting moment, I consider telling her the truth. That I was really jealous of her and Steven.That I decided to create distance between us because I was starting to enjoy her company and getting so free with her.I want to tell her the truth that I really miss her.Instead, I say, "Don't forget to review the topics we covered today."For a second, she remains perfectly still.Then she turns her head just enough for me to see the disappointment on her face."I won't, Sir."The door closes behind

~CAMILLA~Something is wrong.Lucas has been absent from school for two consecutive days, and I am beginning to lose patience with the uncertainty.Yesterday, I convinced myself that he must have had an important meeting or some personal emergency. I expected him to show up today, carrying his usual collection of notes and wearing that serious expression that always makes me feel as though he can see through me.Instead, his seat remains empty, and the senior lecturer has taken over his class again.Around me, students are discussing his absence, with several expressing how much they miss his lessons. Apparently, I am not the only one who has noticed that something is unusual.Lucas takes his responsibilities seriously. He has never been the sort of person to disappear without making the necessary arrangements, which makes his continued absence even more concerning.What could possibly be keeping him away?I am still contemplating that question when Esmeralda nu

~CAMILLA~Mr. Lucas hasn't eaten all day!Now, how am I sure that he took his medications this morning when he hasn't eaten??No wonder he looks so frail and terrible!The thought of Lucas lying in that bedroom, burning with fever and trying to manage everything alone, makes a tear roll down my cheeks.I quickly wipe it off before it escalates into a full blown cry.He looked after me when I was in pain. He stayed beside me when I could barely get out of bed, made sure I took my medication, and did not leave until he was satisfied that I had everything I needed.Yet he has been sitting here, sick and alone, without even making himself a proper meal.I wipe the corner of my eye again with the back of my hand."You stubborn, impossible man," I whisper.Then I close the refrigerator and get to work.I make a quick, nourishing meal with what I can find, keeping the preparation simple because I don't want to leave him alone for too long. I cook until everything is re