Professor Alexander Westwood never raised his voice. He didn't need to.His silence was louder than any command."Miss Evangeline," he said, closing "Wuthering Heights" with a soft thud. "Your father’s estate will be seized by the bank on Monday."My fingers froze on my pen. "I... I know, Professor.""The university board has made me an offer." He removed his glasses. For the first time, his grey eyes looked tired. "Marry me. For one year. In exchange, I will clear your father’s debt. No one must know."I stared at him. The man who quoted Keats and despised emotions was asking me to be his wife."Why?" I whispered. "Why me?"He looked out at the rain-streaked library window. "Because, Miss Evangeline... you are the only person who understands that some tragedies are necessary."My heart, foolish thing, chose ruin. "Yes."He didn't smile. He just nodded. "Class dismissed."*If you love slow-burn academic romance, comment "LECTURE" for Part 2 📖 The secret wedding scene next.*