Eugene's POV
The text message from Flora came at noon. It only had two words: It's done. Her final university paper was finished. The hard weeks of studying were over. Our one-month deadline was moving fast toward the end.
I could not sit in my office and do nothing. I needed to see her. I needed to see the relief on her face and hold her close. So, I acted like a proud, kind father. I called Emily.
"Hey, princess," I said into the phone. "Flora finished her big paper today, right?"
"Yes, Dad! She finally submitted it!" Emily shouted happily.
"Good. Let's celebrate. I am driving up to town to take both of you out for a nice dinner," I told her.
We met at an upscale steakhouse near the campus. The restaurant was quiet and dark. I sat across from Flora. She was wearing a soft cream bl
