As the days go by, my meetings with David become more frequent and explicit. I'm at a loss for words, but I know deep down that the confrontation with Harris isn't over yet.
One day at a lecture, Harris looks at me so intently that a chill runs down my spine. His gaze seems to pierce right through me, and I know he knows something.
After the lecture, Harris stops me at the classroom door.
"Emily, we need to talk."
His tone allows for no argument, and I reluctantly agree.
We go to his office. The atmosphere is tense, the air is electric. Harris closes the door and turns to me,
" I know about your meetings with David.
The words sound like a whip. I freeze, not knowing what to say.
— How... how do you know?" I finally squeeze it out.
Harris grins, a dangerous light flashing in his eyes.
"Do you think I don't see you slipping out of my sight?" How are you looking for ways to avoid me to meet him?
I try to keep my cool, but my stomach is shaking with tension.
"That's my own business, Professor. I don't have to answer to you.
Harris takes a step toward me, and I take an involuntary step back.
— You think you can play with me?" That you can choose who to date and who not to date? I won't let you walk away from me so easily!
His voice is harsh, almost threatening. I can feel fear mixed with anger:
— You can't tell me who to talk to!" I am a free person and I decide what to do!
Harris takes another step closer, and I push my back against the wall. His face is too close, and I can feel his breath on my skin.
"A free person, you say?" What if I prove you wrong? That your "freedom" is just an illusion that I can destroy at any moment?
I look into his eyes, trying not to let my fear show.
— Are you threatening me?"
"You could say that," Harris says wryly. — You think your little secrets are hidden from me?" I know more about you than you can possibly imagine. And if you don't stop seeing David, I'll find a way to remind you who's in charge here.
I clench my fists, trying to keep the tremor out of my voice.
"You can't break me, Harris. I won't give up!
He looks at me with a strange glint in his eyes, as if enjoying my resistance.
"We'll see about that, Emily. We'll see more...
With that, he steps away from me and points to the door.
"Go away. But remember my words.
I rush out of the office, barely able to hold back my tears. My heart is pounding like crazy, and my head is whirling with thoughts. What will happen now? Can I resist his rage and protect my feelings for David?
Back at the dorm, I share my feelings with Sarah:
"Sarah, Harris knows about my meetings with David! He was furious and threatened me...
Sarah looks at me sympathetically.
"Emily, this is serious. Harris is not one to back down. You need to be more careful.
I nod, but deep down I know I can't give up on David. Even if it puts me in danger.
Still, I'm still afraid of Harris. I'm beginning to realize that confronting him can have unpredictable consequences. But I'm not going to back down either. After all, not only my feelings are at stake, but also my dignity, my freedom of choice.
I lie awake for a long time at night, thinking about how to continue building my relationship with David and how to stand up to Harris. And every time I close my eyes, I see his eyes blazing with rage...
Since Harris found out about my meetings with David, the atmosphere at the university has become tense. Every time I see Harris, I get a strange feeling — a mixture of fear and annoyance. But I'm not going to back down.
At one of the lectures, Harris again lets me know that he hasn't forgotten our differences. He asks me a difficult question, clearly hoping that I won't be able to answer it. But I'm ready: I've studied the material thoroughly and I'm determined to prove that it can't break me.
"Emily, tell us about the theory we discussed in the last class," Harris says, a hint of mockery in his voice.
I stand up and start answering, trying to keep my voice steady and confident.
— The theory we studied involves..."
As I explain my thoughts, Harris watches me closely, as if trying to find the slightest slack. But I try not to show my excitement. When I finish, the audience falls silent. Harris nods slowly.
"Not bad, Emily. But you still underestimate the complexity of the topic.
His words sound like a reproach, but I don't let myself get lost.
— I try to take all aspects into account, Professor. You may think that the topic is complicated, but with proper attention, you can understand it.
Harris narrows his eyes, and there's something sinister in his gaze.
"You're overconfident, Emily. Remember that I will always find a way to put you in your place.
After the lecture, I hurry to leave, but Harris stops me.
"Stay a moment, Emily.
I freeze, but I walk over to him anyway. He looks at me so intently that a shiver runs down my spine.
— Your relationship with David is a mistake. You don't know what you're getting yourself into.
"My relationship is my own business," I say firmly. — I won't let you tell me who to talk to."
Harris leans closer to me, and I can feel his breath on my face.
— You'll regret your stubbornness, Emily. I'm not used to rejection and I'm not going to back down.
I look him straight in the eye.
— Then you will have to face my determination and perseverance, Professor. I won't give up without a fight.
With that, I turn around and walk away, my hands shaking. But at the same time, I'm growing more confident that I need to protect my feelings and my right to choose.
Later, I share my feelings with Sarah:
"Sarah, did you see the way Harris looked at me today?" It's like he's ready for war.
Sarah frowns.
"Emily, are you sure you should continue this relationship with David?" Harris is not one to back down easily.
I squeeze her hand.
— I know, but I can't give up on David. He's... he's more than just a hobby to me.
Sarah looks at me sympathetically.
— Then you need to be more careful. Harris is capable of many things, and his rage can turn against you.
I nod, but I know deep down that I'm willing to take any challenge for the sake of my feelings. Even if it means getting into an open confrontation with Harris.
As the days go by, the public confrontations between Harris and me become more frequent. Each time we exchange sharp words, and each time I can feel the tension in the air getting tighter. But I don't give up — I have to prove that I have the right to make my own choice, even if it goes against Harris's wishes.
However, in my heart of hearts, I'm beginning to realize that this game can have unpredictable consequences. And it is not known who will come out of it the winner...
My relationship with David is getting closer and closer, and every moment we spend together is like a breath of fresh air in the midst of a raging storm that Harris has created. But at the same time, I can't stop thinking about the professor and what our confrontation will lead to.
Today, David took me for a walk in the university park. We are sitting on a bench, surrounded by the golden leaves of autumn, and I feel happy and free. But even here, in this quiet corner, I can't stop thinking about Harris.
David takes my hand.
"Emily, I want to be with you. Do you understand that this is serious for me?
I look at him, feeling my heart sink with tenderness.
— I want to be with you, too, David. But ... you do understand the situation I'm in because of Harris, don't you?
David frowns slightly.
"Yes, I know he's dangerous. But you don't have to be afraid. We will find a way to solve this problem.
His words sound so confident that for a moment I forget all my worries. But then reality hits me again.
"It's easy to say' we'll find a way.' Harris is not one to back down. He was already threatening my academic performance and reputation.
David pulls me closer.
"Then let's be more careful. But don't let it ruin our happiness.
I snuggle up to his chest, inhaling his perfume.
— You're right. But I'm scared...
He kisses my forehead.
— I'll be right there." No matter what happens, I'll be there for you.
These words give me a little peace of mind. I close my eyes, savoring the moment, but deep down I know it's just a respite before the next round of events.
Later, when we're alone in my room, my senses take over. Our kisses get hotter, our hands wander over our bodies, and I'm lost in the sensations. In that moment, I forget about Harris, my fears and doubts. There is only David and his love.
His whisper burns my skin.
"Emily, you're everything to me..."
I answer him in the same whisper.
— And you for me..."
Our bodies are entwined in a single rush, and I can feel the fire burning inside me. It's not just a passion — it's more than that. This is a confession of my own feelings, a turning point in my life.
Afterward, lying in his arms, I realize that my relationship with David will never be the same. Although there are still many challenges ahead, I am ready for them. I am ready to fight for my love and for my happiness.
But I know in my heart that Harris won't leave me alone. His rage and desire to control everything around him will not allow him to retreat. And I must be prepared for new encounters, for new challenges.
When David leaves, I lie awake for a long time, staring at the ceiling. Thoughts swirl in my head: about David, about Harris, about my choice. And I know that no matter what happens, I will not back down. I will fight for my right to happiness.
But Harris ' shadow still looms on the horizon, a reminder that the standoff is far from over...