The King's Heiress

5: A father figure

Carlisle’s POV

I exited the room and walked straight to where I knew I could find my former professor. After a minute of walking, I spotted him sitting on one of the benches behind the building. I smiled as I made my way over.

“Hey! I’m done with them,” I said, taking a seat beside him.

“Really? How did it go?” he asked, pausing from what seemed like revising his lecture notes.

“I don’t think they were that interested in my lecture—except for one girl. Though she didn’t ask anything directly related to my topic, at least it was still business-related.”

“That must be Kei. She’s always eager to learn, even if her curiosity sometimes goes beyond my lessons,” he chuckled, making me smile.

“I can see that,” I replied simply, looking at him.

“She reminds me of someone I know very well,” he said, giving me a knowing look.

“Was I like that?” I asked, surprised.

“You were. But seeing you now, I know I’ve helped you in some way,” he said, patting my back.

“When I first heard you were coming, I was nervous. I didn’t know what kind of face to make, or if you’d even remember me,” he admitted with a trace of sadness.

His words hit me. How could I forget him? He was the only one who treated me like a normal student—exactly what I had wanted. When I was admitted here with my mamina, she introduced me by my real identity, so the entire faculty knew who I was. But despite that, he never treated me differently. He scolded me like any other student, especially when I purposely asked questions outside his lesson plan. And I liked it. Growing up without my father, he became something of a father figure to me—a mentor who didn’t hesitate to put me in my place and teach me what I needed to learn.

“I could never forget you. I was just busy these past few years. As you know, I took another course and quickly took over my father’s company. I’m sorry it took me this long,” I said, my gaze apologetic.

“I don’t mind. I’m just happy you still remember me. And seeing you now, living the way I imagined you would, is enough. I’m glad I got to see you before I retire,” he said with mixed emotions. His eyes held a trace of sadness, but his smile was genuine.

“Finally, you’ll have time to spend with your grandchild instead of looking after other people’s kids,” I said, truly happy for him. He hadn’t been able to be a father to his own son, but now he had the chance to be a real grandfather.

“You’re not that young anymore, but you’re not too old either. Your grandma and parents must be wishing for grandchildren too. And I wish for that as well—for you to find your other half and have a family of your own,” he said with a smile.

“I’ll try my best in that aspect. You know I’ve never chased a girl before. I was always focused on my studies and now the company. Instead of winning over one, I might end up chasing all of them,” I joked, making him laugh.

We soon said our goodbyes, and I promised him that if I ever got married, he would be at my wedding.

As I walked to the parking lot, I stepped into my car and started the engine. Driving out, I caught sight of a familiar figure. A refreshing side profile, dressed in black—a black shirt, backpack, jeans, and sneakers.

“How much does she love black?” I mused, slowing down my car so she wouldn’t notice me. My engine tended to roar at times, and I didn’t want to startle her.

I really liked looking at her, didn’t I? I found myself staring again. She was petite, with curves in all the right places. Not that I cared about that. What I liked most was the way her hair bobbed up and down with every step she took.

I was smiling to myself when my phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, I answered immediately.

“Mamina!” I greeted, my voice a little too cheerful.

“When will I be able to meet her and have my great-grandchildren?” she asked, catching me off guard.

“Shouldn’t that be grandchild, not grandchildren?” I asked, just to make sure I heard her right.

“It’s a girl. You’ve never been this happy, not even when I make your favorite egg pie. There’s no need to hide it, sweetheart. Boys only sound this happy when they get their favorite toy, their favorite food, or when they find a woman. Just like your father,” she teased, making me speechless for a moment before I chuckled.

“I really can’t hide anything from you. I’m starting to get scared,” I joked.

She giggled on the other end. “Tell me all about her when you arrive. I’ll be there in half an hour. Laters, baby~”

I chuckled at her last words. She loved that line from Fifty Shades of Grey and had always reminded me to “be a gentleman and respect what a woman wants.”

Hanging up, I stepped on the gas, speeding up. Before I took off completely, I cast one last look at her—laughing beside her friend.

“I’m looking forward to seeing you again,” I murmured with a smile.