When he turned, Sandra's face suddenly flushed pink. Realizing his blunder, he swiftly changed topics. "No backing out now—you promised to treat me."
That was his way—always putting others first, even when a thousand doubts and frustrations churned within him.
But the bitterness in his heart? That was his alone to bear.
This was the silent loneliness of men like him.
Sandra matched his stride. "What brings you to our school today?"
"Taking care of some formalities."
"What kind?"
"Onboarding paperwork for my new position."
"Wait—you're joining the faculty?"
"Yes. Though I never expected you'd already left." The family business never interested him. Even after returning, he'd declined any position at their company.
He preferred the uncomplicated world of academia. When he'd seen th
