My Secret Billionaire Professor

Chapter One: Starting Over.

Belle’s POV

Here we go again. Another semester in this godforsaken university. It was just the beginning of autumn. Dried leaves filled the school grounds, and the air was cool and dry. I made my way to my first lecture of the day with a lack of enthusiasm. I had aced all my papers in the previous session. My dad was proud but I was more excited to be a step closer to getting the hell out of this shithole.

Walking into the lecture hall, my eyes immediately met with Danny’s. It was almost like he was waiting for me to walk through the entrance. We exchanged an awkward wave, then I headed straight to my regular seat at the corner.

I had AirPods in my ears the whole time because…why not? Our professor had not shown up yet, so I used the opportunity to continue studying.

“Always studying,” a text from Danny popped up on my phone. I looked over my shoulder to where Danny sat and smiled softly. He smiled back, pointing to his phone.

“Wanna hang out later?” he wrote.

I hesitated before responding. “No, I have to study. Sorry.” I didn't see it, but I know he was deflated and the smile on his face had disappeared.

“Could you stop avoiding me?”

I didn't respond. I turned the page in my textbook and continued studying. I didn't have time for this. Not again, I thought. With everything that happened last session, I was surprised I could keep my grades up. Impressed even.

Dad was also worried about me. I lost my mom and he, the love of his life. I studied still. I hated the pity party, so I threw myself none and did what I was supposed to. That was seven months ago. Dad and I were doing pretty okay. Everything was different, but not much changed. We still had our Friday movie nights. We had breakfast together when we were both home, which was very often.

I didn't like to stay in the hostel much. I only stayed when I had exams or I had been studying way too late. I loved to be home. It still smelled a lot like her. Sometimes I’d gather up some of her clothes, fold them neatly on my bed, and lie next to them. I missed her. I miss–

“What do we have here?” a high-pitched, familiar, annoying voice said, interrupting my train of thought.

Vanessa.

I rolled my eyes and then turned my attention back to my books. Did she stop? No, absolutely not.

“To be honest, I didn't expect to see you back here,” she said, leaning in to me. “After everything that happened last semester, I honestly thought you would drop out. I must say, I am impressed.”

So am I.

My music was loud, but not loud enough. I was about to turn up the volume when Dr. Carter walked in. he wore an expensive-looking pair of black pants with a white shirt tucked in neatly. “Hello, everyone. Let’s get settled, please,” he said in a cool, deep voice.

“Ugh!” Vanessa shrieked, bringing my attention back to her. “Stop drooling. It is disgusting.”

I maintained an impassive look as she walked away to her seat. I figured the only way I would survive the rest of my college days would be to go quiet, cold, and odd after what happened months ago.

Nonetheless, vanessa had always been a b***h, yet somehow she had managed to take it up a notch. I wasn't surprised that she was cruel to me. She hated my guts because of Danny. She wanted him. I bet she would go down on her knees, begging Danny, if that is what it took to be with him. That is, if she hasn't already done that.

“Okay, Ladies and gentlemen, how was your summer break?” Dr Carter said with a warm smile. I smiled back, warmth spreading through my chest. His blue eyes met mine, but I looked away immediately, my heart beating racing. When I turned my gaze back to him, he was still staring at me. He flashed me a small smile with an inaudible “Hello.”

I smiled back with a nod, flushed and red. Dr Carter was my Organic Chemistry Professor. He was also my dad’s very close friend, hence the warm greeting. Deep within me, he was much more than that.

Over the years, I had developed a liking for him. As I grew older, ashamed to say, it had intensified. It was my little secret. Even Danny didn't know. What can I say? He was…perfect?

He had a beautiful smile, and he always held great conversations with his dad and their other friends. He was tall with dark brown hair. His body was sculpted perfectly. Even now, as he stood at the podium, I could see his perfectly shaped arms and muscles. He was not just handsome, he was unfairly handsome.

He looked like something out of a dream. He had broad shoulders that made his shirt stretch just right, and his chest looked solid.

I sighed as I traced the outline of his neck to his chest. Vanessa might have been right about the drooling thing. It took me a while to realize that I ought to be listening to the lecture.

“Let’s start by looking at how carbon forms four covalent bonds—this is the foundation of almost every organic molecule you’ll encounter,” he explained, his body moving in a smooth rhythm.

"Here, carbon is bonded to four hydrogen atoms in a shape called a tetrahedron, which helps keep the molecule stable,” he pointed to the slides behind him.

I had already studied this during the summer break. I liked being ahead. This also means I had more than enough time to daydream.

What if he and I were all alone in this hall, our bare bodies in close contact? He is staring deep into my eyes. His strong hands are grabbing my waist as we sway in a rhythmic motion. What if–

My body jerked when I snapped out of it, causing my AirPods to fall off the table. The hall was quiet enough for everyone to notice. Vanessa threw me a disgusted look, and Dr Carter looked in my direction for a brief moment, still explaining.

Great, I thought. Just great.