The Secret Affair

Chapter 4

“Meredith!” Mike called out, his footsteps quickening as he approached her. She paused at the threshold of the lecture hall.

“Hey, Mike.” He reached her and planted a gentle kiss on her cheek. “Are you all set for today’s class?”

They slipped into the room just as William was about to kick off the lesson. His piercing grey gaze landed on them as they settled into their usual spot, Meredith’s hand nestled comfortably in Mike's. A frown creased his brow.

“I trust everyone has reviewed the notes I posted online. Today should be a breeze.”

Mike ripped off a small scrap of paper and scribbled a note.

“Who can enlighten me on the principles of business?” he asked, slipping the tiny note into Meredith's palm.

A sea of hands shot up, but the most animated among them was a blonde girl perched in the front row, radiating excitement. Meredith, blissfully oblivious to William's gaze piercing through her, unfolded her paper and beamed like a sunrise.

“Ms. Adams,” the rich baritone voice cut through the air, prompting her to snap her attention forward. “Care to enlighten the class on what could possibly be more captivating than my lesson?”

As the words hung in the air, Meredith felt her heart race, pounding like a drum in her ears, while a warm blush painted her cheeks a vivid crimson. All eyes were on her, a spotlight illuminating her moment of vulnerability.

“Hey, I’ll be right here waiting for you,” Mike said, his voice steady as he faced Meredith.

“No need,” she replied, a hint of shyness lacing her words.

Mike could sense the tremor of fear within her, an unspoken weight hanging in the air. He realized that no comforting words could ease her anxiety. He lingered for a moment, seconds stretching into eternity, before finally turning away.

Left alone in the corridor, Meredith took a deep breath and began her slow journey toward William's office.

PROF. HUDSON

The name on the door caught her eye, and with a gentle resolve, she tapped four times.

“Come in,” came the familiar deep voice from within.

Meredith closed her eyes for a fleeting moment, inhaled deeply, and hugged her bag to her chest as she stepped inside.

William was lost in a whirlwind of thoughts, scribbling furiously in his notebook. She made her way to his desk, standing there like a statue while he continued to write, oblivious to her presence. Frustration bubbled within her.

“Good af—”

“You can take a seat,” he interrupted, still engrossed in his writing.

“I’ll be quick. I assume your boyfriend is waiting for you outside.”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” she shot back, her frown deepening.

“Oh, does he know that?” he put his pen on the notebook.

"You and your boyfriend cannot share notes in my class. You have all the time in the world, but my class is my time. Do you understand?"

Meredith sat frozen, her eyes locked on William's, as he lectured her. But his words barely registered; she was reeling from the realization that he didn't remember her.

How could he not remember? she thought, her eyes stinging with tears.

"Have I made myself clear?" William's voice cut through her thoughts.

Meredith nodded hastily, desperate to escape the suffocating emotions. "Yes."

"Good. You may leave now." William's dismissal was like a slap in the face.

Meredith rushed out of the office, tears forming in her eyes. The cool air hit her like a slap, but she welcomed the distraction from her anguish.

As she walked, the sky grew darker, and the first drops of rain began to fall. Meredith quickened her pace, but the rain soon turned into a torrent. She hugged her bag close and kept walking, the rain masking her tears. She hugged her bag close to her chest with both her arms and increased her pace. It was probably just a one night stand. Why would he remember me?

Just as she thought things couldn't get worse, she heard a familiar voice behind her.

"Meredith, get in the car."

She froze, her heart racing. Is William following me?

The voice came again, softer this time. "Get in the car, or you'll catch pneumonia."

Meredith hesitated, then opened the door and slid into the warm, dry interior. William's eyes met hers in the rearview mirror, and for a moment, they just stared at each other.

As they drove, the silence between them grew thicker, like a fog that refused to lift.

Finally, William spoke up. "What were you thinking, walking through all that rain?"

Meredith shrugged, her voice barely above a whisper. "I couldn't catch a bus."

William's tone softened. "You could have simply asked."

Meredith's eyes flashed with anger, but she bit back her retort.

“Should I keep going straight?" The gentle tone was back.

“Yes," she responded in a low voice. Silence followed.

As they pulled up to her apartment building, Meredith thanked William and opened the door.

“Wait,” William hesitated. She wondered what he wanted to say… does he…?

“I'll walk you. I have an umbrella." he said, opening a large umbrella.

Meredith nodded, feeling a flutter in her chest. As they walked to her door, the silence between them grew more intense. This feels wrong, William thought to himself.

When they reached her apartment, Meredith turned to face William. For a moment, they just looked at each other, the air thick with unspoken emotions.

"Your boyfriend shouldn't let you walk in the rain," William said finally.

Meredith's heart skipped a beat. "He's not my boyfriend."

William's eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, Meredith thought he saw a flicker of recognition.

"Perhaps some coffee?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "For making your car wet, of course."

William's face softened, but he shook his head. "No, I need to get home."

Meredith nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment. "Thanks again."

William nodded and waited for her to get in before he walked to his car. He put his wet umbrella in the back seat before he sat in the driver's seat, leaned on his palm and rubbed his eyes with his fingers. Meredith Adams. He tapped on his dashboard thoughtfully. William, don't. But he knew he would.