CAVING IN TO HIS SEDUCTION

Chapter Two

SUSAN

I woke up with my heart brimming with excitement. It was an unfamiliar but welcome feeling. It was different from the usual mask of fake smiles I had to wear to conceal my inner turmoil. My happiness today knew no bounds, it was palpable and was evident to everyone at school.

Throughout my lecture today, I floated through all my classes, sharing laughter and joy with my colleagues and students. I was excited and anticipated the evening date I was to have with Henry. He had made a reservation at a fancy restaurant and I couldn’t wait to see him.

As I stepped into the faculty lounge, Lisa rushed to me. She leaned in with a smile and a raised eyebrow. “Susan, you seem especially radiant today. What’s got you so thrilled?”

“I don’t understand what you mean, Lisa. This is how I’ve always been, I guess you are just noticing it.” I said.

“This is different and I know it. There’s something that has got you really thrilled,” Lisa insisted.

I hesitated for a moment, not used to discussing my personal life at work. I thought of what to say and finally decided to keep my dinner with Henry a secret from her, opting for a white lie. “Oh, that is about a little project I’m working on. Work-related stuff.”

Lisa nodded, her eyes fixed on mine like she was searching for the truth. “Well, that sounds intriguing. If you need help with anything, you know where to find me.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you, Lisa,” I said with a smile.

We continued with our day, and my secret dinner date with Henry remained hidden even from my closest confidant at work. As the day progressed, I couldn’t shake the feeling of excitement, I was eager to see how the date would unfold.

Immediately school hours came to an end, I rushed home to make arrangements for my dinner date. I carefully selected my favorite sultry red dress and had my makeup done with extra care before arriving at the restaurant. I sat there gracefully as I waited for his arrival, my mind drifting towards the endless possibilities of our relationship being on track and a happy ever after with Henry.

Minutes stretched into hours and Henry hadn’t arrived yet. I resulted to dialing his number to find out where he might be but there was no response from him. My excitement turned into a worry. I gazed at my watch, wondering why he was so late. I tried to maintain my composure and decided to make an order, I held off ordering any food and instead opted for a bottle of wine to pass the time while I waited. The initial sips were meant to calm my nerves but as the hours prolonged, the wine began to take its toll on me.

It was over three hours and Henry hadn’t shown up, it was late into the night and I knew he had stood me up again. This wouldn't be the first time he would be doing something like this. The last time was during our fourth anniversary, I had prepared a surprise for him only to be stood up by him. This time I felt hurt and disappointed because I thought he was willing to put an effort into making sure that our relationship was back on track.

The disappointment and the alcohol had left me in a state of drunkenness. I couldn’t control my emotions any longer. My mask cracked and I began to make a scene at the restaurant.

“f**k you, Henry!” I yelled. “You don’t deserve me.” Letting all of my frustration out was the easiest way to ease my heart from the heartbreak I had to endure.

A young man approached me, his conduct calm and understanding. “Are you alright, Miss?” he asked calmly, his eyes filled with concern.

In my intoxicated state, I saw him as an intruder and a thief. “Get away from me!” I screamed, dismissing his offer of comfort.

“I’m only trying to help. You don’t look alright,” the compassionate young man said again.

“I don’t need your f*****g help!! leave me the f**k alone!” I bellowed.

The young man stared at me for a while before walking away. “Suit yourself then,” he said and left.

In anger, I grabbed my purse and stormed out of the restaurant before I created another scene. It was quite difficult to drive home this late in a sober state but I had no option but to hit the road. It was nearly midnight and was difficult to find a cab at that time.

I managed to make my way home where I continued to cry my eyes out. Henry still hadn’t responded to my texts or calls which angered me the more. Just yesterday, I had thought of us being together again like we used to be, savoring the ambiance of our love.

Memories of the good days made it difficult for the tears to stop rolling. I was heartbroken and wished I could heal from the pain I felt. I lay on my bed as the tears continued to flow freely until I drifted off.

The following morning, I arrived at the school later than usual, a little bit hungover from last night's experience but as usual I carried myself with the aura of poise and confidence I was known for. My ability to conceal my pain and troubles was a talent I had honed over time and needed to be taught.

I carried my duties with a cheerful smile on my face but deep within me, my heart was heavy with sorrow and pain. I barely paid attention to what was discussed at the meetings, all I wanted was to be out of this environment where I could easily pour my heart out.

“I heard a new student would be joining us today. Can you introduce yourself? Whoever you are,” I said as I walked into the classroom to begin my lecture, my eyes fixed on my laptop.

“Good morning, Professor Campbell. It’s nice to see you again,” a deep husky voice said from the crowd.

“Again?” I thought. I raised my head to see who that was. My eyes locked on the young man who had offered his help the previous night. To my astonishment, he was the new student in my class, and my jaw dropped in disbelief.