Chapter 3

3

Four years ago, I was invited back to the country to become a teaching assistant at Hudson University.

On my way to class, I suffered a sudden heart attack.

My hands shook as I fumbled for the medicine bottle in my pocket.

But I was too weak to twist the cap. In my panic, the bottle slipped and rolled away.

I had no strength left. I could only curl up on the cold ground, watching the life-saving medicine just out of reach.

I deeply regretted taking this shortcut through a deserted alley just to save time.

Just as I was giving up hope, Miles appeared.

I will always remember him wearing a crisp white shirt that day.

He looked down at me and asked softly, "Are you okay? Do you need help?"

I finally felt safe enough to pass out. The last thing I saw was his panicked face.

Miles was the one who saved me.

Later, as I watched him peeling an apple by my hospital bed, a phrase came to mind.

Peace and quiet.

He smiled and handed me the apple.

Seeing his gentle smile, my heart skipped a beat.

Miles frowned and said, "Today was the first day the new teaching assistant was supposed to show up, and I actually missed it!"

"You have to testify for me! Tell them I wasn't just late, I was being a hero!"

He pulled on my sleeve like a pathetic puppy.

My heart melted completely, and I immediately agreed to his request.

I even gave him my medical records so he could explain his absence to his advisor.

When he saw my name, Miles scratched his head. "Your name is exactly the same as the new teaching assistant's!"

I laughed. "What if I am that assistant?"

Miles laughed heartily. "No way! You look way too young to be a professor's assistant."

I just smiled and said nothing.

I had always been gifted, graduating university and finishing my PhD years ahead of my peers abroad.

Miles playfully demanded I make up for his mental distress. Looking into his bright eyes, I asked what he wanted.

To my surprise, Miles quickly pressed a kiss to my lips.

He looked a bit shy and said, "Your punishment is to become my girlfriend."

Seeing his bashful face, I heard my heart racing―a fragile heart thumping wildly in my chest.