I thought after my meeting with Bella, things would be calmer. I've had enough of Malik's drama and his approaching marriage. I just want my life back to normal.

But as it turns out, life always has a way of making things more complicated.

That day, I had just finished teaching on campus and was tidying up the files on my desk when a man walked into the lecturer's room. I didn't recognize him, but he seemed confident, as if his presence in this room was not unusual.

His hair is jet-black, a little messy, but still looks neat. A white shirt rolled up to his elbows revealed sturdy hands. As his eyes met mine, there was something in his gaze that felt... intimidating.

He walked over, standing in front of my desk. "Sorry, I'm looking for Ms. Ruby."

I raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. "I'm Ruby. Can I help you?"

The man gave a small smile. "My name is Adrian. I'm a new lecturer here in Law. I was asked to meet you to coordinate the teaching schedule."

So, he's a new coworker. I nodded slowly, trying to ignore the strange feeling that arose at the sight of her. "Oh, good. Please have a seat."

He pulled out a chair and sat across from me. "I heard you're one of the favorite lecturers here," he said casually.

I chuckled. "Don't believe the gossip. Students only like classes that don't have too many assignments."

Adrian smiled, but there was something behind his expression that was hard to guess. "In that case, I'm curious how you teach."

I looked at her for a moment. Her demeanor was confident, but not arrogant. Instead, there was interest in her eyes-whether in this profession or... something else.

Our conversation went on for quite a while, discussing many things-from class schedules to teaching experiences. But somehow, I felt there was more than just a professional chat here.

And for the first time since the drama with Malik, I felt like there was something new in my life. Something that could possibly take me in a different direction.

In the days that followed, I began to get used to Adrian's presence. As a new lecturer, he often asked this and that, and somehow, whenever he needed help, I was the one he always looked to.

"Ruby, can I sit here?" Adrian suddenly appeared in the lecturer's cafeteria while I was enjoying my morning coffee.

I turned my head, a little surprised. "Sure, go ahead."

He sat in front of me, placing his coffee cup on the table. "I see our schedules overlap quite often. Looks like we'll be working together a lot."

I smiled faintly. "It seems so."

He looked at me intently. "I heard you've been teaching here for a long time?"

I nodded. "Yes, it's been a few years."

Adrian leaned his body against the chair, his expression relaxed but thoughtful. "Interesting. I've always been curious about people who can stay in academia for a long time."

I chuckled. "So what?"

"Because not everyone has the patience to deal with students every day," he replied with a smile.

I just shrugged. "When you get used to it, everything feels easier."

Our conversation flowed effortlessly, making me forget about all the drama in my life.

However, the calm did not last long.

***

That afternoon, when I had just left the lecturer's room, someone stopped me in the corridor.

Bella.

I sighed, preparing myself for another drama to unfold.

"We have to talk," he said matter-of-factly.

I looked at him flatly. "I'm not interested."

"But I'm interested," she replied quickly. He leaned closer, his voice quieter but stressful. "I want you to stay away from Malik."

I snorted. "I've stayed away. I don't even care about her anymore."

Bella squinted, as if in disbelief. "Don't pretend, Ruby. I know you still have feelings."

I laughed sarcastically. "It's funny how you can think like that."

She leaned closer, almost whispering. "Look, I'm not going to let you ruin my wedding plans. Malik is mine, and I won't let the shadow of his past continue to plague him."

I looked at him sharply. "In that case, you should be more confident in your relationship. Because I'm not interested in going back in time at all."

Bella gritted her teeth, clearly dissatisfied with my answer. "Don't mess with me, Ruby. I won't let you ruin everything."

I smiled faintly. "Then, don't waste your time threatening people who don't care."

Without waiting for his answer, I stepped away.

I think that meeting was enough to close an old chapter in my life.

But as it turns out, Bella is not the type to give up easily. And I have a feeling, it's not over yet.

It's been almost two weeks since I last saw Bella. Thankfully, she no longer showed up with the tiresome drama. I could refocus on my work as a lecturer-and on my preparations for something bigger.

Today, I'm sitting in the lecturer's room, tidying up some documents that I'll need for my departure to Norway. I've just finished meeting with the college to make sure all the paperwork is in order. I'll be doing academic work there for one year. The opportunity I had dreamed of for so long had finally come.

"So, you're really leaving?" Adrian's voice broke my reverie.

I turned my head and smiled. "Yes, it's finally all settled. I'll be leaving next month."

Adrian sat on the chair opposite me, his expression hard to guess. "That's amazing. But... why all of a sudden?"

I sighed softly. "Actually, this isn't out of the blue. I've been proposing this for a long time, it's just that the time is right now. I need a fresh start."

She looked at me for a few seconds before finally nodding. "I understand."

I looked at her curiously. "Why, you don't look very happy."

Adrian smiled a little, but there was something in his eyes that was hard to explain. "Because I was just getting comfortable working with you, but now you're leaving."

I chuckled. "Don't worry, I was only there for a year. I'll be back."

"Still, it's long." She looked at me seriously. "I'll miss our conversations."

I didn't know what to answer. Adrian was indeed someone who was fun to talk to, and over the past few weeks, I felt comfortable around him. But right now, my life can't revolve around just one thing. I need to move on.

"Thank you, Adrian," I said finally. "I'll miss our conversations too."

She smiled, though there was a hint of sadness in it. "Then, before you go, how about we celebrate? I'll buy you dinner."

I thought for a moment before nodding. "Why not?"

Perhaps, before I leave, I can enjoy a little happiness without having to think about the past.