Chapter 84 Leading Them Astray
Whether it was Teresa's striking beauty that captivated everyone's attention or her profound professional expertise that made her lectures so engaging and lively, she was undeniably outstanding. Every student hung on her words, highly responsive to her questions; even the Department Head and visiting lecturers were drawn into her world, let alone the students and Gabriel, who was sitting at the very back of the room.
Watching Teresa on stage, radiant and brimming with confidence, was a sight to behold. Every smile, every gesture, was enchanting. No one knew how much Gabriel adored her and yearned to rush to the podium, embrace her passionately, kiss her without a care, and declare to everyone that Teresa was his wife.
But recalling their agreement not to distract each other, Gabriel contained his excitement and hormonal surges, holding back despite his overwhelming urge to act.
The fifty minutes zipped by in the blink of an eye. As soon as the bell rang, Gabriel took out his phone to call Teresa. But before he could get through, a swarm of students rushed to the podium, encircling Teresa, making it impossible for him to reach her.
"You there," the Department Head approached Gabriel with a friendly smile while he was dialing. "Can I help you with something?" Despite the hat and mask partially concealing his identity, Gabriel's formidable presence and vibe were unmistakable.
The Department Head already surmised that he wasn't a student but had noticed the unwavering gaze Gabriel fixed on Teresa, prompting him to engage.
"I'm just here for the lecture," Gabriel replied, his demeanor cool and composed as he locked eyes with the Department Head.
Fearful of Teresa's wrath if she found out, he dared not admit he was Teresa's husband.
The Department Head nodded, took a seat beside Gabriel, and asked with a smile, "So, what do you think about Teresa's lecture?"
Noticing Teresa swarmed by a bunch of students, Gabriel realized he wouldn't be getting through to her on the phone anytime soon. So, he pocketed his cell and looked seriously at the Department Head. "I'm not too impressed."
The Department Head was momentarily taken aback, then burst into laughter. "Why's that? You seemed to be paying close attention and were quite engaged."
Gabriel raised an eyebrow, his expression sardonic. "My personal attention was on Teresa the person, not her lectures. Look at how many students, mostly guys, are flocking to her. I'd bet it's for her charm, not the lecture. To be frank, a young, attractive woman like Teresa might not be the best fit at the podium."
"Oh? And why's that?" the Department Head prompted, still amused.
Gabriel maintained his deadpan delivery. "She could distract the students, lead them astray, fill their heads with less than scholarly notions."
The Department Head couldn't help but laugh heartily. "Young man, you wouldn't happen to be Teresa's boyfriend, would you?"
Gabriel's eyebrows shot up, his response silent.
"I've always felt that Teresa's classes are truly engaging. Usually, students become fond of a course because they love the teacher, not the other way around. If Teresa stays on as a faculty member, I bet our students' German will improve by leaps and bounds." He continued to heap praise on Teresa as Gabriel remained speechless, apparently quite pleased with her.
Gabriel quirked an eyebrow, conceding. "That seems logical."
A bunch of wet-behind-the-ears kids couldn’t threaten him.
"Remember, young man, it's important to be generous-hearted. You should support your girlfriend's career." With that, the Department Head gave Gabriel a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
Gabriel remained speechless...
Just then, Gabriel’s phone began to vibrate in his pocket. It was a call from Finley Sackler.
Finley’s timing was great, knowing a lecture had just ended.
"Excuse me, I need to take this call," Gabriel said, as he stepped out of the room to answer the call.
Though surrounded by a throng of inquisitive students on the podium, Teresa's peripheral vision couldn't miss Gabriel leaving the room.
Was he really taking off?
Having planned to wrap up the lecture and head back to the Garcia’s residence with him, to take Croissant back to the Bennetts, Teresa had been missing their son terribly — it'd been almost two days.
Seizing the moment with the excuse of needing the restroom, Teresa slipped out of the classroom, only to spot Gabriel pulling open the stairwell's fire door and entering.
Was he truly leaving?
Teresa quickly followed after him.
"Clunk!" "Gabriel!"
As Gabriel paused halfway down the staircase to take the call in the silence, the fire door behind him burst open, and Teresa's unmistakable, melodious voice filled the space.
Joy flickered in Gabriel's mind as he turned around in surprise.
"Honey!" Spotting Teresa breathless and eager, Gabriel couldn't help but break into a grin, his eyes sparkling.
With a sidelong glance and a closed door behind her, Teresa walked towards him. "Can't you wait for me?"
"Wait for you?" Gabriel was momentarily puzzled.
Another sidelong glance from Teresa, "Yeah, wait till my lecture is over, so I can go with you to pick up our little."
Ignoring the persistent vibration of the phone in his hand, Gabriel pocketed the device, pulled down his mask, and with a sly smile asked, "And what's in it for me?"
"Just forget it then, and be on your way!" Teresa turned to leave, but then exclaimed, "Ah!"
She barely made a move when her wrist was seized, and with a startled cry, she found herself enveloped in a broad, warm embrace. Before she could react, Gabriel's other hand cradled the back of her head, pinning her against the wall and his lips captured hers with precision...
"Mmph!"
Eyes wide, Teresa squarely faced the magnified handsome features before her. She began to struggle, kicking and hitting.
