Chapter 1654
The office was brightly lit, with seven or eight teachers busily grading and tallying the final exam papers.
Audrey and Ethan were working together, their collaboration seamless. One would do the initial grading, and the other would review. They quickly finished a thick stack of papers and handed them over to the teacher responsible for recording the scores.
As Audrey reviewed the papers, she frowned. Many of them were riddled with errors, with students not following the instructions, answers all over the place, and a lack of structure. The essays were particularly problematic, filled with spelling mistakes, off-topic ramblings, or illegible handwriting.
Grading papers was always a significant physical and mental challenge for the teachers.
Suddenly, Audrey came across Kevin's paper. The initial score was 98, with the essay nearly perfect. She read through it; the writing was simple yet focused, logically sound, and well-structured. Ethan's scoring was spot on.
"At least this guy didn't disappoint me," Audrey thought, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. Kevin was likely to be the top student in literature again. Depending on his performance in other subjects, he might even make it to the top ten in the grade, which would earn him a special reward.
But what should the reward be?
She had previously promised Tony and Albert rewards, but they were easy to please with some comic books or snacks. Kevin, however, would be harder to satisfy.
Initially, she had planned a special reward for the end of the semester, but it had been given out early. This reward had to be better than that, but she had already given Kevin everything, even anal. What more could she offer?
As Audrey pondered, Ethan stood up and stretched, saying, "I'm so tired. My back is killing me. Ms. Johnson, let's go for a walk. It's too stuffy in here."
"Alright," Audrey agreed, glancing at the teachers still busy tallying scores. They would need at least another half hour. She got up and walked downstairs with Ethan, strolling along the path in front of the office building.
They chatted about the exam and the upcoming winter break, but soon ran out of things to say, falling into a comfortable silence.
Ethan looked at Audrey, the woman who had captivated his heart. She was dressed stylishly today, with light makeup, arched eyebrows, expressive eyes, and flowing hair. Her fitted coat accentuated her curves, and her breasts swayed enticingly, making his heart race.
A sudden gust of wind made Audrey shiver. She stomped her feet and said, "It's so cold."
In that moment, Ethan felt an overwhelming urge to pull Audrey into his arms and warm her with his body.
But he didn't have the courage. He could only greedily admire her from a distance, feeling lucky to be able to talk to her like this.
"Ethan, do you have any plans for the break?" Audrey finally broke the silence, sensing the growing tension.
"Not really, just reading at home," Ethan replied. He wasn't the type to enjoy socializing and usually went straight home after work, much like Audrey.
"Reading is good. I like reading too," Audrey said with a smile. "But you're still single. You should focus on finding someone. I heard Ms. Garcia tried to set you up with someone, a new college graduate?"
"Oh, no," Ethan stammered, flustered. "Ms. Garcia was just joking. We chatted a bit, but nothing came of it."
"Why not?" Audrey asked, her tone serious. "You're not getting any younger. Ms. Garcia wouldn't set you up with someone bad. You should seize the opportunity."
Ethan looked at Audrey, thinking, "The person I want is you." But he said, "Ms. Johnson, do you think I should find someone?"
"Of course," Audrey smiled, showing her perfect teeth. "You don't want to be single forever, do you?"
"Alright," Ethan said, staring at Audrey's beautiful face, as if making a decision. "I'll give it a try."
By now, they had walked around to the back of the office building, arriving at the small garden. In the summer, it was a popular spot for students to date, but now it was barren and desolate.
"Let's head back," Audrey said, glancing at Ethan. She knew he had feelings for her, but she didn't feel the same way. Her heart belonged to Kevin, and there was no room for anyone else.
As they turned to leave, a shadow darted out from the garden, bumping into Audrey's leg. It was a black cat.
"Ah!" Audrey screamed, startled, and instinctively clung to Ethan's arm.
Ethan felt her soft, fragrant body against his, and a surge of desire overwhelmed him. He was at the peak of his sexual drive, with no girlfriend to release his pent-up desires. The sudden stimulation was too much, and he lost control, wrapping his arms around Audrey.
"Ah, Ethan, what are you doing? Let go," Audrey said, struggling. "Don't do this."
"Ms. Johnson, listen to me. I really like you. I've liked you since you first came to the school. You're the woman I want to marry. I know you're married, but I can't help how I feel. Seeing you every day makes me so happy. I even tried to transfer to West Stream Town to get away from you, but I couldn't. My world is meaningless without you. I love you so much."
Audrey's eyes filled with tears. She hadn't realized Ethan's feelings were so deep. He was one of her most trusted colleagues, especially during the dark times when rumors were rampant. He had always supported her, giving her strength.
Ethan was kind, hardworking, dedicated, and had a strong sense of justice. If she were a young graduate just starting at Sunset Valley High School, she might have fallen for him.
But life didn't work that way. Audrey bit her lip and said, "Ethan, don't be foolish. I'm not worth it. I'm married and almost thirty. There are younger, prettier girls out there for you."
"I don't care. I like mature women," Ethan said.
"Ethan, we can't. I'm married. I can't betray my husband."
Audrey didn't know what to say. At this point, words seemed useless. Ethan was too far gone.
"Ms. Johnson, I love you. I'll do anything for you. I want you. You're the perfect woman for me," Ethan said, his emotions pouring out. "If I don't say this now, I'll never get another chance."
"Ethan, stop," Audrey said, shocked by his intensity. She wanted to call for help but hesitated. If she did, Ethan's career would be over.
She remembered how Quentin had been fired and imprisoned because of her. People already called her a femme fatale. If Ethan got into trouble because of her, it would only make things worse.
"Ms. Johnson, your husband doesn't love you. Divorce him. I'll marry you and treat you well for the rest of your life."
Ethan felt like he was in heaven and hell at the same time, overwhelmed by his emotions.
Audrey closed her eyes, struggling with her feelings. Ethan's love was a heavy burden, one she couldn't reciprocate.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
