3: Lurking Wolves, Lingering Temptations

It took Arda a few seconds to make her decision, leaving the jewelry exactly where it was. She wasn’t sure whether it was a prank or something deeper, but wearing it seemed unwise.

Arda left the bedroom and walked down the corridor. All the doors to the other rooms were closed, a quiet stillness filling the house. As she entered the living room, she found Jacob seated at the dining table, his attention absorbed in the morning paper. A cup of coffee steamed in front of him.

Fresh from a shower, Jacob wore loose pajamas, and when he saw her, he smiled. Arda, however, met his smile with a pout.

“You promised to make me breakfast,” she reminded him, folding her arms. “You promised.”

Jacob chuckled, putting down his newspaper. “Calm down. You didn’t even say hi.”

“I’ll say hi when I see my breakfast,” she teased, stepping closer to the table.

“And here I thought living with you girls would be a breeze,” he groaned in mock despair. “People envy me, but if only they knew.”

“Drama king.”

He studied her briefly, his smile widening. “You look stunning, by the way. Luke is going to melt when he sees you.”

Arda blushed slightly. “Thanks, but don’t change the subject.”

“What makes you think your breakfast isn’t ready? Sit down.”

Reluctantly, but with a smile, Arda pulled out a chair and sat beside him, setting her backpack on the floor.

“Good girl,” he praised, before heading to the kitchen, whistling a happy tune. Moments later, he returned with a tray of toasted bread, scrambled eggs, and tea. He placed it in front of her with a wink.

“Smells delicious,” Arda said, her eyes lighting up. “Now, I can say good morning.”

Jacob laughed, returning to his coffee and newspaper. “Good morning to you too.”

“Where’s Karina?” Arda asked as she took a bite of toast. “At the gym?”

Jacob nodded. “Correct. As usual.”

“Figures,” Arda mumbled, digging into her food. After a few moments of silence, she glanced at him. “Anything interesting in the paper?”

“Apparently, there’s been an increase in howling sounds from the nearby forests. People think it’s wolves.”

Arda raised an eyebrow. “Wolves? That seems a bit...exaggerated.”

Jacob shrugged and handed her the paper. A headline read: Wolves on the Loose? alongside a picture of a large, snarling wolf. The article detailed increasing reports of eerie howls at night from the urban forests, with locals worried about potential attacks.

“Reporters can be so dramatic,” he commented.

“Agreed,” she muttered, pushing the paper aside.

Jacob stood up and stretched. “Well, I’ve got to get ready for campus. Good luck with your Project Supervisor today. I heard he’s tough.”

“Thanks,” Arda said with a small smile. She had plenty to say about Ray Willson but decided against it. “You too, Jacob.”

When Jacob disappeared into the house, Arda finished her meal and tidied up. Grabbing her backpack, she headed out the door.

Outside, the morning was cool, with faint rays of sunlight filtering through the clouds. It was shaping up to be a sunny day—perfect, she thought, given her choice of attire.

The street she lived on was quiet, lined with modest homes like theirs, each with a small gate and wooden fence. She walked to her car parked by the curb, a modest vehicle, but reliable. Sliding into the driver’s seat, she checked the time—8:20 a.m. She had plenty of time.

Arda’s drive through the suburban streets was uneventful. The city wasn’t bustling like the larger cities, but it had everything—a university, parks, libraries, and a steady flow of students, tourists, and locals. Thirty minutes later, she pulled up to the University of Homeland.

The campus was alive with energy. Freshmen wandered around, looking uncertain yet determined. Upperclassmen strolled confidently, and graduating students, like herself, appeared focused and tense. As she parked and made her way to the administrative building, Arda prayed for a smooth session with Professor Ray Wilson.

Arriving at his office, she knocked lightly and let herself in. Ray was engrossed in writing but looked up and smiled when he saw her.

“Good morning, Arda. You look amazing,” he said warmly.

“Good morning, sir.”

“Arda, we’ve been through this. It’s Ray when we’re alone.”

She smiled but said nothing, taking a seat opposite his desk. The room was large, filled with bookshelves and official portraits of important faculty. Ray’s easy-going demeanor put her at ease, but she remained wary.

“I assume you’ve picked a topic for your thesis?”

“Yes,” she said, pulling out her notes. “Bridal Ceremonies in Ancient Rome.”

Ray arched an eyebrow. “Interesting choice. Why?”

“I find it fascinating that Roman weddings influenced so many modern customs.”

He nodded approvingly. “Good reasoning. Interest is key. I’ll approve it.”

“Thank you, sir. I mean, Ray.”

Ray laughed softly, but his eyes turned serious. “You know, Arda, my door is always open for you. I want you, and you know that.”

The sudden shift in tone made her stomach tighten. “Sir—Ray, I have a boyfriend.”

Ray’s expression didn’t falter. “So what you’re saying is I’m too old for you?” he asked lightly.

“No, it’s just...you’re married, Professor.”

“Ah, yes. Marriage.” He leaned back, watching her closely. “But if I wasn’t married, would you consider me?”

Arda shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “Maybe...years ago.”

He smiled, a bit wistfully. “Would you consider a different arrangement? You know, I could be your sugar daddy. Financial care, no strings attached. You wouldn’t have to work those extra jobs. Just your company.”

It was tempting, she had to admit. Her life would become much easier. But something inside her resisted. She wanted more from life—independence, love, a future where she stood on her own two feet.

“I’m sorry, Prof,” she said quietly. “But I don’t want that. I mean, I don't want a sugar daddy."