Chapter Sixty-Eight

Marcella watched through tear-stained eyes as Professor Lucas stood near the doorway, preparing to leave. A distant part of her acknowledged that under different circumstances, she would have been ecstatic at the prospect of being in such close proximity with him but in that moment, the emotions from her recent loss overshadowed any other feelings.

As the words tumbled out of her mouth begging him to stay, she felt embarrassed at showing such vulnerability and had an apology ready at the tip of her tongue before he surprised her by returning to settle on the couch beside her. He pulled her in towards his chest and she snuggled closer, grateful for the comfort. She didn't know why she had such faith in him but she was sure he wouldn't take advantage of her in her vulnerable state.

She still didn't understand how he knew to come to the apartment complex but she had felt as if she could finally breathe when she had seen him; almost as if her pain had been halved just by his mere presenc