Sophia was totally zoned out watching her variety show, not even noticing when the door opened.

The moment she saw William, her reflex was to launch the bag of chips straight into the air, then scramble to tidy up the mess in the living room.

She wasn’t even sure why seeing him freaked her out a bit.

Maybe because, besides being her husband, William was also a college professor.

And she, aside from being his wife, was still a student.

It was that instinctive, student-versus-teacher fear—like a mouse spotting a cat.

William didn’t say a word as he stood at the door, but the way he frowned at her frenzy said enough.

Sophia felt a little guilty.

William was the type who liked everything in its place—borderline OCD level. Their home was always spotless.

Meanwhile, she, as a girl who couldn't care less about tidiness, really did look kinda messy in comparison.

She rushed around straightening up the coffee table while William quietly changed his shoes and walked in from the entryway.

Sophia immediately stood up straight in front of the couch, bracing herself for whatever comment was coming.

William barely glanced at the now-clean table before his eyes settled on her. "Ease up on the snacks."

His tone? Sounded exactly like a dad giving life advice.

And honestly, that’s how Sophia felt, too.

But when it came to William, she chickened out. Couldn’t bring herself to be honest with him—or even talk much, really.

She just muttered a quick "okay" and silence filled the room.

They stood there, neither saying a word.

The only exchange? William’s gaze kept following her, while she stared down at her own toes.

"You didn’t go to campus today?" he finally asked.

Sophia instantly looked up, caught off guard like a student suddenly being called on in class—completely blank and wide-eyed.

Her expression made William chuckle. He tilted his head toward the sofa behind her. "Sit down."

After a second of hesitation, Sophia pressed her lips together and obediently sat down.Even though she'd mentally prepared herself, the second she actually felt William White getting close, the nerves still hit her like a truck.

Looks might be subjective, but William’s appearance? That was objectively, undeniably attractive. Full stop.

Still, no matter how ridiculously good-looking he was, pair that face with his keep-away vibe and the fact that he was a university professor, Sophia Jackson couldn’t help but get jittery around him.

“Sophia.” William tilted his head slightly in her direction.

Instantly, her back shot up straight like someone pressed a button, and she blurted out, “Present!”

William paused for a second, then let out a soft chuckle, the corners of his mouth lifting as he said, “Should I repeat the question?”

Sophia quickly shook her head like a rattle drum. “I went out this morning and came back not long after.”

She gave him a really basic rundown of her day.

It was her last semester of senior year now, and her main focus was internship stuff. Classes had only started yesterday—basically, they just took roll and dropped dates for the final exams and thesis defense, then left everyone on their own.

All three of her roommates had gone off for internships, and staying alone in that quiet dorm honestly creeped her out a bit—so she figured she might as well just come back here.

Right as she was debating whether to say more, William’s phone rang.

He gave a soft “Mm” in response to her earlier words, then got up and stepped out to the balcony to take the call.

The call went on as long as Sofia sat frozen in place.

She honestly felt like a student who had just answered a question in class and was too scared to sit back down without the teacher’s permission.

Since William hadn’t told her she could leave, she didn’t dare randomly wander around—not that she would in his apartment anyway.

William talked on the phone for maybe seven, eight minutes. When he finally turned around, even he looked surprised to see Sophia still sitting in the exact same spot, same stiff posture.

Ever since he'd started teaching back at Capital University last winter, all his lectures had been fully packed—it’s safe to say the guy had some charm.

But why was it that Sophia seemed absolutely terrified of him?

Still holding his phone, William walked back into the living room and asked, “I’ve got a gathering tonight. Want to come along?”