Part 2I Won’t Marry You If You Refuse To Let Me Graduate

The moment we stepped out of the science building, Nadia, my senior lab partner, turned to me with deep concern.

"Iris, what were you thinking, trying to video call your boyfriend right in the middle of a meeting?"

Because I just found out Kevin is my online boyfriend, and I was losing my mind with excitement.

But looking back, it was incredibly risky.

I glanced around to make sure we were alone before lowering my voice.

"Nadia, do you think Professor Pendelton would ever date someone online?"

Nadia blinked, then let out a laugh.

"Are you serious? He's the department's untouchable, cold-hearted bachelor. He barely even talks to women. There's no way he's doing online dating."

Her expression quickly turned serious.

"Don't tell me you believed those internet rumors about confessing to your advisor to pass your thesis? Those are just fake stories for views, Iris. Don't fall for them. He's already frustrated with you. If you pull a stunt like that, you'll never graduate."

My heart sank.

I had thought I struck gold, but from Kevin’s perspective, it would look like deliberate harassment or revenge.

After all, I had made him call me "Mistress," ordered him to wear a chest harness, and demanded photos of his abs.

And just minutes ago, I had told him to do it for me.

Oh my god, it was so embarrassing, so terrifying.

He could never find out it was me.

I forced a calm smile. "I was just curious. I'd never actually do something like that."

Nadia sighed in relief.

Not long after I got back to my apartment, my phone buzzed. It was a message from Kevin.

[Baby, I'm free now. Should I do it for you?]

Oh, god.

The thought of Kevin, who was always so buttoned-up and severe in person, suddenly stripping down for me in private was overwhelming.

The contrast was wild.

More importantly, he was my advisor. I didn't dare push my luck anymore.

I replied: [No need.]

Kevin panicked instantly: [Why?]

[Am I not attractive to you anymore?]

[Or are you mad because I didn't do it right away?]

[No wonder you didn't accept the money.]

[Baby, I'm sorry. I really am. Please, just give me a chance to show you.]

Then came a video call request.

My heart fluttered with the ringing.

Maybe because he had just yelled at me so brutally, seeing him act so submissive and desperate gave me a twisted sense of satisfaction.

I wanted to make him squirm a little more.

I wanted to tease him, maybe even break things off after messing with him.

But then I looked at the $5,200 transfer.

Fine. I'd treat this like a job and keep playing along for now.

But a little humiliation was definitely in order.

I accepted the call.

As always, we kept our faces out of the frame by mutual agreement.

"Baby? Are you mad at me?"

His deep, smooth voice drifted through the speaker.

I had never connected it to Kevin before, but now that I knew, the resemblance was unmistakable.

Afraid he might recognize my voice, I typed my response: [Not mad. Go ahead, I'm watching.]

Kevin let out a breath of relief. His tone turned eager.

"Okay. I'm starting now."