Chapter 11: Apology
Professor Lauren lived in a cozy little house not far from the university. The house was beautifully decorated, with plenty of flowers and plants around. It was clear that outside of her work, Professor Lauren enjoyed her life and surroundings. The neighborhood was quiet, with few neighbors, making it an Ideal place for recovery and research.
A few students had visited her recently, but she quickly sent them away. So, as Chloe walked with Wyatt to visit her, she was nervous. What if Professor Lauren also sent her away?
As they approached the entrance, Chloe heard the professor’s voice and her heart jumped with anxiety: Wyatt, on the other hand, walked right into the yard without hesitation.
Professor Lauren was sitting outside, reading the latest acc nic journal. Hearing footsteps, she put down her reading and adjusted her glasses to look up.
“Professor,” Wyatt greeted her as he approached.
Seeing Wyatt, Professor Lauren made to stand, but Wyatt quickly helped her
- up.
“You’ve been back for so long, but you didn’t visit me until now? You only came because you found out I was sick?” Her tone was slightly scolding, but her smile revealed her happiness to see Wyatt.
I’ve wanted to come earlier, but I was swamped with work. Now that I finally have time, I came straight away.”
Wyatt hesitated for a moment, glancing back at Chloe before continuing, “I didn’t come alone today. I brought someone with me.”
Professor Lauren’s interest was piqued. “Who did you bring?”
Instead of answering, Wyatt gently led her toward the entrance.
Chloe stood there, looking timid and nervous.
Professor Lauren was momentarily surprised to see Chloe, but her expression quickly shifted to a mixture of delight and feigned indifference.
Chloe, standing before her, couldn’t bring herself to speak.
“Why did you bring her here?” Professor Lauren’s voice was stiff, and she seemed displeased.
Hearing her words, Chloe nervously clenched her shirt. She had expected that seeing her would upset the professor, but she hadn’t anticipated such a cold reaction.
“Professor…” Chloe began hesitantly, but Lauren cut her off.
“I’m not your professor. When you decided to give up on your studies, I told you that if you left, we would no longer be teacher and student. So why are you here now?”
Those words had been said in the past, and hearing them again brought tears to Chloe’s eyes. In the next moment, she couldn’t stop them from falling.
“I’m sorry, Professor. I know that the choices I made disappointed you deeply. I’ve realized my mistakes
now.”
Professor Lauren remained silent, her expression still stern.
“Professor, I really know I was wrong. I hope you can give me another chance… or is there no chance left.
for me?”
Chopp 11 Applogr
From an outsider’s perspective, It was clear that Professor Lauren had already given Chloe a chance. If she hadn’t, she would have sent her away immediately.
“I thought you were hopeless,” the professor said, her tone softening. Chloe lifted her head in surprise.
“Do you know how long I’ve waited for this day? I’ve been waiting for you to come back to me for five years, but you never did. But the moment you decided to return, the opportunity was always there.”
Finally, Professor Lauren smiled, the familiar warmth Chloe had missed so much.
Unable to hold back anymore, Chloe rushed forward and hugged her tightly.
All the fear and anxiety she had carried melted away with that one embrace. Chloe had never imagined that the professor would forgive her so easily.
Jy, Chloe had almost become someone
Professor Lauren understood that for Chloe to stand before her now, confessing her mistakes, she must have endured a great deal of pain and hardship. Once d unremarkable. How could that not weigh heavily on her far more than she did.
ut Lauren knew that Chloe must have suffered
“Professor, I was so wrong…” Chloe said through sobs. There was so much she wanted to say, but at that moment, words failed her, and all that was left were her tears.
Professor Lauren gently patted Chloe’s back. She understood Chloe’s feelings completely.
For years, both Chloe and Lauren had felt there was a gap between them. But in this moment, they realized that no matter how much time had passed, the bond between teacher and student could never truly be broken.
Wyatt stood silently to the side, giving them space. Chloe had initially asked him to help smooth things over with the professor, but now it was clear that there was no need for that.
“I’ve started reviewing again. I’ve rented an apartment near the university, and I’m planning to apply for your graduate program this year. I won’t let you down again,” Chloe said after she had calmed down.
Hearing Chloe’s plan, Professor Lauren’s eyes lit up with joy. She hadn’t expected Chloe to return so determined and prepared.
“That’s wonderful! But are you sure? Have you really started studying again and preparing to apply for my program?” the professor asked, still wanting to be certain.
Chloe nodded. She remembered how, years ago, she had the opportunity to skip ahead and pursue her doctorate directly under Professor Lauren’s mentorship. But she had given up that chance. Now, she was determined to regain what she had lost, even if it meant working twice as hard.
“That’s excellent! You should have made this decision long ago, but it’s not too late now. If you want to apply, of course, I’ll give you the chance. You know, all these years, I’ve kept a spot open for you, waiting for you to come back. And now it seems like that spot won’t go to waste.
Professor Lauren’s voice was full of warmth, and Chloe felt a wave of emotion wash over her. She hadn’t expected that the professor had been waiting for her all along.
Chloe had suspected this when she heard the professor had only taken two students instead of the usual three. But hearing it from the professor’s mouth still left her deeply moved.
