Chapter 3

Everyone suddenly realized.

"Oh, yeah, there's a rule like that."

"Right, Professor Alistair wouldn't do something like that, would he?"

"Derek, seriously, stop talking nonsense. What if someone from another class hears and reports Professor Alistair?"

Derek snorted, trying to justify himself.

"I never said you guys were in a relationship! Just a bit of fun, that doesn't violate school rules, does it?"

"Fun my ass!"

I couldn't hold back my anger anymore.

I looked around, grabbed a water bottle from a desk, and threw it hard at Derek.

Derek yelped in pain, falling off the desk he'd been leaning against. He furiously pushed me back.

"Are you insane?!"

"I don't have a 'no hitting girls' rule!"

He clenched his fist, ready to hit me, but other guys quickly pulled him back. Seeing things escalate, people rushed off to get Professor Alistair.

On the way, Professor Alistair had already heard the whole story from Ryan. He was also furious.

"What's all this nonsense?!"

"Hazel came to see me yesterday about her scholarship, not your ridiculous fabrications!"

Derek was scolded into submission, hanging his head.

Professor Alistair told everyone to stop spreading rumors, warning that it would reflect poorly on the university.

"I have a girlfriend, you're all just kids. Don't believe every whisper you hear and get me fired."

Professor Alistair brought Derek and me to his office. But as soon as the door closed, he frowned and glared at me.

"What's your beef with Derek?"

"I know him. He wouldn't do something like this without a reason."

I stared at him, stunned.

"What do you mean, 'without a reason'? He's spreading lies about me! Is that my fault?"

Professor Alistair crossed his arms, his expression stern.

"Why would he single you out and not someone else?"

"Sometimes, you need to reflect on your own actions."