Chapter 30: Losing it All

James was about to give Lily a good response to her words when a few students giggled as they entered the classroom. They were surprised as Lily was so close to Professor James. But Lily, who did not want anyone to think any way of her, quickly stood up and adjusted herself. She looked at the classmates and smiled back at them before going back to her seat with her notebook. While James sat there feeling dumbfounded, he couldn't believe he had gotten into a situation like this. This was all Isabella's fault. 

Meanwhile, he was trying his best to make Isabella happy. She was still pushing herself away just because she wanted to be with Alex, Alex who wanted a break with her. What a foolish girl, James thought to himself. But after that, he soon began class, and of course, Isabella was late again. He did not know what else to do. She was now slacking, mostly in his class. Other students had also complained, and other lecturers had also complained about Isabella's step back in her academics, and he knew it was his fault. 

When each of the teachers got to have a conversation with Isabella, they gave James a good response, telling him that Isabella was now concentrating on her studies. But yet she was not making any sort of move with his own courses. It seemed as though she was taking advantage of the situation. She was given the chance to act however she wanted, to do whatever she wanted, and to come to class anytime she wanted because she knew James would never scold her wholeheartedly. 

James now felt like a total fool. He shouldn't have made the mistake of telling her that he loved her because telling her now that he loved her had given her such an upper hand. She felt like she was now the queen and she could do whatever she wanted. She could make whatever rules and laws she wanted for herself. Even though she did not have the authority to do something as stupid as that, she still was doing it because she was ready to go against his rules just to enjoy herself and just to have fun. 

She knew that Professor James would never fail her, or else things would happen. They had already made a deal that he would always make sure to give her a good score. But that was giving her a setback. He did not want to be the reason why her future got ruined. So as he wrote on the board, he made his final decision. He was going to have a one-on-one discussion with her and get to know why she was acting this way. And also, if possible, stop her from doing anything irrational that would affect her later on in the future. 

He thought to himself and concluded that was just the final option. He had no other choice and no other option but to do that. He soon concluded the class, and Isabella did not arrive just as everything ended. He went out of the class after everyone had left, only to see Isabella rushing towards the classroom. She stopped immediately when she saw him and knew that the class had already ended. She looked a bit depressed and sad but still kept quiet. 

“I am so sorry I was late. I was busy with my studies. I was so busy with it that I didn't even remember I had to attend classes. I already thought we had no classes today. I am so sorry. I didn't even go online to see on the platform that there was going to be a session today. I am so sorry,” Isabella pleaded. 

James looked at her and noticed all her eyes were bulging. He looked around, and when he saw there were no students, he put a hand on her arm and dragged her into his office. He made sure to lock the door as he sat her down harshly before going back to his seat. 

He looked at her for a while as she looked everywhere else but back at him. “Look here,” he commanded as she immediately glared at him. 

“I am sorry. I mean it. I know you might be thinking maybe I am taking advantage of our relationship, but I am not. I didn't even know that time had gone so far. I don't even know we were supposed to have your class today. I am sorry,” she pleaded. 

“Why are you doing this to me? Why are you mocking me this way? Yes, we have a sexual relationship together as a student and a teacher. And of course, you told me whatever we are having together you are doing it because you don't want me to fail you. And then coincidentally we fell in love with each other, and I understand. I see nothing offensive about that. In short, I love it, and I'm having the best time of my life in the whole of my life. But you are getting worse academically. You are getting worse, and yes, they're trying to improve for other students. But why aren't you doing it for me, James?” 

He slammed his hand on the table, making her even more scared. “I am trying my best, but there are a lot of things I have missed out on that I need to read on. Then I can come to yours. If I don't get the chance to come to yours, then of course you would help me and give me good grades. After all, I am not going to use the grades to do anything. I just need to give my mom a good grade,” she said, which made James even more furious. 

“That is the thing. You are sticking with me because you want to do great. So you are not making an effort? Was it because I said I had feelings for you? That was why you decided to take advantage of me this way? You decided to go against me, do whatever I don't want. You don't do what I want, but instead do the opposite of everything. Yet I keep silent and I watch you because I care for you and I want you to succeed. But you are making it get worse. You are unbearable now, and I can't take it anymore,” James said to her, pointing his hand at her. 

He continued, knowing she could not utter a word since she was absolutely wrong. “From today's front, whatever relationship we share, it has to be on the brink until after your exams. After your exams, we can do everything and anything you want. But for now, stick to getting better. Stick to getting the right result because if you don't pass my course, then I won't let you into my class anymore, and whatever we are doing together ends,” he warned. 

Isabella felt like she could not have control over her life anymore. Alex had put a hold on their relationship, and now he was also doing the same thing. He was also putting a hold on their secret sexual relationship just because she could not concentrate. Now she felt like Lily was right. She was going to lose in everything, and she never wanted that.