CEO loves me with all his soul.-Chapter 44. Professor’s call

Adrian sat by the window in the living room, sunlight filtering through the curtains and casting a warm glow on his face. His hand absentmindedly rested on his growing stomach, which now showed a soft, rounded curve—evidence of the little life developing inside him. He smiled softly, feeling a strange mix of joy and apprehension. His world had shifted so dramatically over the past few months, and he was still trying to find his balance.

Suddenly, his phone buzzed on the table beside him. Picking it up, he glanced at the screen and saw an unfamiliar number. Hesitant but curious, he answered.

"Hello?"

"Adrian? It’s Professor Li," came the familiar, deep voice on the other end.

Adrian’s heart skipped a beat. His professor from the university. He hadn’t heard from him in so long—after everything that had happened, school had been the last thing on his mind.

"Professor Li! It’s good to hear from you," Adrian said, forcing a smile into his voice, though a sinking feeling began to spread in his chest.

"I’m sorry to call you unexpectedly, but I have some news. I’ve been reviewing the records, and unfortunately, due to your extended absence, the university has decided to cancel your admission. I wanted to inform you before you heard it from someone else."

Adrian’s breath caught in his throat. He had expected something like this, but hearing it confirmed felt like a punch to the gut. He blinked, his mind scrambling to process what he had just heard.

"Cancelled..." he echoed quietly, the weight of the word sinking in. But after a moment, he drew in a deep breath and placed a hand on his belly, feeling the warmth radiating from within him. The life growing inside gave him strength.

He exhaled slowly and smiled, even though his heart ached. "Thank you, Professor Li, for telling me directly," he said, his voice calm and sincere. "I understand. And thank you for all the care and support you’ve given me throughout my studies. I’ll always be grateful for that. If life gives me the chance, I’ll come back to finish what I started."

There was a pause on the other end, as if the professor hadn’t expected Adrian’s calm response. "Adrian, are you sure there’s nothing I can do to help?" Professor Li asked, his voice gentle but concerned. "Your absence was so sudden. Is there something going on that I should know about?"

Adrian hesitated, his fingers tightening slightly over his stomach. He had never been the type to share personal matters easily, but there was something about Professor Li’s concern that made him feel safe—like he could trust him. freēwēbηovel.c૦m

"I... I’ve been going through a lot, Professor," Adrian admitted softly. "It’s not just about the absence. I’m pregnant, three months along now... and I’m married."

There was a long silence on the other end. Adrian could almost imagine the shock on Professor Li’s face, the surprise radiating through the phone.

"You’re... married?" Professor Li asked, disbelief lacing his words. "And you’re... pregnant? Adrian, this is... quite unexpected."

Adrian chuckled softly, rubbing his stomach gently. "I know, it’s a lot. But I’m happy, Professor. Things have been chaotic, but... I have a good husband, and we’re building a life together. It’s not what I planned, but I wouldn’t change it."

Professor Li was quiet for a few moments, as if absorbing everything Adrian had just said. "I always knew you were special, Adrian. You were my star student, you know that? I had high hopes for your academic future, but hearing this... I have to say, I’m impressed. You’ve faced more challenges than most people your age, and yet here you are, handling it all with grace."

Adrian’s heart warmed at the words. It had been a long time since anyone had praised him for something other than surviving through chaos. His fingers tapped lightly on his belly as he listened.

"Thank you, Professor. That means a lot to me."

"Are you sure there’s nothing we can do?" Professor Li pressed, still concerned. "Your talent shouldn’t go to waste, Adrian. You’ve always had such potential."

Adrian felt a lump form in his throat, touched by the professor’s words. He had worked so hard in his studies before his life had been turned upside down. The thought of abandoning that part of himself hurt, but it was no longer his priority.

"I appreciate that," Adrian said softly. "But right now, my focus has to be on my family and this baby. Things have been... complicated at home. I can’t promise I’ll be able to come back anytime soon."

Professor Li paused for a moment, then spoke carefully. "What if I offered to suspend your studies instead of cancelling them? The university allows up to two years of academic suspension for special cases. I could arrange that for you. It would give you time to focus on your personal life, and when things settle down, you can return without starting over."

Adrian’s eyes widened, a wave of relief and gratitude washing over him. "Suspend... you could really do that?"

"Yes, Adrian," Professor Li replied, his voice firm but kind. "You’ve earned it with your hard work. If anyone deserves a second chance, it’s you."

Adrian felt tears prick his eyes, though he tried to blink them away. "Thank you... thank you so much, Professor. I don’t know how to repay you for this."

Professor Li chuckled lightly. "There’s no need for repayment, Adrian. Just promise me that when you’re ready, you’ll come back and finish what you started. The world could use more students like you."

Adrian smiled, his heart swelling with gratitude. "I promise, Professor. I’ll come back. And when I do, I’ll make sure I make you proud."

"I have no doubt about that," Professor Li said warmly. "Take care of yourself, Adrian. And congratulations on the baby. You’re going to make a wonderful parent."

As the call ended, Adrian stared at his phone, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. He had been given another chance—a chance to pause and take care of himself and his growing family without giving up on his dreams entirely. He let out a deep breath and smiled, placing both hands on his belly.

"You hear that, little one?" he whispered to his unborn child. "We’re going to be okay. I’ll take care of you, and one day, I’ll finish what I started. But for now, you’re my priority."

The baby seemed to respond with a gentle flutter, and Adrian laughed softly, his heart full of warmth and hope. For the first time in what felt like ages, he didn’t feel overwhelmed. He felt in control.

Just then, the front door creaked open, and Adrian looked up to see Ethan walking in, his suit jacket slung over his shoulder, a tired but loving smile on his face.

"You look like you just got some good news," Ethan remarked, crossing the room to place a kiss on Adrian’s forehead.

"I did," Adrian replied, grinning. "The professor called. My admission was cancelled, but he offered to suspend my studies for two years instead. I can go back when I’m ready."

Ethan’s smile widened as he sat down next to Adrian, his hand automatically finding its way to Adrian’s belly. "That’s amazing, Adrian. I’m so proud of you."

Adrian leaned into Ethan’s shoulder, feeling the strength and love of the man beside him. "I’m proud too," he said softly. "I didn’t think I could handle everything, but with you by my side... I think I can."

Ethan kissed the top of his head.

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