Chapter 4 Seven Years

The girl's question piqued everybody's interest. This was supposed to be an academic lecture, but now all the students were curious about Gerald's personal life. The principal was a bit flustered. After all, the question was too personal. Assuming Gerald wouldn't respond, he contemplated changing the question. However, to his surprise, Gerald answered, "No, I'm not." "Mr. Higgins, do you have a girlfriend?" Another bold girl shouted. With an indifferent look, Gerald picked up the microphone and answered, "I used to have one. But I broke up with her recently." Rosalynn froze for a moment, not expecting to learn about Gerald's love life at an academic lecture. It was understandable that Gerald might have had girlfriends; after all, he was almost thirty. That bold girl was even more curious, "Do you want a new girlfriend?" Gerald cast his gaze into the distance. It seemed he was staring at Rosalynn. Rosalynn felt his gaze. She anticipated his answer. Gerald answered the question with a look of deep affection, "No. My last girlfriend and I were together for seven years. I can't move on that easily." His voice was still icy. The smile on Rosalynn's face froze. Seven years? Somehow, she felt Gerald must have gone through a lot with his last girlfriend, despite his current composed demeanor. Later, Nathan had a Q&A session, and Gerald left the classroom. Rosalynn left with a lot of questions on her mind. She wanted to go to the restroom to wash her face, but unexpectedly she ran into Gerald in the hallway. Gerald saw her, but he didn't want to talk to her. Rosalynn, however, cheekily reached out her hand and stopped him. Gerald looks down at her, his eyes unfathomable, "What do you want?" Rosalynn walked over and wrapped her arms around his waist. She said with a playful smile, "Uncle Gerald, I miss you." Gerald raised an eyebrow and lifted her chin, his tone as bland as ever, "You're quite flirty." A towering figure, he was. When his gaze met Rosalynn's, he inclined his head slightly, and then a chill seeped into his eyes. In moments of silence, Gerald seemed aloof yet elegant. However, once he started talking, his voice sounded gentle and affectionate. Rosalynn found his contrasting demeanor very attractive. "Uncle Gerald, I really miss you." She looked up at him with a loving gaze. Gerald smirked, his hand sliding down her back. Then he wrapped his hands around her waist and asked suggestively, "Do you miss me or the sex with me?" The most powerful catalyst for increasing intimacy and affection was sex. Rosalynn leaned into his arms. The two seemed inseparable. She whispered to him, "I miss both." Her voice was soft and coquettish, but Gerald discerned an ulterior motive behind her approach. She was a hypocrite. Gerald knew she was up to something, and he could tell that Rosalynn wanted more than just taking revenge on Nathan. This young girl had secrets. He held her waist and lowered his eyes to observe her pretty little face. Rosalynn met his gaze, a trace of affection revealed in those beautiful eyes. But now Gerald wasn't swayed by her at all. To be honest, he thought her moves now weren't as titillating as last night. She seemed a bit deliberate. Just when Rosalynn thought Gerald was going to kiss her, he pushed her away. He pushed her so hard that she almost fell. Gerald didn't care. He straightened his suit and spoke without mercy, "I'm not interested in you at the moment." Then he walked in the direction of the classroom. Staring at Gerald's retreating figure, Rosalynn felt provoked and she swore to herself with determination. "Gerald, just you wait," she whispered with a sly smile, "Soon enough, you'll fall in love with me and willingly become my pawn." Rosalynn regained her composure. She returned to the classroom and walked to Nathan's side. She greeted the principal with respect. The principal's eyes lit up when he saw Rosalynn, and he introduced her to Gerald with excitement, "Mr. Higgins, let me introduce you to my best student, Rosalynn." "She's a junior postgraduate student with exceptional academic and medical skills." Expressionless, Gerald glanced at Rosalynn and questioned, "Is that so?"