Academic Temptations

Chapter 45

She's gone.

I have been staring at the message request I received from Hailee Sy for thirty minutes now. The moment I read it, I wanted to run and look for her, but I didn't know where to go. I never received any update from Isla as soon as I left her house. I'm worried sick that I barely managed to get any sleep last night. She's been gone for a day, and no one knows where she went.

"Are you even listening to me, Corren Harriet?!" I flinched as my mom raised her voice. As soon as she found out about Isla and me, she barged into my office and started lecturing me.

"I've never meddled with your dating life, and you know that! You're into girls? I couldn't care less. I've let you do whatever you want and now all I ask is for you to behave and make sure this university succeeds. But what did you do? You haven't even become president yet and you've already messed it up!"

I can't be angry at my mom for telling the truth. She's not wrong though, I just mess everything up. I'm not upset about what she said because she's always like this when she's angry. I'm hurt because, once again, I've disappointed her and probably my sister too.

"I know I said you could date anyone you wanted, but seriously? Your student? And worse, my business partner?! Were you even thinking? Pharma-Co is threatening to pull out and sue you, and Campbell University. They're blaming you for their daughter's disappearance. So, if you know where she is, give her back to the Ledezmas."

"I am deeply disappointed in you. Your father has been too easy on you, and look what you've become. Talk to him and admit what you've done. Sort out this mess you've gotten into, or I'll have to give the university to someone else. And if that happens, forget about being part of this family. I've had enough of your nonsense," I let out a deep sigh as soon as she left my office. Her disappointment in me isn't anything new. I never wanted this in the first place, but my mom has devoted her whole life to this university. It's all she has. I also know how hard my sister worked to become president. But all their efforts might go to waste because of me.

I know that saving the university must be my top priority now, but all that's running through my mind is, where the hell is my girlfriend?

My phone buzzed again, so I checked it and saw another message from Hailee Sy

Dropout. 7 PM.

I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at how demanding she sounded, considering she was talking to her professor. But again, she's no longer my student, she's my girlfriend's cousin.

I glanced around my entire office, and despite all the furniture, it felt empty now that I couldn't see her burying her face in her books, writing equations with furrowed eyebrows, or giggling while scrolling through TikTok videos. Whenever she's here, I just take a look at her, and all the tiredness in me fades away.

I sighed as I felt my heart ache again. I decided to leave already and head to DropOut, even if it's still 6 PM. I guess I could already start drinking by myself.

As I walked through the hallways, I couldn't help but let my eyes search for her, for that red hair that always lights up my day. But there was no sign of her.

Isla, where are you?

I hailed a cab on my way to DropOut. I just got my Jeep back, but my mom confiscated my keys again. She acts like I'm still in high school, confiscating my stuff. I guess she has the right since it's basically their money.

"Thank you, sir," I said before getting out of the taxi. I walked towards the entrance of the bar and was about to head directly to the bar counter to order some drinks, but two familiar faces caught my eye. Hailee and Athea are already here, having some drinks as well. I decided to approach them so we could talk already.

Both of them looked stunned to see me, and Hailee even looked at her watch to confirm the time.

"I have nowhere else to go, so I thought I could come here early," I said, placing my bag down and taking a seat across from them.

"Listen, I have no idea where she is," Isla's parents think I have something to do with her disappearance, but I would never encourage her to run away from her parents knowing how it would make the situation worse.

"I know. You wouldn't be here if you knew," I looked at Hailee, surprised. I thought they called me here to interrogate me about Isla's whereabouts.

"Pinapunta ka namin dito para magtulungan. Did Isla mention any place she could go?" I tried to think hard of any places she could go. I've been doing it all last night, but she never mentioned anything. Isla hates traveling, that's what I know.

I shook my head in response, feeling ashamed because I felt stupid not knowing anything about my girlfriend.

"She never told me anything. She's not even returning my calls. The last time I talked to her was when I was at their house," I said. Hailee's eyes grew wide as if shocked by what I said.

"Wait. That's why they found out! Nakita nila kayo?" I proceeded to tell them what happened from the moment I woke up until Isla asked her driver to send me home.

"I never saw Tito this mad. I've heard what they plan to do. My dad tried to stop him, but he just kept making impulsive decisions."

"He has every right to be mad at me. I made the first move, and I'm older. I should have been more cautious and shouldn't have involved myself with my student," I knew the risks of our relationship, which is why when I realized I was starting to really like Isla, I tried to stop and pushed her away without knowing she was also feeling the same. When she said those three words, I lost it. I have never felt this way about anyone but her.

"What's done is done besides, it was mutual. Isla told us everything she felt about you. We just need to find her before Tito really does something."

"Why are you helping me?" They should be mad at me, but instead, they want to help me. I thought they were just being supportive of us because they had no choice.

"Isla has always been the perfect daughter, but she never seemed truly happy—except when she talked about you. I could see that you made her happy, and she really loves you. If I were her, I'd fight for this too. Seeing her so down because of you shows just how much she cares. No matter who she loves, we'll stand by her. She probably ran away to protect you or she may have a plan or something. I don't know. But we've got you, professor. " Isla is so lucky to have found these kinds of people. Now, I feel more confident we'll be able to find her in no time. I just hope she's okay.

"I'm going to get us more drinks," Althea finally spoke. I noticed that when it comes to serious matters, she rarely speaks, but she's the loudest and funniest among the three.

I just nodded in response and glanced at the surroundings. We are currently seated where I met Isla for the second time. Yes, the second time. I never told Isla that I met her even before that time.

I couldn't help but smile remembering the first time I saw her. She caught my eye and now even my heart. Who would've thought it would happen? I'd do anything for her.