San Francisco

Maria had asked the professor for a leave of absence.

It was longer than usual.

The professor disagreed at the beginning. But Maria’s outstanding grades and her constant compliance as a model student led the professor to believe that she must have important matters to deal with. Therefore, the professor finally agreed.

"Alright, I'll grant you a month off. But Maria, you must work hard on your thesis. I have high expectations for you. Don't disappoint me," said Professor White.

"I know." Maria nodded.

During her month off, apart from assisting Mia with the filming and acting as her PA, she would also need to continue working on her thesis. She knew she would be swamped.

After settling her affairs with the school, Maria was pondering on her journey home about how to tell Charles about it.

She could still recall vividly how Charles had come looking for her in his car the previous time she had left without saying goodbye.

No matter what, she had slept with him. After

living with him fo