Chapter 1824

But Wilfred wouldn't bother explaining. In fact, he thought it was better to let the misunderstanding linger.

The nurse glanced at Karina, then back at Wilfred, her face twisting with humiliation before she turned and fled the room. Karina instinctively stepped aside, avoiding a collision.

"For a moment there... I thought I was interrupting something," she hesitated, her tone uncertain.

She couldn't deny the relief she felt after Wilfred's firm stance. The suffocating feeling, like someone gripping her throat, had finally dissipated. Her breathing steadied, though a lingering bitterness remained in her chest. She couldn't help but wonder why the nurse had acted that way.

Wilfred looked at her briefly and explained, "I don't know her. She knocked and let herself in. And not long after, you walked in." Karina's expression softened significantly. "Maybe it has something to do with the rumors going around the hospital recently." Wilfred frowned.

Though he said nothing, his mind was already set on putting an end to the baseless gossip.

"Did you need something?" he asked.

Karina nodded, though her earlier excitement had dimmed after the incident. The joy that had once been at a ten now barely lingered at a two or three. "I passed. All that's left is my thesis."

Wilfred's frown disappeared, replaced by a warm smile. "Do you know how to write it?"

She shook her head.

"Come here," he said, pulling up a document on his computer. "I'll show you an example."

As she moved closer, her sleeve accidentally brushed against his. Remembering his earlier reaction to the nurse, she froze, recalling his aversion to germs. She had touched so many things earlier and hadn't disinfected her hands yet. She quickly withdrew. "I forgot to sanitize. I'll go—"

"That's unnecessary," Wilfred interrupted, reaching out and pulling her hand back. "Look here, how about this section?"

Stunned, Karina found herself being gently pulled into his chair. From her position, it felt as though Wilfred was almost embracing her from behind.

Her heart pounded wildly, the sound practically echoing in her ears.

It was too close.

So close, she could clearly catch the scent of his cologne-cool, rich, and slightly musky. The base note felt heavy, timeless, evoking a sense of stability and maturity.

It suited him perfectly.

Wilfred lightly patted her head, his voice calm but firm. "Focus, student. Don't let your mind wander, okay?"

Karina forced herself to collect her thoughts, silently chanting "stay calm, stay focused".

But it was useless.

In the end, Wilfred asked, "Did you get it?"

Karina turned her head slightly, meeting his deep, piercing gaze. His presence seemed to surround her completely, his steady breath lingering in the air, impossibl ignore. She wanted to ask, "Get what?"

Because, honestly, she hadn't heard a single word.

But with those unwavering eyes locked on hers, admitting that wasn't an option. "I... I got it," she stammered.

A quiet sigh escaped him before she felt a light tap on her head. It wasn't harsh, more like the indulgent reprimand of a strict teacher toward a favorite student.

"I'll explain it again. Pay attention this time and stop spacing out."

His deep voice, rich and smooth like

a cello, resonated close to her ear carrying an almost dangerous alture. Even the dullest concepts seemed to gain an intimate, captivating charm when spoken by him.

Karina had to summon every ounce of self-control she possessed.

By the time he released her, her face was flushed a deep red. She kept her head low, avoiding eye contact and mumbled, "I understand. I'll go back and study it carefully!"