The city skyline shimmered under the moonlight, a breathtaking view from the penthouse of the Starlight Hotel. Caroline stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, her arms crossed, her thoughts tangled in a web of emotions she couldn't escape.
Professor Daniel leaned against the desk, watching her carefully. He had discarded his suit jacket, his white dress shirt slightly unbuttoned at the collar, a sight that once made her heart race but now filled her with unease.
"You're quiet tonight," he observed, sipping his wine.
Caroline turned, meeting his gaze. "Daniel, what are we doing?"
He exhaled, setting his glass down. "You always ask that question after every meeting."
"Because it's the only question that matters," she said, her voice laced with frustration. "I'm a student. You're a professor. If anyone finds out—"
"They won't," he interrupted, stepping closer. "We've been careful."
"Have we?" Caroline scoffed. "Linet is already suspicious. People talk, Daniel. And let's not forget your wife."
A tense silence settled between them. It was the elephant in the room they always ignored, the reality that neither of them wanted to confront.
Daniel sighed, rubbing his temples. "Caroline, I—"
A sudden knock on the door made them both freeze.
Caroline's heart pounded as she turned toward him in panic. "Who is that?"
Daniel quickly straightened his shirt, his composure returning. "Stay here."
He walked to the door and opened it just enough to peek outside. A voice—deep, familiar—drifted into the room.
"Professor Daniel," the man at the door greeted.
Caroline's stomach twisted into knots. She knew that voice.
It was ochieng.
"Ochieng," Daniel responded, masking his tension. "What are you doing here?"
Ochiengs expression was unreadable, his dark eyes flickering with something unreadable. "I was about to ask you the same thing."
Caroline's breath hitched. Had he seen her enter the room? Did he know?
Daniel forced a chuckle. "Just catching up on some business."
Ochieng s gaze shifted slightly, and Caroline knew—he wasn't fooled.
"Right," ochieng murmured. "Well, I just wanted to drop something off. See you in class, Professor."
With that, he turned and walked away.
As soon as the door shut, Caroline's knees weakened. "He knows," she whispered.
Daniel placed a firm hand on her shoulder. "Even if he does, ochieng won't talk. He has secrets of his own."
Caroline wanted to believe that. But deep down, she knew one thing for certain.
Nothing stayed hidden forever.