Self

Chapter 63

It was a beautiful Saturday.

The sun peeked through the thick clouds, warming Yara as she jogged. After a quick shower and a change of clothes at home, she grabbed the medicine she had picked up and hopped into a cab to Wendy’s.

“Professor, you need to take these three times a day. It’s chilly out here, so you don’t need to keep them in the fridge. Just warm them up before you drink, okay?”

Wendy was fearless in every aspect of her life, except when taking medicine. She could not stand the bitter taste or strong, unpleasant scent.

She eyed the murky medicine warily, edged back a little, and hesitated again.

“Must I drink this?”

“You bet, Yara replied with a nod. I’ve talked to the housekeeper, and she’ll make sure you’re on schedule with your doses–three times a day, no skipping.”

Wendy sighed in resignation. “Alright, got it.”

She could not just ignore the well–meaning gesture from her student.

Yara could not help but chuckle as she watched Wendy grimace like a kid facing a spoonful of cough syrup. “I know it’s bitter, so guess what? I brought along some of your favorite cakes.

“Just have a slice after your medicine; it’ll chase the bitterness down.

The gloomy expression that had clouded her face instantly lifted, replaced by a grateful smile. “Now you’re talking.”

Once they had chatted briefly, Wendy steered the conversation toward more serious matters.

“So, next year, the Bellmere University School of Life Sciences is considering starting a special research team. They’ve already selected three students, and there are just two spots left.

‘The deal is, you’ve got to have killer grades, top scores across the board, and at least a couple of A’s in your lab work.”

Yara was taken aback by the stringent requirements for the research team.

Noticing her surprise, Wendy explained, “Being part of this team can give you a real edge. Ace it, and you might jump straight to a Ph.D. program or even snag an offer from NexTech to join their cutting–edge research lab.”

NexTech was a big deal not just in their homeland of Heliosa but also on the global stage.

The company’s lab was a dream setup, decked out with the slickest gear and a team that could make magic happen. It was the kind of place that churned out cutting–edge breakthroughs, and people called it a scientist’s paradise.

Yara recalled that NexTech was the Shelton family’s brainchild. Wade had definitely dropped that name on purpose earlier.

“Your grades speak for themselves, and I’ve never doubted what you’re capable of,” Wendy said, her eyes warm and reassuring. “The only thing you’re missing is some hands–on lab time.”

Yara had not really been inside a lab for years.

Chapter 63

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Her technique might be rusty, her hands not quite as deft, and her knowledge of the latest gadgets almost non–existent. Those were real issues.

Natural talent was one thing, but mastering the craft? That took hours, days, and years of dedication.

What else could Wade be doing in the lab all day if he was not perfecting his craft?

Practice would make perfect, and experience would keep stacking up.

Out of nowhere, a pair of aged but comforting hands enveloped hers. Yara looked up into the professor’s smiling face. “I have faith in your talents, and it’s never too late to dive in.”

Feeling a surge of determination, Yara nodded with resolve.

“The grad school exams? I’m not sweating it. You’ve got months before the next round. Just get cozy with these books and materials I’ve handed you,” Wendy said.

Wendy had one experiment that had been on the back burner for five years and was still waiting to be delivered. She was counting the days until Yara could jump in–after all, the whole thing was pretty much built for her. Who could have guessed Yara would leave her to pursue love?

Anyway, it was back on track, and it was best to leave the past hiccups unspoken.

Yara knew just how much the professor was rooting for her.

“Don’t worry, I won’t let you down,” she promised.

Once home, Yara flipped open the stack of materials she had brought with her, ready to tackle the challenge head–on.

Studying those papers was like climbing a mountain compared to her usual exam prep books. They were packed with hands–on details and the latest research findings, stuff that really tested her lab skills.

Yara was so absorbed in the material that she did not notice the hours slipping by until the clock was. nudging midnight.

Rubbing her weary eyes, she decided it was time to crash. The moment her head hit the pillow, a wild knocking erupted at her door.

“Yara! Let me in! I know you’re in there!”

Yale’s voice cut through the silence, piercing through the doors as if they were made of paper. Bang! Bang! Bang!