The Scientist He Erased Returns

Clevel

cut on my jaw and offered me an ice pack. Alston, after having his arm bandaged, was already back on his phone, dictating

, Ellie," he said, without looking up. "Kiara and I w

just taken a blow for me, and his immediate concern was still the data, still Kiara, st

dy, Alston," I sa

course, was expected to attend. And as his-ex-fiancée, current subordinate-I was

the head table, was a dazzling centerpiece. Her laughter, bright and unrestrained, floated across the room. S

est minds, like Dr. Scott and his brilliant protégé, Dr. Gamble. We're all rooting for a spectacular partnership,

spreading across my skin. They were openly, publicly, shipping them. And I was sitting right

ight! You're too kind. But Dr. Scott and I do have some exciting collaborations planned. Lots of late

"Professor, with all due respect, my focus remains solely on the advancement of the field. Dr. Gamble and I share a profes

ntary shadow of hurt crossing her face. She quic

on, to my surprise, pushed back his chair. "Excuse me," he mumbled, already fo

at was unexpected," someone whispere

ou alright? That was... a bit much." His eyes, usually sh

. "Just a long day." I wanted to melt into the

unnoticed. But as I passed the main entrance, a gl

ton, rigid as ever, had his hand on her arm, a gesture of awkward comfort. She looked up at him, her eyes glistening. Sh

p, pulling his head down, and kisse

jected our mentor's suggestion of a romantic partnership moments ago,

only time I had kissed him, years ago, after a particular scientific triumph, he had stiffened, his lips unrespon

on his face. He looked up, his eyes sweepin

s, usually so opaque, held a flicker of so

this anymore. I couldn't watch this slow, agonizing reenactment o

a low rumble, pierce

ening. "I'm going home, Alston," I called back, t

seemed to mock me with their indifferent shine. He knocked on my door a f