He’d responded with a cool detached “Hello” making her think he must be difficult to know
That misconception lasted years
When she was sixteen struggling with advanced mathematics, Lady Blackwood suggested to her father: “Asher could help Sierra with her maths 1 earned top marks at Eion, nearly perfect scores!”
By then, Sterra’s mother had passed away, and Sætra had changed from a carefree child into a withdrawn, rebellious teenager.
don’t need your help she’d told Asher when he arrived.
Al hoenty–one. Asher cut an impressive Egure–well over six feet, wearing a simple white shirt and grey jeans, his carefully styled hair softening his severe features
Too bad. You’re getting it anyway he’d replied, his voice carrying an unexpected warmth.
She’d expected him to be stern and demanding ||
Instead, after reviewing her practice exams, he’d simply raised an eyebrow and began patiently explaining concepts.
The deep voice made even calculus sound interesting, and he never showed a bit of frustratum
Tor problems with multiple approaches, he’d explain each method thoroughly.
Sierra’s initial resistance turned to admiration.]
How do you remember all this? It’s been years since you took these courses.
reviewed the lentioaks before coming,” he admitted, then gently tapped her head with his pen. “And it’s “Asher‘ to you remember?
That cunner Before her A–levels, Asher spent two months tutoring her
He was at Cambridge then but dedicated his entire break to helping her–explaining concepts, checking her work, marking practice papers
Even after her term started while he was still on break, she’d come home to find him waiting in her fanly’s sitting room, ready to help
Thanks in Asher, her mathemates improved dramatically, from falling grades to near perfect scores |
hd always excelled in other subjects, and with mathematics no longer holding her back, she earned a place at Cambridge herself, following in Asher’s footsteps
Sierra saw Asher as the perfect older brother figure
The requested him, admired ha but never thought of him romantically
her proposed the arranged marriage with Asher, she’d balked.||
How could the mustry some she saw as a brother?||
Her remanaring was interrupted by Julian entering the bodisom. He leaned against the doorframe: booking down at her “All packed?“]
biella but there something you want to tell me?||
Chapter 18
ed up at him, puzzled. “What?||
Firma looked
plan thought she might still be upset, hesitant to give him the gift. Fine, he could make the first time |||
His voice soned. “Look, I was harsh at the store. Don’t be mad.“||
There. That should do i
Sierra sighed, meeting his eyes Tm pot mad,”
“ght.” Julian stoffed. “Sure you’re not-
Think what you want –]
Julian’s patience mapped. “Jesus, Sierra. Em trying to apologize here. What more da you want?
Still folding clothes. Serra replied evenly. “I dont seed your apology-“]
Julian stared at her for a long moment
Dinally, he asked awkwardly. “… where the gift?]
Mason said he saw you buying a watch” Julian shifted. “B’t that your way of apologizing rm here now, so
Sort started to explain it wasn’t for him, but Julian continued. “Come on, stop playing games.
Sarra laughed, Matprising hum.
