A Contract Marriage with My Professor

CHAPTER 1:

JILLIAN'S POV

"BARTOLOME, JILLIAN," I recited my name aloud as I scanned the list posted on the classroom wall.

I nearly choked on my bubble gum when I saw the results of the entrance examination for Gardon University. It was one of the most prestigious institutions in New York City. And guess what? A simple girl from the province like me had actually passed.

"Congrats, Jillian! You're so smart!" my classmates cheered. They were all celebrating my achievement, but I could hardly believe it myself; it felt like a dream.

"Thanks, guys! Congratulations to you, too. You all did your best," I replied with a wide smile.

I headed home floating on air, eager to share the news. I knew my parents would be incredibly proud of the scholarship I had secured.

"Ma?! Pa?!" I shouted, calling out for them. I headed straight to the farm to break the news. My parents were farmers, and it warmed my heart knowing how much they had sacrificed to support my education.

"Oh, Jillian? Didn't I tell you not to come out here? You'll get mud on your uniform," my mother said, looking concerned about my white blouse.

"Mama, please. It's my last day of high school, so it's fine if it gets a little dirty," I answered, excitement still bubbling in my chest.

"Your daughter has quite a smile on her face, Lourdes. I think she has something to tell you that you'll love," my uncle remarked, as if sensing what was on my mind.

"You're right, Uncle. I do! I got a SCHOLARSHIP TO GARDON UNIVERSITY IN NEW YORK!!!" I announced. I felt like my voice echoed across the entire field.

"Really? You passed? Does that mean you're going to study in the city?" Mom asked, clearly bursting with pride.

"Yes, Ma. I'll be studying there for free. Best of all, I'll receive a generous allowance because of the scholarship. You and Papa won't have to struggle to put me through a University anymore," I said, beaming. I saw a tear escape the corner of my mother's eye-tears of pure joy.

"Me and your father are so proud of you. Study hard there, Jillian. And no boyfriends yet," she reminded me.

Papa approached and gave my shoulder a gentle pat. "Don't worry, Jillian. When your mom and I have time, we'll visit you in New York. Be careful there. Tell me immediately if anyone tries to court you, and I'll have my machete ready," Papa joked.

"Pa, Ma, you're being silly. I won't get a boyfriend there, I'm not even that pretty. Besides, the students at that University are all rich-no one will probably even look at me," I pouted. That was the first worry that hit me when I thought about the big city.

"Get that thought out of your head, Jillian. I'm telling you now, you are beautiful. You have a classic beauty. So don't ever say you're ugly, because it isn't true," Mom said, boosting my confidence.

"Yes, Ma. Thank you. I love you both," I replied affectionately.

After our talk, we had a small celebration at home to mark my high school graduation and my admission to Gardon University. I was excited but also a bit nervous; this would be my first time away from my parents. I'll get used to it. I had to stay strong for my family.

"Congratulations again, Jillian!!!" the farmers cheered happily. They were like family to me; I often worked in the fields with them on weekends, and that was how we had bonded.

"Thank you so much!" I waved back at them.

That night, I packed my things. I couldn't sleep because I was too restless-that's just how I get when I'm excited. Even though there was still plenty of time before the semester started, I decided to head to New York early to familiarize myself with the place. It was better to know my way around the streets and the subway before classes began.

I gave my parents a tight hug before boarding the bus. "Goodbye! I'll call you once I arrive in New York!" were my final words.

I took my seat and, eventually, exhaustion claimed me. I didn't know how many hours the trip took, but I woke up to the driver calling out the final stop.

"Miss, we're in New York City. Last stop," he said.

"Okay, thank you," I replied. I hurriedly grabbed my luggage and stepped off the bus.

I was feeling hungry, so I started looking for a place to eat. Since it was my first time in such a massive city, I felt overwhelmed by the noise and the thick smell of exhaust fumes.

"Ugh. This is hard. I think I'm going to be sick," I muttered to myself. I sat down on the sidewalk, massaging my temples to fight off the dizziness.

Suddenly, someone stopped in front of me and held out a bill. A one-thousand-dollar bill. I stared at the money in total shock. Slowly, I lifted my head to see who it was, but his face was hidden behind a mask.

"Just take the money. I hate seeing beggars on the street corner," he said, his voice cold and sharp.

Wait-beggar? Do I really look like a beggar to him?

"Look, I don't know your story. But I hope you've learned not to get pregnant so early so you don't end up in this position again," he added.

Before I could find my voice, he dropped the money into my bag and walked away. I couldn't even chase after him; I just stared at the thousand dollars.

"Arrogant jerk. He really thought I was pregnant? With a body fit like this? Tsk," I grumbled, annoyed.

I was about to stand up when I felt the soft, small pillow I had tucked under my dress. I had a habit of placing a pillow against my stomach when I slept to keep it from aching during long trips.

"W-wait... was it because of this that he thought I was pregnant?" I realized, finally putting the pieces together.