I nearly cried with relief, answering the remaining questions even faster. When I submitted that final answer and "Test Complete" flashed on screen, I was done.
I stood. My legs felt weak, but I steadied myself and walked toward the exit.
Stepping outside, sunlight broke through the clouds and hit me square in the face. I stood on the steps, letting my eyes adjust to the glare.
Behind me, a cluster of young women whispered, voices buzzing with excitement.
"Oh my God, look at that guy down there. He's gorgeous."
"Go get his number. Guys like that don't grow on trees."
Then a familiar gaze locked onto me, hot as a brand. I followed the feeling and saw Lucas taking the stairs two at a time toward me.
He moved like wind, his charcoal trench coat flaring behind him, showing off those broad shoulders and long legs. Backlit,his profile was sharp and striking, like some movie star radiating light.
"Is he an actor?"
"Quick, take a picture!"
I heard gasps rippling around me, and a secret satisfaction bloomed in my chest. Yeah, that's my man. And I'm the only one he sees. All those whispers, all that envy—he doesn't hear any of it. He's here for me.
"How'd it go?" Lucas reached me and grabbed my hand, threading our fingers together and squeezing tight, palm to palm.
The chattering girls went dead silent. I could feel their jealous stares like needles in my back, but being chosen like this felt too damn good.
His voice dropped. "Listen, Ella, if you didn't pass, it's okay."
I looked down, hiding a smile, realizing Lucas thought I was upset when really I was trying not to laugh out loud.
"If you didn't pass, we'll try again next year. I'll hire the top professors in the country to tutor you at home. Materials, practice tests—whatever you need. I'll buy out the entire medical education system if I have to. Don't be sad, okay?"
Lucas kept talking, and I watched his face—those butterfly-wing lashes casting pretty shadows on his cheeks. He was still Lucas, still reflexively throwing money and power at every problem. This man, who dominated the business world, was actually failing the test when it came to feelings.
I used to misunderstand, thinking he was using money to humiliate me. But now I got it. He was just trying to solve my problems in the most direct way he knew. His heart was in the right place. He just didn't know how to show he cared without signing a check.
I cut off his grand promises, my face breaking into a wide smile.
"I'm going to pass, Lucas." I met his eyes, my voice more certain than it had ever been. "I answered almost everything, even those evil multiple-choice questions. The official results aren't out yet, but I'm confident."
Lucas froze. Then he let out a low laugh, suddenly swept me up in his arms, and spun me around.
"Ella, you're amazing! I knew you were a genius!"
"Put me down! Everyone's watching!" I yelped, my cheeks burning with embarrassment and excitement. Passing test-takers stared. A few bold guys even whistled at Lucas.
He set me back on the ground but kept his arms locked around my waist, refusing to let go. His heat bled through our clothes, and I didn't know what to do except let him walk me to that flashy car.
Forty-eight hours later, Lucas paid for expedited online results to end the torture of waiting. We huddled in front of the computer screen like desperate gamblers. When the page loaded and the results were about to appear, I slapped my hand over the screen, palm sweating, unable to look.
Lucas laughed and tried to pry my hand away. "Hey, Ella, who was it standing outside that test center two days ago all confident?"
"I-I'm just really nervous..."
I braced against his chest, feeling the firmness there.
He pulled me into his lap and nuzzled my ear, using my distraction to pull my hand away.
"Lucas! That's cheating!"
