Max Hallington, often called Max, was currently giving a lecture to all of his students.
Handsome, intelligent, and well-established—those were the keywords that described him. Unfortunately, he still carried the status of being single. Even though his age was already mature enough to build a family, Max had not yet found someone to settle down with.
"Well, that's enough for today. Don't forget to study the next chapter," Max said to his students, who were now busy preparing to leave the classroom.
After all, Max was the dream lecturer of every female student on campus. Not only the students, but even his female colleagues admired him. Sometimes, gifts were delivered to his home, though he never knew who sent them.
His beautiful hazel eyes were now fixed on a girl stuffing books into her bag. She tied her hair, glanced forward, and gave Max a sweet smile. Instinctively, he smiled back.
"Excuse me, sir. Good afternoon," the girl said before leaving.
Max kept smiling. It was the first time he had shown his signature smile to a woman.
Interesting, he muttered in his heart before leaving the classroom himself.
At home, Max headed straight to his room and lay his athletic body down on the king-sized bed.
A knock came from his bedroom door. Annoyed, he said, "Come in."
The door opened, revealing Lili, Max's mother. She walked toward her son and sat beside him.
"Finished teaching already?" she asked.
Max nodded, rubbing his face, clearly a little tired. "Of course."
Lili smiled warmly. "So, have you thought about our request?"
Max froze, then sat up. "What request?"
Lili chuckled. "Don't forget your status."
Max clicked his tongue and turned away. "I remember."
"Then?" she pressed.
"Then what?" he countered.
"Max, when will you introduce us to the woman you've chosen?"
He had heard this question more than a hundred times. But what could he do? He couldn't lash out at his parents. He had to stay composed.
"Soon," Max replied casually. The truth was, he didn't have anyone to introduce.
"Soon? You always say that," Lili teased.
"I'm too busy with work, Mother."
"No matter how busy you are, you can't ignore this. Marriage is important. Don't wait until you're too old to give us grandchildren."
Max swallowed his irritation, forcing a nod. "It won't be long. Just be patient."
"How long exactly?"
"Do I need to calculate and tell you?" he frowned.
"Yes, it's important," Lili insisted.
"One year," he sighed.
"One year?!" she exclaimed.
"One year is short. I'm sure—"
"That's too long, Max. You'll make us die waiting," she cut him off.
Max fell silent. What else could he say?
"Two weeks, or we'll take action," Lili declared.
"Two weeks? Why are you giving me only two weeks?" Max protested.
"Two weeks is plenty. We know you're surrounded by women. Just pick the right one," Lili said before standing up and leaving.
Max was speechless. True, he met women now and then, but never for anything serious.
After Lili left, Max decided to shower. Maybe afterward he could think more clearly about his parents' demand.
***
The next day, after finishing his lecture, Max returned to his office.
"Good afternoon, handsome. Done teaching?" asked a female lecturer named Bella.
Max glanced briefly, then returned to his phone. "Yes."
"Ooooh, so cold, yet so exciting," Bella teased.
Max ignored her completely. Bella sighed and walked away, leaving him alone in the office.
A knock sounded. "Come in," Max called.
A casually dressed girl entered, walking toward him. Max set his phone aside, focusing on her.
"Good afternoon, sir. I—"
"Calista Putri? The student who needs a makeup exam? Please sit down," Max interrupted.
Calista frowned slightly, but sat across from him.
"That's right, sir. I'd like to retake the test from two days ago. I'm sorry I couldn't attend."
Max nodded. "It's fine. But I can't give you the exam now. How about later this evening? You can come to my house."
Calista nodded without hesitation. "Alright, sir. What time, and could I have your address?"
Max chuckled—the first laugh he had shown to a woman in a long time. "Don't be so formal. Call me Max. I'll send you the details later."
"Alright, si—Max," Calista corrected herself, blushing.
She pulled out her phone to ask for his number, but Max stopped her. "I already have your number. I'll contact you first."
Calista was both confused and delighted. How could her lecturer know all her details?
"Okay, Max. I'll wait for your message. Thank you," she said, standing up.
"I haven't dismissed you yet," Max said suddenly.
She froze, then sat down again. "Sorry."
Silence filled the room as Max studied her face closely. Calista lowered her gaze, embarrassed.
"Alright, now you may leave. Wait for my message."
Still puzzled, Calista stood up and left, her mind spinning. Why had he asked her to sit again?
Strange, she thought.
***