It's unbelievable to see her there after a year and nine months. My heart skipped a beat upon just hearing her name mentioned; imagine how I felt seeing her. I felt a mixture of surprise and, at the same time, anger towards her. I tried not to show that I already know her perfectly well, that woman who left, who deceived me.
I maintained my composure, although inside I was boiling with a mix of emotions. Observing her from afar brought back painful memories and questions about her true reason for leaving. Did she have any idea of the impact her departure had on me? Did she even think about me during all this time?
While trying to process these thoughts, I kept myself focused on what was happening on stage.
When she climbed the stage steps and took the microphone, thanking the principal and the students for their warmth, I tried desperately to concentrate on other things, just to avoid hearing her voice. She seemed confident, as if nothing had happened in the past. She didn't look left or right. It was as if she was determined to ignore any trace of her past and move on as if nothing had changed.
As much as I tried to ignore her, my mind kept returning to her and the whirlwind of feelings she awakened in me. She has no idea the power she still holds over my body, my mind, and my heart. But I will do everything not to be that foolish Al-Hassan again.
I don't know how long I stood there observing her. I noticed her cheeks flushing. When she couldn't resist the temptation to ignore me any longer, her eyes met mine. It was as if time stood still for an instant, and all the weight of the past manifested in that single glance.
In that instant of eye contact, a myriad of emotions seemed to pass between us. I could see a mixture of surprise, discomfort, and perhaps even a flicker of regret in her eyes. For a moment, it was as if everything we had lived together resurfaced before us, filling the space between us with a palpable energy.
I studied her, her eyes deep and as beautiful as I remembered.
I couldn't help but notice how her body was perfectly outlined within the teacher's uniform. Each curve seemed to have been sculpted with precision, and her elegant posture added an aura of sophistication to her presence. Even before the crowd of students and teachers, she seemed to emanate a natural confidence, as if she were completely at ease in her own skin.
I found myself struggling with a flood of conflicting thoughts. On the one hand, there was the painful memory of how she left without explanation, leaving behind a feeling of betrayal and disappointment. On the other hand, there was the irresistible attraction I had always felt for her, a connection that seemed to transcend time and circumstance.
Then, she quickly looked away, resuming her professional posture before the students and continuing her presentation as if nothing had happened between us.
As the students applauded and the lecture came to an end, I watched Valeria descend from the stage with grace and elegance. She seemed at ease with the attention and recognition of the students, as she thanked the principal and those present for their kind words.
Meanwhile, I remained amidst the crowd, greeting students, signing autographs, and taking pictures as people approached me. Although physically present, my eyes were on Valeria, who was quickly walking away.
As Valeria walked out of there, I followed her every move with my eyes, noticing every movement with pleasure. She had changed a lot, yes. I noticed how beautiful she was even in that dull uniform. The hate I feel for myself is that Valeria Vasconcelos was and is the only one who has ever completely captured my attention, to the point of arousing my sexual appetite, like no other has had the power to do.
I hurried to get out of there; she should have at least stopped and greeted me. Where were the manners of the intelligent and practical teacher, as the principal had praised her to be?
I shouldn't care about her greeting, after all, she was the one who abandoned me. I walked slowly to go after her, without anyone noticing. As soon as I reached the exit door, the principal stopped me. I just watched Valeria get into the taxi and leave.
"Damn it."
I approached the principal, trying to maintain my composure despite the frustration.
"Mr. Khalil, thank you for the opportunity to speak here today," he commented, shaking my hand. "I wonder if you have any availability in the coming days; we could schedule dinner at my house, what do you think?"
"Perhaps. I'll check my schedule before returning home," I said, being courteous, although courtesy was far from my mind.
With a casual gesture, I shoved my hands into the pockets of my dress pants.
"Do you know why Professor Valquiria, Valesca, I don't know..." I pretended not to know her name.
"Valeria, Professor Valeria," he corrected me, helpfully.
"Right... Why did she leave almost running? I didn't have time to congratulate her on the intelligence and courtesy that she has in spades." My words came out almost as veiled irony.
The principal seemed a bit disconcerted by my question, but replied courteously:
"Well, Mr. Khalil, Professor Valeria is always in a hurry. She doesn't stay here long, especially because she has Kaique who needs attention; she is a caring mother," he told me, making me frown.
Although I didn't show surprise so as not to raise suspicion, I was perplexed by the principal's statement. Valeria has a son? Since when? And whose is it? Did she get married? Is that why she left me, because she was running away with the father of her child?
"That's nice. I wish her and her family all the best." I kept the conversation going; I wanted to know more. Maybe he would tell me something else.
Principal Regis pursed his lips and looked at me.
"Unfortunately, she is a single mother. But she is a very responsible woman," he confessed. "I felt very sorry for her when she arrived here asking for a job. Even though she didn't have the qualifications, I gave her a chance. She showed potential, and today she's an exemplary teacher."
All this information left me stunned, but happy at the same time. She has no one, she is alone.
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