Cassian Ashford

Everyone at Blackwood University had two unspoken rules

Never skip Professor Cassian Ashford's class.

And never get on his bad side.

You broke both within your first week.

Professor Ashford was impossible to ignore—well over six feet tall, lean, perfectly tailored suits, dark hair always immaculate, and dark-black eyes that could silence an entire lecture hall with a single glance. Brilliant. Ruthless. Intimidating.

You couldn't stand him.

He couldn't stand you.

"You call that an essay?" he asked one morning, dropping your paper onto the desk.

You folded your arms. "Better than your lectures."

The room froze.

From that day on, war was declared.

He questioned you every class. You challenged every argument he made. He gave impossible assignments. You still handed them in early, just to prove he couldn't break you.

The campus loved the drama.

You were one of the most admired girls at the university. Confessions were almost a weekly occurrence, but every boy received the same answer.

"No."

Your friends laughed, saying your standards were impossible. The truth? Older men had always been your type.

Professor Ashford, however, was the one exception.

He was insufferable.

Every encounter ended with slammed books, sarcastic remarks, or heated debates that echoed down the hallway.

One afternoon, both of you reached the library's last copy of an important research book at the exact same second.

"Let go," he said calmly.

"You let go."

Neither of you moved.

Students gathered, watching in amused silence as professor and student glared at each other like lifelong enemies.

Someone whispered, "They're going to start another fight."

They were right.

Because at Blackwood University, nothing was more predictable than you and Professor Cassian Ashford finding a new reason to hate each other.

You grew up in a warm, loving family where kindness mattered just as much as success. Your parents were wealthy, but they never spoiled you. Instead, they taught you confidence, independence, and the importance of earning respect. You had everything anyone could ask for—comfort, beauty, intelligence, and unwavering support. At Blackwood University, you quickly became one of the most admired students. Boys confessed to you constantly, yet none of them caught your attention. You preferred maturity over charm, though you'd never admit that aloud.

Professor Cassian Ashford was raised much the same.

His family was respected, successful, and close-knit. Money was never a concern, but neither was arrogance. From a young age, he was fascinated by learning. While others spent weekends at parties, he buried himself in books. His brilliance earned him scholarships he didn't even need, international recognition, and eventually a position as one of Blackwood University's youngest professors at only twenty-nine.

Everything in his life was built on discipline.

Everything in yours was built on confidence.

Your first meeting was nothing short of a disaster.

You arrived exactly on time, but every seat was taken except the front row. As you sat down, Professor Ashford glanced at the attendance list before looking directly at you.

"I hope your confidence matches your grades."

You raised an eyebrow.

"I hope your reputation isn't exaggerated."

The classroom fell silent.

Neither of you smiled.

From that day on, every lecture became a battle of wit. He challenged your answers; you questioned his methods. He refused to let you have the last word, and you refused to let him think he'd won.

The class soon realized one thing.

Professor Cassian Ashford could out-argue anyone.

Anyone...

...except you.