The lecture hall buzzed with idle conversation amongst friends as Desiree rushed in, hugging her books to her chest. Her heart thudded in her ears, not because she was late but because she expected to see him at the front, tall and brooding as usual. It was a ritual she’d come to enjoy really. Coming in late so they could share that two minute eye contact before she rushes to her seat.

But it wasn’t Roman.

A woman stood there instead, poised with effortless grace, her grey suit hugging ...