Chapter 13 History repeated itself . While she drowned in pain , the Whitmore family fixated on Tessa . She pushed past him without another word . Owen watched her thin frame retreat , his anger dissolving into uneasy concern . When did she get so frail ? But duty called . He turned toward Griffin's office . After a brief exchange post - consultation , Griffin agreed . " Bring Tessa this afternoon ." Owen's gratitude overflowed . " Thank you , Doctor- " Griffin waved him off . " Save it . I'm doing this for your sister's sake ." Owen froze . ' Sister ? Does he know Tessa ? A smug warmth spread through him . Tessa , it seemed , moved in impressive circles . If only I'd known sooner ! ***** Tests completed , Mike handed Aria a small bag of cancer meds . Outside the hospital , she headed for the bus stop . Chapter 13 " Ms. Whitmore , " Mike called . " Need a lift ? School or home ? " Aria paused . No crowded bus ? " School , please . " With hours to spare , campus felt like a sanctuary - anything to avoid Whitmore Manor's suffocating drama . She stuffed the pills deep into her bag . Juliet's eyes widened as Aria approached . " You came ! " She pulled her into a fierce hug . " Mr. Knight's elective is next . You in ? " Jasper Knight ? The name sent a ripple through Aria's memories . In her previous life , he'd offered her one of two coveted research assistant spots . But because Asher had said he did not want her wearing herself out and wanted her to stay home and be his wife , she turned down the old man's kind offer . The disappointment in Jasper's eyes still haunted her . Worse , she'd actively avoided his classes afterward . Only later did she learn the truth : Asher had cleared the path for Tessa . Back then , she'd loved Asher enough to abandon anything he disliked . But now , everything was different . Aria smiled at Juliet , " Why skip it ? I'm here to learn . " Chapter 13 Juliet gaped . " But you always ditched his lectures ! " Since it was an elective , most people did not think it mattered . In the past , Aria would always skip class - either trailing after Asher like a lovesick puppy , or running off to the company to help boost the Whitmore family's business . " My brain was scrambled back then , " Aria said , ruffling Juliet's hair . " It's rebooted . Let's go ." They settled near the center of the lecture hall . Jasper entered , his sharp gaze immediately locking onto Aria . A disdainful hmph escaped him . Back then , she was so determined , saying that love mattered more than her studies , and that she would rather not graduate than give up on love . He turned away and started the lesson . Class ended . As Aria gathered her books , a voice cracked like a whip behind her . " Stop right there . " Aria turned , confusion etching her features . Jasper fixed her with a fierce glare . " My office . Now ! " Nodding , Aria motioned for Juliet to leave , then gathered her books and followed the professor with cautious steps , mindful not to aggravate the famously irritable old scholar . This is what I get for past mistakes , she thought . Chapter 13 Behind his desk , Jasper swiveled to face her . " So. A week in the hospital fixed not just your injuries , but your brain too ? Done chasing fairy - tale romance ? " Aria kept her eyes downcast , shifting uncomfortably . " Yes . Fixed . " " Hmph . At least you've got some conscience left ." Jasper dropped into his chair . " That slot wasn't wasted on you after all ." " What ? " Aria's head snapped up . He kept the position open ? Jasper tapped her forehead with a book . " What ? You little ingrate . Skipping the admissions exam was bad enough , but dodging my lectures ? Is this how you repay me ? " TAMA Among all his students , Aria had shown the brightest spark- sharp , driven , brimming with potential . He'd reserved the spot specifically for her . Rubbing her temple , Aria murmured , " I'm sorry , Professor " Jasper pulled a thick stack of books from his desk drawer , piling them onto hers . " Good . Now take these . My annotated texts . Study them . Thoroughly ! His gaze sharpened . " And this time ? Ace that admissions exam . Don't you dare disappoint me . " " I won't . Thank you , Professor . " Determination surged through her . Chapter 13 In her previous life , she'd traded ambition for love . Now ? Love was a lie . She'd learn , build , and achieve . Even if cancer claimed her , her final days would leave something meaningful behind . What a damn good plan .