Page 101 of Forbidden Professor

Carter smiles, petting Marmalade. “Smart cats.”

My mouth puckers and Carter touches my face.

“What are you thinking?”

“You know,” I whisper, “I never imagined I’d be here. With you.”

Carter’s arm tightens around me. “Second thoughts?”

I lift my head. “Not a chance. This is exactly where I want to be.”

His eyes soften. “Me too.”

We lean our head together, blissfully happy in our little bubble.

ChapterForty-Two

Carter

As Eve’sfingers brush mine, I feel a surge of energy. We stand before the Morgan family estate, the massive oak doors looming ahead. My heart races, a mix of anticipation and dread. I let out a long-suffering sigh.

I just spotted Aiden’s SUV parked outside and now I’m gearing up for a nasty fight.

Eve kisses my hand. “Come on. It won’t be that bad. You and my brother need to make up eventually.”

“Yeah, yeah,” I mutter, letting her lead me inside.

I take a deep breath, bracing myself. Aiden’s disapproval is heavy, but I have to try for Eve and for us.

Once we get inside, laughter echoes from the living room. The sound feels warm, momentarily easing my tension. We follow the laughter to find Olivia on the carpet, holding a stuffed elephant over Maggie. Maggie squeals with joy.

"Look who’s here, Maggie!" Olivia says, smiling at us. "It’s Uncle Carter and Auntie Eve!"

The word "uncle" catches me off guard, reminding me of the family bonds I want to rebuild. Eve squeezes my hand, sensing my unease.

"May I?" Eve asks, nodding toward Maggie.

Olivia beams. "Of course! She loves her aunt.”

Eve kneels beside the baby, tickling her belly. Watching them, the world feels lighter, kinder. But just beyond this room, Aiden waits.

As Eve laughs with Maggie, I picture the future I want to fight for. Then, footsteps sound from the hallway, snapping me back. This is it. Time to face Aiden.

I catch Aunt Margaret’s eye. Her look is steady, encouraging. Eve squeezes my hand, giving me confidence.

"Carter," she whispers. "You’ve got this. Just be yourself."

She nudges me toward the parlor, her touch calming.

"Aiden," Aunt Margaret calls, her voice smooth. "Could you and Carter meet in the parlor?"

Like lamb to the slaughter, I enter the room, the scent of leather and old books filling the air. Aiden follows, his jaw set. The door clicks shut and I hear the lock turn.

Aiden’s eyes narrow, but I don’t wait. I dive in.

"Aiden, I know things have been tense," I say, voice steady. "But I want to find common ground."

"Common ground?" Aiden’s voice is cold.

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