Page 41 of Forbidden Professor

Eve’s expression softens a bit, but her eyes stay guarded. “I’m fine, Carter. I just needed some time away.”

“Time away? You disappeared without a word. Do you have any idea what that did to me?” The words spill out, raw with emotion.

The driver finishes unloading her bags and Eve thanks him. As the car pulls away, she turns to me, her posture stiff.

“Look, Carter. I appreciate your concern. But I’m an adult. I don’t need to check in with anyone.”

I step closer, fighting the urge to reach out. “I know that. But after everything, I just… I needed to know you were okay.”

For a moment, I see something in her eyes. Maybe regret. Maybe understanding. It’s gone as quickly as it appeared.

“I am okay,” she says quietly. “But I really don’t appreciate you acting all concerned after you told me point blank that we shouldn’t be together. I think we need to withdraw to our own corners and lick our own wounds. You drew this line, Carter. You don’t get to cross it again. I don’t want you to check on me. I don’t want you to worry about me. If we’re not in a relationship, stop trying to treat me like you would your girlfriend.”

I watch helplessly as she gathers her bags. I want to say more but know it’s not the right time. She reaches her front door and pauses, looking back.

“I’ll see you around, Carter,” she says. Each word is like a dagger plunged directly into my heart. She gives me her back, dismissing me.

I can’t let her walk away like this. Not again. Before I even know what I’m doing, I’m reaching out. My heart races as I step forward and gently touch her arm.

“Eve, wait,” I say, my voice thick with frustration. “Please. Let’s talk.”

“There is nothing left to say!” Eve pulls her arm free, her voice sharp. “I’m a free agent, Carter. I’m not tied to anyone or anything. Least of all to a relationship that you made clear couldn’t happen. Do you understand? I amnot your girlfriend.”

Her words hit me like a punch. I take a breath and try to calm the storm inside me.

“You don’t understand, Eve.” My voice softens. “If anything had happened to you… I’d lose my mind.”

For a moment, I see surprise in her eyes, but it’s quickly hidden. I want to break through. I want to show her how much she means to me, but I know I’ve lost that chance.

Eve’s shoulders slump. She gently places her hand on my chest. The warmth of her touch lingers even as she creates distance.

“Carter.” Her voice is soft but firm. “You need to go home. You don’t get to do this.”

I frown, confused. “Do what?”

She sighs. “You can’t tell me we can’t be together and then worry about where I am every second. That’s not how it works.”

Her words sting, but I know she’s right. I’ve been trying to hold her close while keeping her at arm’s length. She’s punishing me for treating her like she didn’t matter.

And I deserve every bit of it. The thought makes the words bitter as ash in my mouth.

“I know, but I just—” I start, but she cuts me off.

“No, Carter. You made your choice. Now live with it.”

I watch helplessly as she turns away and reaches for the door. My heart pounds. I’m desperate to say something. Anything to make her stay.

“Eve, please?—”

But she’s already stepping inside. Her silhouette is framed by the doorway. She pauses for a moment, and I hold my breath, hoping she’ll turn back. But she doesn’t.

I stand there, staring at the closed door. Frustration and longing twist inside me. What am I supposed to do now? The thought of walking away, of letting her go, feels unbearable. But I can’t keep living like this, caught between what I want and what I think is right.

I run my hands over my face and try to clear my head. But all I can think about is Eve’s face, the hurt in her eyes, and the certainty that I’ve made a terrible mistake.

ChapterEighteen

Eve

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