Page 64 of Forbidden Professor

A pang hits my chest as I recognize the struggle in his voice. “That must have been hard,” I murmur, resisting the urge to touch his arm.

Carter nods and swirls his wine. “I love her, but I don’t know how to tell her I need space without hurting her. It’s like she can’t see me as an adult.”

I take another sip, buying time to consider his words. The parallels to my own life are striking, but I push those thoughts aside, focusing on Carter.

“Have you tried talking to her?” I ask gently.

He sighs and runs a hand through his hair. “I’ve tried, but it always ends in tears or accusations. I just don’t know how to make her understand I can love her and still need my own life.”

As I watch Carter grapple with his emotions, he looks so vulnerable. It’s a far cry from the confident professor I’m used to seeing. It makes my heart ache in ways I wasn’t prepared for.

I take a deep breath and meet his gaze. “I understand more than you know,” I say softly. “My dad… he’s cut from the same cloth.”

Carter leans forward, concern flickering in his eyes. “Yeah?”

I nod and swallow hard. “Michael Moreland. Successful businessman. Master puppeteer.” I can’t keep the bitterness from my voice. “He uses money like strings, always pulling, always controlling.”

Carter serves the lasagna, its rich aroma filling the air. But as I continue, the delicious scent fades into the background.

“Growing up, it was tense. Aiden bore the brunt of it. He was constantly battling Dad while Mom tried to keep the peace.” I push the food around my plate, lost in memories. “When Aiden finally left, I thought I’d be next. But then…”

My voice catches. I feel Carter’s hand briefly cover mine. His warmth gives me the strength to continue.

“Mom got sick. She fought so hard.” Tears prick at my eyes. “I stayed with her, watching doctors and nurses work miracles and face heartbreak. It’s what inspired me to pursue medicine.”

I take a shaky breath. “But after she died, Dad… it was like he snapped. Suddenly, everything was about control. My calls, where I live, what I eat, how much I exercise. It went from restrictive to…”

“Abusive,” Carter says softly, his eyes filled with understanding.

I nod, feeling both relieved and vulnerable after sharing so much. “Med school was supposed to be my escape. But even here, I feel his grip tightening.” My hands clench. “I know I need to push him away, but the thought of losing his financial support terrifies me.”

As the words leave my mouth, I realize their weight. The suffocating reality of my situation hits me anew, and I struggle to breathe.

I take a sip of wine, letting the flavor ground me. Carter’s gaze is warm and steady, and I feel a flutter that has nothing to do with the alcohol.

“You know,” I say, twirling my fork, “despite everything, I still believe in love. In marriage.”

Carter raises an eyebrow, curious. “Really? Even after seeing your parents?”

I nod, feeling heat creep up my cheeks. “I know it sounds naive, but I can’t help it. There’s something romantic about two people choosing each other, promising to face life together.”

Carter leans back, tapping his fingers on the wine glass. “I wish I had your optimism, Eve. My parents’ divorce… it left its mark. Marriage feels like a trap to me.”

I study his face, noting the shadows in his eyes. “But you’re not your parents, Carter. Experiences shape us, but they don’t define us.”

He smiles, and it makes my heart skip. “You’re right. And I’m grateful we can talk about this stuff without judgment. It’s… refreshing.”

Warmth spreads through me. “Me too. I’ve never shared this much of myself with anyone.”

Carter reaches across the table, brushing his fingers over mine. The touch sends electricity through me. “I’m honored you trust me, Eve. And I hope you know the feeling’s mutual.”

As I meet his gaze, I’m struck by the intimacy of the moment. We’ve laid our souls bare. In this vulnerability, I feel a connection that thrills and terrifies me.

I push back my chair. “I insist on doing the dishes. It’s only fair since you cooked.” I gather our empty plates.

Carter stands too. “You don’t have to do that, Eve. I can take care of it.”

I shake my head, determined. “I want to. Really.” It feels important to assert myself.

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