Page 87 of Forbidden Professor

My father’s breath comes in ragged gasps. “You’re choosing him over your family? After everything I’ve done?”

The words cut deep, and tears well up. “I’m choosing myself, Dad. My future. Please, just go.”

I stand there, caught between these two men, realizing the gravity of this moment. My relationship with my father hangs by a thread, and my feelings for Carter complicate everything. It threatens to crush me, but I hold firm, hoping my father will see reason before it’s too late.

Carter wraps his arms around my father, pinning his arms to his sides. I watch, my heart pounding, as Carter holds him without malice. His voice is calm.

“Mr. Moreland, I know you’re upset, but this has to stop now. I won’t hurt you, but I can’t let you hurt Eve.”

I’m struck by the gentleness in Carter’s eyes, even as he restrains my father. His calmness eases my nerves.

My father struggles, then goes limp.

“Let me go,” he growls.

Carter releases him and steps back. “I think it’s best if you leave now. Eve deserves better than this.”

My father straightens, his eyes darting between us. The silence is thick with unspoken words.

Finally, he turns, heading to the door. He pauses. “This isn’t over, Eve,” he says, his voice low and threatening. “And as for you, professor. Expect a call to the university.”

The door slams, and the apartment feels empty. Carter and I stand frozen, echoes of his words lingering. I wrap my arms around myself, trying to stop trembling.

Carter steps toward me. “Eve, I?—”

I hold up a hand, needing a moment. My mind races, replaying every harsh word. The weight of my father’s disappointment settles over me.

“I’m so sorry,” I whisper, unable to meet Carter’s eyes. “You shouldn’t have had to deal with him.”

Carter cups my cheek, and I lean into his hand.

“Look at me,” he says softly. I meet his gaze, finding warmth there. “You have nothing to apologize for. Your father’s actions aren’t your fault.”

I nod, though the conflict still rages inside me. How can I reconcile the love I feel for my father with the hurt he’s caused? And what does this mean for Carter and me?

The silence stretches between us, full of unspoken questions and lingering tension.

ChapterThirty-Five

Carter

The clinkof china and soft murmur of voices surround us. I fidget with my napkin, twisting it between my fingers as I search for the right words. I’ve been on a real streak this week, offending and running off the people closest to me. Now it’s time to do the same thing to my mom.

I can’t stand the disappointed look she’s going to give me. Dragging a breath in, I steel myself.

“Is everything okay, Carter?” Mom sits across from me, perfectly poised in her blazer, her manicured nails resting on her wine glass.

"Thanks for meeting me, Mom. I know you're busy."

She sips her wine, her eyes on my face. "Of course, darling. But I have to admit, I'm curious. You only take me out when you want something."

Her tone is sharp, and I wince. She’s right. I’ve never been able to hide things from her.

"I…" I pause, unsure where to start. "There’s something I need to talk to you about."

Mom sets her glass down, raising an eyebrow. "I gathered as much. Well, out with it. What’s on your mind?"

I hold my water glass. "It’s about my future. I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want, about where I’m going."

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