Page 88 of Forbidden Professor

She leans forward, eyes intent. "And?"

I swallow, my throat tight. "I’m considering making some big changes."

The waiter appears, listing the specials and giving me a moment to breathe. I glance at Mom, but her expression is unreadable.

When he leaves, Mom folds her hands on the table. "Carter, I support you. But I hope you’re not about to tell me you’re throwing everything away on some whim."

Her words sting. "It’s not a whim, Mom. It’s about following my heart. About being happy."

She sighs, a frown creasing her brow. "Happiness is nice, but it doesn’t pay the bills. You have responsibilities and a career. Are you prepared to give that up?"

I feel her expectations pressing down on me. How do I make her understand that sometimes love is worth the risk?

"Mom, I’ve decided to leave my position at the university."

The words hang in the air. Mom’s eyes widen, her hand pausing on her glass.

"Leave your position? Carter, you can’t be serious. You’ve wanted this for years. You’ve worked so hard."

I nod, feeling the weight of her words. "I know, Mom. But things have changed. I’ve changed."

She narrows her eyes, studying me. "This is about a woman, isn’t it?"

My heart races. I think of Eve, her warmth, her determination. I clear my throat. "Her name is Eve. She’s a medical student. Being with her has made me realize what I want."

“Eve? As in Aiden’s little sister?” Her facial expression is strangle muted and unreadable. “I just want to be clear who we’re talking about.”

I nod. “Yes. She’s one of my students. We’ve been spending nearly every hour together. And I’ve made the decision that I’d rather be with her than teach at the university.”

Mom’s expression hardens. "And what you want is to throw away your career for a student?"

I lean forward. "It’s not just about Eve. It’s about living authentically. I want to pursue a relationship with her. But it’s more than that. I’m choosing happiness."

Mom’s voice rises, drawing glances from nearby tables. "Happiness? You have a respectable position and security. Are you really willing to sacrifice all of that?"

Her words cut deep, but I stand my ground. I think of Eve and the life we could have. I know this is the right choice.

"Mom, my feelings for Eve are real. This isn’t just a passing thing."

Her eyes narrow, lips pressing into a thin line. "Oh, Carter," she says, disappointment heavy in her voice. "I thought I raised you to be sensible."

The clinking of silverware around us grows louder. I resist the urge to look around.

"I am being sensible," I say, my voice low but steady. "Yes, I’m following my heart, but I’ve thought this through. Eve makes me want to be better. She challenges me."

Mom scoffs, lifting her glass. "And you think that’s enough? Challenge and warm feelings?"

My frustration rises, but I keep it in check. "It’s more than that. It’s about fulfillment."

"Fulfillment?" she interrupts. "What about your duties? The students who rely on you? The colleagues who respect you?" She leans forward, her gaze hard. "You’re being impulsive. Have you even thought about the consequences?"

The wordconsequenceshangs between us, hinting at more than my career. Mom’s financial support is there, unspoken but clear.

I take a deep breath, fingers gripping my napkin. "Mom, I appreciate everything you’ve done. I truly do. But this isn’t just about Eve. It’s about finding my own path."

Her face shifts to something colder. She sets her glass down with a sharp clink.

"So, you’re prepared to do this without my support?"

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