Page 91 of Forbidden Professor

"For us," he says gently, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "And it’s not throwing anything away. It’s making a choice."

Tears prick my eyes. "Please, don’t do this. We can find another way. Please, just... think about it a little longer."

Carter’s gaze softens, filled with love and resolve. I hold my breath, willing him to reconsider. The weight of his decision presses down on us, filling me with gratitude for his love and fear of losing what he’s built.

Carter cups my face, his thumbs brushing away my tears. His gaze is intense. "Eve, this isn’t just about my job or your education. It’s about who we are."

I swallow, hanging on his words, heart pounding.

"I love you. Because I love you, I won’t take any risks."

"But—" I start, but he shakes his head gently.

"This decision isn’t a sacrifice. It’s a choice for us, for our future. I want to be with you without any ethical concerns hanging over us."

My resistance fades, replaced by a bittersweet mixture of love and sadness. I reach for his hand, our fingers intertwining, grounding me as emotions swirl.

"I don’t want to be the reason you give up something you love," I whisper.

Carter’s grip tightens. "You’re not. You’re the reason I’m choosing something I love even more."

We sit quietly, his decision settling over us. I trace the lines of his palm, marveling at how deeply he’s become part of my life.

"What now?" I ask softly.

He pulls me close, his arm around me. "Now, we move forward. Together."

I lean into him, exhaling a shaky breath. Part of me wants to argue, but I know this is who Carter is.

ChapterThirty-Seven

Carter

My heart poundsas I burst into Dr. Mooney's office. The door slams against the wall. Her startled eyes meet mine, widening in shock. I stride toward her desk.

"I love her," I blurt out, my voice raw. "I love Eve Moreland."

My words hang in the air. Dr. Mooney’s lips part as she processes them. Her face shifts from confusion to anger. She rises slowly, her movements measured.

"Mr. Morgan," she says in a clipped tone. "Why are you here?" She stares at me, her expression steely. "This better not be about that matter we discussed."

I swallow hard. My throat feels dry.

"It is," I admit. “So I quit.”

Dr. Mooney’s nostrils flare as she takes a deep breath. Her presence fills the room, judgment plain in her stance.

"You’re dating a student. Doing the one thing I warned you against. Why have you ignored the ethical standards of this university, Dr. Morgan?"

My heart races. Adrenaline fills my veins. I know I’m on dangerous ground, but I think of Eve and hold my ground.

"My feelings for her are real," I say. My voice stays steady. "I’ve tried to deny it, to push it away, but I can’t pretend anymore. Even if it costs me everything."

My words hang heavy in the room. Dr. Mooney’s jaw tightens, her fingers curling against her desk.

"Do you realize what you're saying? The boundaries you've crossed are more than mere guidelines. They are the foundation of this institution. Now I can’t give you a good recommendation. You’re basically resigning in shame!"

I flinch but don’t back down. Eve’s smile flashes in my mind, reminding me why I’m here.

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