Page 92 of Forbidden Professor

Dr. Mooney’s tone sharpens, frustration evident. She leans back and steeples her fingers.

"I told you to stay away from dating a student. But here you are, throwing away your career."

“I know.” There is a lump growing in my throat. “I’m sorry, Dr. Mooney.”

Dr. Mooney’s eyes flash with fury. Her patience finally snaps as she reaches for her phone. "Enough."

As she dials, I know what’s coming. Part of me wants to run, to take it all back, but I stand firm. This is for Eve. For us.

"Security? This is Dr. Mooney. I need you in my office." She hangs up and considers me. Her eyes meet mine, her voice cold. "Dr. Morgan, you are officially terminated. Leave these premises immediately."

Her words hit hard, but I nod. As I turn to leave, I wonder if Eve will understand what I’ve sacrificed.

I step out of Dr. Mooney’s office. The door clicks shut behind me. The hallway stretches ahead, quiet and empty. My footsteps echo as I head toward my office. It feels like I’m walking away from a former life.

A mix of emotions swirls in me. Regret gnaws at me, but relief rises too, like a weight has lifted. "I did it," I murmur.

Each step feels freeing and terrifying. I think of Eve.

Her smile, her laugh, her passion for medicine. Was it worth it? Years of hard work, sacrificed for a chance at love?

I stop, closing my eyes. My mother’s words echo in my mind."Carter, the hardest choices are often the ones worth making."

With new resolve, I open my eyes and keep going. "I hope you're right, Mom."

As I reach my office, I wonder what Eve will say. Will she understand or think I’m out of my mind? The thought of her reaction, both thrilling and terrifying, keeps me moving forward.

"One step at a time, Carter," I tell myself, gripping the door handle.

I push open the door. The space feels familiar but distant. The scent of old books and coffee fills the air. I pause, taking it all in.

"This is it," I mutter, rubbing my face. "Time to pack up."

I grab a cardboard box and start filling it. Each item feels heavy with memories and lost possibilities. I pick up a photo of my graduating class. My gaze lands on Eve's face. My heart skips a beat, and I smile.

"Dr. Morgan," as tall security guard says, voice gruff. Another guard is right behind him. "We’re here to escort you out. You can take whatever you want now. We’ll have the rest messengered to your house.”

I nod, swallowing hard. "Of course. Just a moment."

I finish the last box, hands trembling slightly. As I close it, I think of Eve. Will she understand what I’ve done?

"You know," I say to the guards, forcing a smile, "I never thought I'd be escorted out of my own office."

The shorter guard shifts, looking uncomfortable. "Just doing our job, sir."

I grab my coat. Its weight contrasts with the lightness I feel inside. "I know. Thank you."

I hand over my keys, the final piece of my old life. “I won’t need these anymore."

The guard takes them. His eyes meet mine, a flicker of understanding. "Good luck, Dr. Morgan."

I nod back, grateful for the small kindness. Hauling a box of my things, I step out of my office for the last time, feeling both fear and excitement.

"Eve," I think, "I hope you're worth all this."

But I know the answer already. She is. She absolutely is.

ChapterThirty-Eight

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