Page 84 of Forbidden Professor

“You’re right,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

Aiden leans forward, his eyes intense. “I’m listening.”

I take a deep breath, feeling like I’m on the edge of a cliff. The pizza place fades away, leaving only Aiden and the thundering of my pulse. This is it. No turning back.

“It’s about Eve,” I begin again, my voice steadier. “And me.”

I meet Aiden’s gaze, ready for what’s coming. “Eve and I... we’re together. We’ve been seeing each other for a while.”

The words tumble out, a mix of relief and fear flooding me.

Aiden’s eyes widen, then harden.

I press on, my heart racing. “I know it’s complicated, with her being your sister. But what we have is real. From the moment I laid eyes on her, there was a spark. A connection that neither of us could ignore. She challenges me. She inspires me. She makes me want to be better.”

Aiden’s jaw clenches, his posture stiff. I see the storm building in his eyes, but I can’t stop now.

“I understand your concerns,” I say, before he can say his piece. “I’ve struggled with them too. But Eve is an adult, capable of making her own choices. And I... I love her, Aiden. More than I ever thought possible.”

Silence hangs between us. Then Aiden’s voice cuts through, cold and sharp. “You need to end it. Now.”

My stomach drops. “Aiden, please?—”

“No,” he says, his voice rising. “You don’t get to do this, Carter. She’s my sister. My responsibility.” His fists clench on the table. “It’s either Eve or me. You can’t have both.”

The ultimatum hits like a blow. I struggle to breathe, my mind reeling. How can I choose?

A part of me wants to walk away, to spare Aiden the pain and salvage the family I’ve found. But another part refuses to give up the love I’ve found with Eve.

I know what my heart wants. What my soul needs.

I meet Aiden’s gaze, unwavering. “I’m sorry, man. I love her. I can’t turn my back on her.”

The air between us crackles. A part of me hopes Aiden will understand, that he’ll see what Eve and I mean to each other. But the distance in his eyes cuts me to the core.

“Then I guess you’ve made your choice.” Aiden stands, his chair scraping against the floor. “You’re dead to me, Carter. Don’t even try to contact me.”

With those words, he storms out, the door slamming behind him.

I slump back, my heart pounding. I’ve just lost my best friend for a chance at love with Eve. Was it worth it? Even as I question it, I know the answer.

Yes, it was.

Eve means everything to me. I’m willing to risk it all to be with her.

Chapter 34.5

I brush a stray hair from my face and lean back on the couch. My anatomy textbook is open in front of me. Carter sits cross-legged beside me, his knee barely brushing mine. The warmth of his presence sends a thrill through me.

“So, Dr. Morgan,” I tease, “tell me all about the cardiovascular system.”

Carter’s eyes crinkle with amusement. “I’d be happy to get your heart racing.”

Heat rushes to my cheeks at his playful tone. Before I can respond, an orange blur of fur pounces onto my textbook.

“Valentine!” I laugh, scooping up the kitten. “What am I going to do with you?”

Carter scratches behind her ears. “She’s got perfect timing.”

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