Page 172 of Teacher's Pet

"Anastasia!"

The voice slices through the air, sharp and grating.

Noah tenses, his hands steadying me as he pulls me upright. We both turn.

Cole.

He stands at the edge of the gazebo, a smirk stretched across his face, his eyes gleaming with something sinister.

"Sorry to cut in, Professor," Cole drawls. "But I have someone here who’s excited to see Ana."

I step toward him, ready to slap the smug look off his face.

But then he shifts aside.

And my world stops.

I freeze. My breath catches.

No.

Standing there, no longer needing support, his posture strong, his presence undeniable—

My father.

His eyes meet mine, warm, alive, vibrant in a way I haven’t seen in so long.

"Hi, honey," he whispers.

The chaos around me vanishes.

The weight of my reality, the threats, the danger, the fear, it all dissolves.

Because for the first time in what feels like forever, my father looks alive.

"Dad?" My voice is barely a whisper.

"It was supposed to be a surprise," Cole says. "I thought-"

I don’t let him finish.

I throw myself into my father’s arms, holding him as tightly as I possibly can. His warmth, his strength, it’s all there, real and solid, something I never thought I’d feel again. Over his shoulder, I catch my mother’s eyes. She smiles, lifting her camera to snap a picture, her joy undeniable. My dad grins, matching her excitement, and for a fleeting moment, the world feels right.

"I missed you, Bean," he murmurs, his embrace strong, his voice thick with emotion.

I squeeze my eyes shut. "I missed you more."

"Cole, dear," my mom chimes in, her voice light and curious. "Who is Ana’s friend?"

I stiffen.

Reality crashes back in, and I’m instantly torn from the moment. My glare lands on Cole, sharp and unforgiving.

Before he can answer, Megan steps in, her tone bright but pointed. "Professor Ackerman here is one of the best English teachers in the department."

She loops an arm through Elijah’s, dragging him and their parents into the conversation.

"Isn’t that right, Elijah?"

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