Page 48 of One Night With My Grumpy Professor Daddy

I’m about to step into my car when I get an email from the man I just walked out on. It’s titled “Ava Miller.” Seeing her name in the subject line makes my heart skip a beat. What the hell does my old man have on her?

Chapter twenty-nine

Ava

Today is the day,

I stare at my reflection in the blue and yellow gown. I’m in the bathroom after walking the stage, in my graduation cap and gown, trying to be present in the moment.

My heart is aching, I should be out there with my family, but I don’t have it in me to put on a smile.

Washing my hands at the sink, all I can think about are those two pink lines.

When someone else comes into the bathroom, it takes me a minute before I recognize her—Monica, the girl from the mall, the student who snitched on Professor Morales.

“Congratulations.” She smiles at me, and I smile and tell her the same back.

I’m drying my hands when she says. “I hope it works out for you—you know.”

I cock my head, not knowing what she’s talking about. She continues. “I didn’t want to say anything because we were still in school, but I’ve noticed you and Professor Armstrong. I was in a relationship with a professor once too. It didn’t work out, but I’m rooting for you …I hope yours does.”

My face goes white. I stand there stunned for a minute as my brain processes what she just said. So, Monica was the student involved, not the one who reported.

As I walk out of the bathroom, her words echo in my mind: I hope it works out for you.

Instinctively, my hand goes to my stomach and the piece of Drake that I have growing inside me. After five tests, a week of denial, and three panic attacks later, I’m only just accepting the fact that I’m pregnant.

Guilt pricks at my chest, and my eyes sting. I think about going back to meet my family, knowing that I’m not just pregnant, but growing in me is a mixture of two rival bloodlines. I know it sounds dramatic, but it’s the most accurate description I can think of.

It’s also a beautiful life, the offspring of a man I love.

A man my family hates.

I tear up even more and wipe my eyes. I’ve been crying so easily these days. Maybe it’s the hormones.

Or maybe crying is the only control I have over my situation.

Before I think too much of it, I grab my phone to send him a text, when it vibrates with a text from Daphne. “Should I send out a search party?“ the text reads.

I smile softly and text my reply. “I don’t feel well, but I’ll be at my graduation dinner tonight.”

Her reply comes almost immediately: “I can’t wait!”

I leave the bathroom and head straight to my apartment. Just as I climb the stairs, in front of my door stands Drake.

My heart skips a beat. And even though he’s no longer my professor, I look around like a criminal about to be caught.

“Congratulations.” He has a big grin on and an even bigger bouquet in his hand, which causes me to blush. I still haven’t thanked him properly for the beautiful bracelet I’m wearing.

The second my eyes meet his, I can tell he looks different.

It takes me a second to place what it is. He seems happier, freer, less irritated, less like the grumpy professor I met all those years ago. His smile is light and easy, and his shoulders are relaxed like a weight has been lifted off them.

“I’m proud of you, Ava. You did it.” He smiles, handing me a box. I can’t guess what’s inside, but it’s too big to be another bracelet.

I return his smile and take the box from him. “It’s a cake?” You’re gonna make me fat,” I tease and motion for him to come inside.

He laughs and takes my hand, leading me to the living room. “I just want it to be our thing, you know. I’ll get you a cake for every milestone you cross. That way, you’ll know that I’m always celebrating you.”

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