Between the desks

Chapter 25

Elizabeth's POV

The weekend slipped away faster than I'd wanted it to. Monday arrived with the all-too-familiar sense of dread that seemed to accompany the start of every workweek. A full day of teaching, meetings, and endless stress stretched ahead of me. But this Monday, there was something else lingering at the edge of my mind—something more complicated.

Scarlett's words replayed in my head as I prepared for the day. Her advice had been blunt but honest. I knew she was right. I needed to draw a clear line between my personal life and my professional one, especially when it came to Amren. I'd only known her for two weeks, but already things felt... dangerous. I was treading on thin ice, and it was time to act like the professor I was supposed to be, not someone drawn into messy feelings.

I looked at myself in the mirror, tightening the belt on my black trousers and adjusting the crisp white shirt I'd chosen. It was professional but still fitted, showing just enough cleavage to feel confident, though I questioned if I should tone it down. Why does it matter? I wasn't dressing for anyone, not even Amren. I slipped into my black pumps, knowing full well I'd regret them by the end of the day. But for now, they gave me a sense of power. I needed that armor today.

After a rushed morning, I got into my car and drove to campus. The hum of the engine couldn't drown out the anxious thoughts racing through my mind. Today's the day I'll set boundaries, I told myself over and over. No personal contact. No slipping into casual glances or letting emotions take over. Just be a professional, Lizzie.

As I hurried across the campus parking lot, my pumps clicking rhythmically against the pavement, I spotted them—Lily and Amren—standing outside the building, smoking their morning cigarettes. Those gross things. My stomach knotted a little tighter when I saw them, but I forced a smile and walked past. "Good morning, ladies!" I called out, trying to sound casual and confident, the way I'd practiced in my head.

Lily waved back, but Amren... she didn't even meet my eyes. Instead, she looked down at the ground, her body language closed off, as if she was actively avoiding me. I felt a tiny sting of rejection, but I quickly pushed it away. Don't take it personally. I told myself. She's probably just hungover from the weekend.

I continued walking, my steps quickening as I headed toward my office. Cate was already there, sitting at her desk with her usual perfect posture, waiting for me. We exchanged pleasantries, catching up on our weekends. I told her a watered-down version of mine—just that I'd gone out with a friend. No mention of Amren, no mention of the club. Cate didn't need to know, and I wasn't ready to admit just how much that night had lingered with me.

After a few minutes of chatting, I rushed off to class, nerves creeping back in as I neared the lecture hall. The students were already seated, their casual chatter filling the room. I could feel the weight of their eyes on me as I walked to the front, setting up my laptop. Keep it together. I told myself, trying to look calm and unbothered. But my heart skipped when I felt Amren's gaze. She was sitting in the front row, her eyes burning into my back. Don't look at her. I resisted the urge to glance her way.

Instead, I focused on the task at hand, walking briskly to the door and shutting it with a firm slam. I clapped my hands together, channeling every bit of authority I had. "Good morning, class!" I called out, my voice sharper than I intended. There was a bitter edge to it, but I couldn't help it. I needed the distance.

As I stood at the front of the classroom, the air felt thick with tension. I could feel it clinging to me, seeping into the way I moved, the way I spoke. But I had a job to do, and no matter how rattled I was, I had to be the version of myself they expected: the authoritative, no-nonsense professor. It was the only way to keep control, both of the class and, more importantly, of my spiraling emotions.