Forbidden Pages

Chapter 19: The Edge of Discovery

Emma's thoughts raced as she walked across campus, the sounds and faces around her fading into a blur. She couldn't shake the feeling that her secret with Ryland was no longer safe. Sarah's subtle questions had been enough to warn her that people were paying attention, and she knew that one wrong move could be enough to unravel everything.

As the week progressed, she and Ryland became more cautious, meeting only when absolutely necessary and keeping their interactions on campus as distant as possible. But the tension between them was palpable, a strain that stretched across their stolen moments, filling each one with the lingering fear of discovery.

On Friday afternoon, Emma sat in the library, pretending to study but unable to focus. Her phone buzzed on the table beside her. She glanced down, her heart leaping when she saw Ryland's name.

"Need to see you. It's important. Usual spot, tonight?"

Emma quickly typed her response, her pulse quickening as she agreed. She knew that whatever Ryland needed to say couldn't be good news.

That Evening

The library's third floor was quiet and empty as Emma made her way to the back corner where she and Ryland had met so many times before. She found him already waiting, his face drawn and serious. As soon as she approached, he reached for her hand, his grip firm but gentle.

"Emma," he said softly, his voice tinged with worry. "There's something we need to talk about."

She nodded, her heart pounding as she took a seat beside him. "What is it?"

Ryland took a deep breath, glancing around to make sure they were alone before he spoke. "Professor Harding... he's been asking questions. More direct ones."

Emma's stomach dropped, a chill running through her as she realized the gravity of his words. "What kind of questions?"

Ryland's jaw tightened. "About you. About us. I've tried to deflect, to keep things vague, but... I don't think he's buying it."

Emma felt the blood drain from her face, her mind racing with the implications. "You think he suspects something?"

Ryland nodded, his expression grim. "I do. And if he finds out... Emma, it could mean the end of everything-for both of us."

They sat in silence, the weight of his words settling over them. Emma felt a mixture of fear and frustration bubbling up inside her, the constant pressure and secrecy finally taking its toll.

"Ryland, I can't keep doing this," she said, her voice barely steady. "Living in fear, constantly watching my back... it's exhausting."

Ryland reached for her hand, his gaze filled with sympathy and regret. "I know, Emma. I feel it too. But we have to be careful. If anyone finds out-"

"We're finished," she interrupted, her voice thick with emotion. "I know."

They sat in silence, each of them grappling with the reality of their situation. Emma felt as though they were standing on the edge of a cliff, staring down into an uncertain future. She wanted to believe that they could find a way to make it work, that their love was strong enough to withstand the pressures they faced, but the cracks were beginning to show, the strain becoming impossible to ignore.

After a long pause, Ryland spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "Emma, maybe... maybe it would be best if we took a step back."

She felt her heart shatter at his words, a sharp ache settling in her chest. "Are you... are you saying we should end things?"

Ryland looked down, his hand still holding hers. "I'm saying that I don't want to put you at risk. I don't want to be the reason you lose everything you've worked so hard for."