One Night With My Alpha Professor by Eve Above Story

Chapter 143 Audrey

Edwin stepped closer to me, his eyes darting nervously over his shoulder. I couldn't decide whether I was about to pass out, run to him, or launch myself over the balcony.

"Fiona is in the restroom, he said in a low, urgent voice. "We only have a moment. Have you... have your mind?"

made up your

His gaze softened as he looked at me, a small smile playing on his lips. He added, "You look beautiful tonight, by the way. That dress... did you make it yourself?"

I nodded, smoothing down the fabric of my emerald green gown. "I did. Thank you."

His throat bobbed, those gray eyes flicking up my dress before landing on me again. My heart clenched just at the sight of him, and I felt tears welling up in my eyes. This was it. I had to do it now, before I lost my nerve.

"Edwin, I..." I took a deep breath, steeling myself. "My answer is no. I won't be your girlfriend."

His face fell, confusion and hurt flashing across his features. His eyes shifted from a stormy gray to a pale yellow glow, and the sight made my stomach ache even more..

"But... why? I thought... I thought you felt the same way I did," he said softly. "I thought you"

"I love you," I blurted out. Even though my voice was barely above a whisper, the words felt heavy, beautiful, heartwrenching. I quickly looked away from Edwin's shocked expression.

“I'm just a human,” I managed, wrapping my arms around myself. “I'll never be seen as anything more than a plaything. You should find your fated mate."

Edwin's eyes flashed, the yellow glow intensifying. He took a step forward, reaching for me. I didn't pull back, not right away: I wanted to feel his fingers brush my skin one last time.

"Audrey, no. How could you think that? I love you, and I would never view you as a plaything. If I somehow found my fated mate, I would easily sever the bond without a second thought because I just want you. Only you."

I opened my mouth to argue, but Edwin suddenly tensed, his head turning slightly. His nostrils flared, and I knew he was catching a scent I couldn't detect.

me," he said urgently, his voice tight with worry. "I shouldn't have come to you here. It's too dangerous." He turned back to me, and there was an urgency in his eyes that made my heart stop. "Audrey, please be careful tonight Stay away from Fiona

I asked, fear creeping into my voice. My

two minutes," Edwin said, his voice strained the ran a hand through his hair, messing up the carefully styled swoop. "But I

have the strength nor the time to tell Edwin that

before Fiona could spot us together. I watched lim go, my heart aching with each step he

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hair and making me shudder. I looked down at the sheer drop below the balcony, the river a dark ribbon in the distance. Had I

Fiona up close. I tried to leave at one point, but Claudia caught me before I reached the door, smiling and still wearing that scarf in her hair, and I couldn't bring myself

it was time for dinner. Blissfully, my seat was toward

soft murmur of conversation filled the air. The food smelled delicious, but I picked at

glass raised high. Her platinum hair caught the light, shimmering like spun gold. Her smile was wide as she began to speak,

mother," Fiona said. "You have always been my rock, my inspiration. I wouldn't be who I am today without you. Happy birthday, Mom. I love you

even from where I sat. Claudia opened it,

could have sworn that Fiona's eyes flicked to me then,

her voice, felt her embrace. I missed my adoptive mother fiercely in that

wished I could

words that Fiona said next had me snapping my gaze up like a rubber band pulled

everyone's attention, I have an announcement to make." She paused for effect, her eyes seeming to slide towards me.

and

me, the sounds becoming m***d and distant. Across the room, I caught a glimpse of Edwin. He looked pale, his jaw clenched tight, his

couldn't handle it. The walls felt like they were closing in, the air thick and suffocating. Mumbling an excuse to the people at my table, I

to the bathroom, I found a side balcony where no one else was. I stepped out into the cool night air, gripping the railing as I tried to

as I wrapped my fingers around that railing. They

words rang hollow, even to

This enigma that both did and didn't exist