One Night With My Alpha Professor by Eve Above Story

Chapter 272

Audrey

The last rays of sunset poured in through the tall windows, spilling warm golden shafts of light across the hardwood floors. The space was bedecked with banners and streamers, a birthday cake sitting in the middle of the room. It was clear what my friends were implying. Someone had purchased the storefront I’d been pining over for months.

I should have been thrilled, but all I felt was guilty. And honestly… betrayed.

“Why did you buy this place for me?” I asked, whirling to face the others. “Why would you all… I mean, this place cost…”

I trailed off, unable to even say the amount.

“Because you need a place for your charity, Audrey,” Edwin said. “A real place. The apartment can’t hold you and your designs anymore–it’s barely holding up as it is. No offense, but I can’t really stand the mess anymore.”

“Yes, but—” I stammered, flushing. “I didn’t… I wanted to pay for it myself. I told you guys…”

My friends exchanged glances before Tina spoke up. “Audrey, look around you. You’ve done so much for us. For the whole pack. I think it’s high time you let someone else do something for you for once.”

I swallowed, glancing around the room. My mind was torn between elation and guilt and hurt. Mostly guilt. This place was expensive. I looked at Edwin, wondering if he’d been the one to foot the bill, but he just offered me a tiny, reassuring smile.

“But I don’t… I don’t deserve this. This was going to be my project, my plan to save up, my-”

“Your burden to bear alone?” Betty interrupted. “Please. We’ve seen the way you’ve been practically drooling over this place for months. You don’t think we would notice?”

“It’s not that,” I argued, shaking my head. “I just… I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it on my own.”

Tina’s smirk softened, and she gave a small shrug. “Well, consider this an investment in your big dream, Audrey. We want in on this charity of yours. All of us.”

My jaw went slack, the words sinking in slowly.

“Wait… what?” I whispered.

Betty nodded. “Edwin and Claudia paid for a lot of it,” she admitted. “But we all chipped in. Not just for you, though. We all want a part in the charity. To be… partners.”

I could even wrap my head around it, Gavin spoke up. “I was thinking I could run a little coffee stand right over there,” he said, pointing to the corner nearest the front window.

coffee stand?” I echoed, still

the restaurant business, as you know And I

to keep you from funneling all your profits straight back into supplies, Audrey. I’m

out a half–laugh, although my eyes were slowly filling with

for me,” Avis continued, “I’d love to create designs with you. We can come up with a one of a kind piece together every season, and I’ll sew it and display it

be able to sell the

mouth opened, then closed, completely

me a nudge with her elbow. “Come on, Audrey. Don’t

together nervously. “It’s just… you’re all… and this is…” I stumbled

a hand on my shoulder. “It’s not just for you, Audrey. It’s for all of us. Every one of us wants

still felt like it wasn’t enough to make up for the money they’d all spent to buy this place. “But I didn’t even-” I began, only to be

she said. “I’ll communicate with the orphanages, help direct funds, set up scholarships for orphans and foster children, that sort of thing. After everything we went through with Joseph…”

as I took in her words, my mind racing to process everything. They all wanted to help. They wanted to be a part of this, my dream, my vision.

exchange without a word. I didn’t know what to say, or even

he said softly, stepping forward and snaking his arm around my

just stared up at him, my heart

I were thinking, actually.” He gestured toward the

and Edwin. Your debut line to

and running.”

wide, and I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks. A fashion show… with my mother? Their words left me speechless. My friends and family weren’t just offering to help–they were offering

you… want to do this?” I

nods met my question, and

a warmth began to spread through my chest. I realized then that this wasn’t just my dream. It was all of ours. That was why they had bought this place–so we could all make a difference together.

of it all finally hit me “Alright. I… I’ll do it. I’ll run

the others, and before I knew it, everyone was surrounding me, embracing me, laughing. I nearly got suffocated in the tangle of arms and bodies, but I couldn’t help but laugh with them, tears now streaming freely

settled, it’s time to celebrate,” Peter announced, grabbing a bottle of champagne from the table and popping the cork

my eyes,