Chapter 70 They Hired Me!
Will’s P.O.V.
Days pass.
Too many of them.
Iva spends hours on the laptop, applying to colleges, refining her CV, rehearsing answers in front of the mirror. She smiles when she talks to me about it, pretends she’s fine, pretends it doesn’t bother her.
But I see it.
I see the way her shoulders slump a little more every evening. The way her eyes search her inbox with hope… and then dull when there’s nothing. The way she forces optimism after interviews, only to grow quiet when they ask about her last job, and never calls back.
They don’t say it outright, but I know.
The moment they hear why she left, doors start closing.
And it’s my fault.
She lost her job because of my carelessness. Because our secret came out. Because I didn’t protect her enough. And watching her bleed silently like this is torture.
I told her not to reveal the real reason she left her last job, but she doesn’t listen to me. She wants to be honest, no matter the consequences, because that’s who she is, strong, principled, and unwilling to build her future on a lie.
But I’m not like her. I have to do something for her.
One night, when she finally falls asleep beside me, her face tired even in rest, I carefully slide out of bed and step into the balcony, phone in hand.
I call my father.
When he answers, I don’t waste time. I request him. “I’m not asking for favours. Just… if there’s a college where Iva’s talent will be seen, please help her get a chance.”
There’s a pause.
Then he agrees.
I close my eyes, feeling relieved and guilty, both at the same time. I know Iva won’t like this. She hates shortcuts. She believes in earning everything herself.
But I also know this, I love her so much to let her break.
Two Days Later
We’re sitting on the sofa, her legs resting across my lap. She’s on her period and cramps are bothering her. I’m massaging her calves and thighs gently, thumbs working slow circles the way she likes.
She sighs softly, still focused on her laptop, scrolling through job portals, applying again. And again.
Then suddenly, she freezes.
Her eyes widen.
“Will—” she gasps.
I look up just as she lets out an excited squeal. “I got an email! From Ravenport College. They’ve called me for an interview next week!”
Her face lights up in a way I haven’t seen in days. Pure, unfiltered hope.
She clutches the laptop to her chest. “God! I’ve got a feeling… I’ll get accepted this time.”
I smile, already knowing the outcome, and lean forward to press a soft kiss to her lips. “You will, Professor.”
She laughs softly as I pull her onto my lap, her arms looping around my neck, her body relaxing against mine.
There isn’t a doubt in my mind. Because I’ve already moved things into place. Because I can make anything happen for her. Move mountains. Bend fate. This is nothing compared to what she deserves.
She settles more comfortably, resting her head on my chest, her legs tucked to the side, fingers absently tracing patterns on my shirt.
After a moment, she murmurs, almost wistfully, “Now we won’t have classroom sessions anymore. I’ll miss them.”
I press a kiss to her hair, holding her closer. “Who said that chapter is over forever?”
She looks up at me, curious. “What do you mean?”
I brush my thumb along her cheek and say with absolute certainty, “One day, I’ll make it happen. In some way, in some form. You and me. A classroom again. On our terms.”
Her eyes soften, and she nods, trusting me without question.
She always does. And that blind faith in me fuels my certainty that I can turn every promise I make to her into reality.
A Week Later
I’m parked across the street from Ravenport College, my gaze fixed on the entrance, waiting for Iva.
Then I spot her walking out. She doesn’t just walk, she almost floats. Her steps are lighter, her shoulders back, her face glowing with something I haven’t seen in far too long. It’s a pure joy.
She opens the passenger door and slides in. Before I can even ask something, she blurts out, eyes shining. “Will. They hired me!”
I just stare at her, happy to see her like this. I was waiting for this day more than her.
“They hired me,” she repeats, laughing now, both in disbelief and happiness. “They said they were really impressed with my profile, and my YouTube lectures. Can you believe that? They told me my teaching style is refreshing, that I connect with students.” Her hands flutter as she talks. “They didn’t even ask about my last job. Not once.”
She shakes her head, still smiling. “I can’t believe it. I finally got the job.”
That’s it. I pull her into my arms, holding her tight, breathing her in like she’s oxygen. She’s laughing against my chest, happiness spilling out of her, and it feels like the sun has finally broken through weeks of darkness.
This. This is why I can do anything. Everything for her.
“I’m so proud of you, Professor.” I press a kiss to her temple.
She pulls back just enough to look at me, her eyes wet, not with pain this time, but with pure emotion. “I didn’t lose, Will. I really didn’t.”
I feel a twinge of guilt for helping her behind her back, but I don’t regret it. Everything is worth her happiness.
“No, you never did,” I reply, brushing my thumb under her eye.
She leans in and kisses me, quick at first, then deeper, filled with excitement and relief and love. When she pulls back, she’s grinning like she’s won the world.
“So,” I say, starting the car, my own smile unstoppable, “we’re celebrating tonight.”
Her eyes light up immediately. “In our way?”
“In our way,” I confirm, leaning over to steal another soft kiss. “Completely.”
She laughs, nodding eagerly. “Of course we will.”
As I drive away from the college, with her hand warm and steady in mine, I think only one thing, I’d burn the world down and rebuild it from scratch if it meant seeing her this happy.
And I’d do it again. Every single time.