Eva.
My heart pounds so hard I can hardly hear the students on the other side of the curtain.
Oak intends to announce our marriage to the entire school during the welcome back meeting in the hall today in exactly five minutes.
He told me I didn’t have to be here, but it didn’t feel right to leave him to tell everyone alone. Natalya, Azira, and Adrianna all arrived back here yesterday at my request to break the news to them personally.
I rendered all three speechless at first, but once they finally started talking, I explained all the crazy, sordid things that happened over winter break. They were happy for me once they got over the shock.
Oak has also told all the staff, who, other than Blaine and, of course, Archer, was very shocked. A few protested against it, saying it was immoral. However, Oak argued the entire school construct was immoral, so he doesn’t feel their argument stood up.
I’m prepared for the funny looks and the jokes at my expense once it becomes public knowledge, but I don’t care about it. I have the man I love and three great friends to support me.
Oak clears his throat into the microphone, and I know it’s time.
Fuck.
This is crazy.
We expect a bit of backlash from students’ parents, too, once it becomes common knowledge, but Oak believes it won’t be as bad as I’d expect.
“Welcome back to the Syndicate Academy. I hope you all had a good winter break.”
There are a few shouts in the crowd, but Oak ignores them.
“I have a rather controversial announcement to make, one that may shock a lot of you.” Archer nods to me as it’s my cue, and I walk out onto the stage with Oak, spotting Natalya beaming at the front of the crowd encouragingly. “Eva Carmichael became Eva Byrne, my wife, over the winter break. She now lives with me in my cottage on the grounds. If any of you wonder why you see your teacher kissing his student or sneaking her into his home.” I notice him pointedly glaring at Dimitry, who looks furious at our sudden announcement.
Many students whisper to each other, and everyone looks confused or disgusted.
“I understand that this is very unusual, but Eva and I fell in love, and we got married. It’s that simple. If you have questions, I will accept them now.”
Alexander smirks and lifts his hand. “Yes, Alexander.”
“Did you fuck her in the classroom, professor?”
Oak’s temple bulges as he clenches his jaw. “Anyone who has anything stupid to say will be spending the morning with professor Luigi. I’ll only accept respectful questions.” He nods at Blaine, who walks forward, grabs Alexander by the elbow, and drags him out of the room.
The entire hall of students falls silent, making me wonder what Blaine Luigi does to people.
How does he inspire such fear in students born to be killers?
“Any other questions?” I ask.
A young boy, who I don’t recognize, raises his hand. “Yes, Jaden.”
“Does that mean you will no longer be teaching her, as surely there may be a question of unfair treatment when it comes to grades?”
His question gets a few snickers, but I suppose it’s a fair one. “Eva will remain in my classes that I teach, but professor Luigi will grade her papers and exams to avoid any potential issue of favoritism.”
Oak glances around the rest of the pupils. “Anyone else.”
My stomach sinks when I see Dimitry lift his hand. “What, Dimitry?” Oak snaps, tension coiling through him.
“Is that why you assaulted me in the after-party at the ruins, professor?” he asks.
We were expecting him not to drop this stupid claim of assault. It may be true that he hit Dimitry, but Dimitry tried to touch me.
“Do you mean the time I defended Eva when you tried to tear her panties off of her while she screamed at you not to?” Oak asks, calm as I’ve ever seen him.
Dimitry’s cheeks redden, and he can’t meet Oak’s gaze. “Whatever,” he says, waving his hand.
A lot of the students laugh at him. Hopefully, that should put the matter to bed, but if he pursues it, we’ll fight him.
“Any more useless questions?” Oak asks. He’s met with silence, and he nods. “Good, everyone, go to breakfast.”
All the students chatter as they rise from their seats, heading out of the hall toward the cafeteria. Natalya, Adrianna, and Azira linger, beckoning me over.
I turn to Oak. “I’ll see you later. I’m going to attend breakfast with my friends.”
He smiles and slides his hand behind my neck, pulling me close for a quick kiss. “Okay, don’t be late home tonight.”