CHLOE POV:
Just as Philip Price was about to disappear through the gate, he paused. He turned back, and his next words caught me completely off guard.
"Miss Miller, my personal advice would be to reconsider."
I frowned. "What do you mean?"
"This contract, for you, might have been more than just a tutoring job," he said, his voice a little lower now. "You know Mr. Donovan's status... Sometimes, maintaining a formal connection is not a bad thing for your life at Briar University."
I understood his subtext immediately. He was telling me that it was smart to stay under the shadow of the great Carlisle tree, that walking away was a foolish move. A wave of disgust washed over me.
"Thank you for your 'advice,' Mr. Price." I put a sharp edge on the word "advice," my voice turning cold. "But I prefer to rely on myself. My life, for better or worse, is mine to control."
Philip Price looked at me, and the curiosity in his eyes shifted to something else... appreciation? Maybe I was imagining it.
He finally nodded, his gaze softening. "I understand. My apologies, I overstepped."
His attitude seemed to change from purely professional to something more. A flicker of respect.
He tucked the folder securely under his arm and gave me another nod. "In that case, I wish you all the best for your future, Miss Miller."
This time, the blessing sounded sincere. The tension in my shoulders finally eased. I nodded back at him. "Thank you, Mr. Price. Goodbye."
I watched him disappear, then let out a long, slow breath. It felt like a heavy weight had been lifted from my chest.
I quickly got back into my little car, and even the air inside felt fresher.
Goodbye, Carlisle. Goodbye, Donovan, the boy who only ever existed in emails and study materials.
I started the car, and a cheerful pop song blasted from the radio.
I started humming along, feeling lighter than I had in a year.
I pressed the gas, and my used Honda sped happily down the wide road.
From this day on, I was just Chloe Miller, a regular music major at Briar University.
I didn't drive home. I headed straight for the busiest commercial street near campus.
Today was my 21st birthday. It was also the first day of my new life. It deserved a proper celebration.
I sent a text to my best friend, Casey: The usual spot. My treat. Celebrating my resignation!
Casey replied instantly with an explosion emoji, followed by: You finally kicked that mysterious vampire employer to the curb?
I smiled and typed back: Technically, I just officially quit.
I tossed my phone onto the passenger seat, a grin spreading across my face as I imagined the free life ahead. I wasn't someone who needed to cling to the Carlisle family's payroll.
To celebrate, I decided on the most popular bar on campus—The Penalty Box.
The name, a reference to ice hockey's punishment zone, was a nod to the team that ruled this school. It was where the players often hung out, a perfect irony for my celebration of freedom from one of them.
The light ahead turned red. I stopped, glancing at myself in the rearview mirror.
The girl in the reflection had bright eyes, full of hope for the future, but also a flicker of uncertainty.
Was it really... over? Would Donovan Carlisle, a man I'd never even met, feel anything at all about his tutor's departure?
I shook my head, pushing the ridiculous thought away. He was Donovan Carlisle, a god on campus. Why would he care about someone so insignificant?
