You had no idea anyone else had seen you and Thomas at the resort until a few days later when Bianca, your rival at HollywoodU, confronted you on campus. She threatened to expose your relationship unless you sacrificed your career at the university. The realization hit hard—Bianca had been keeping tabs on you both without your knowledge. Furious, you immediately told Thomas, shocked that one of his own students would go to such lengths.

The situation escalated quickly when you both received an email from the Dean of Students, requesting a meeting to discuss the consequences of your relationship. The weight of what had happened began to settle in, and you both understood this wouldn’t just blow over. Before the meeting, you and Thomas talked, and he admitted something that had been weighing on him. He had never wanted to keep the relationship a secret, but had done so to protect both of you.

"I didn’t want to put you in this position,"

he said, his voice softer than usual. Now, with everything on the line, he was ready to fight for both his job and your future together.

"I’m not losing you, and I’m not losing my career either,"

he said, determination in his voice. You could see the sincerity in his eyes, and it made you believe that maybe, just maybe, everything would work out.

You reassured him that you were in this together, your hand finding his as you both prepared for what lay ahead. The next day, the tension was palpable as you both walked into the meeting with the board. You were nervous, but something about Thomas's confidence gave you strength. The outcome was uncertain, but with Thomas by your side, you were ready to face whatever came.