7
228words
Adrian grabbed his collar, fist raised for another blow.
Sophie screamed.
I stepped forward and slapped Adrian hard across the face. "Enough!" I roared.
He froze, staring at me in utter disbelief.
I helped Benjamin up. "Are you hurt?"
He shook his head, touching the bruise. "I'm fine."
He looked at Adrian, now surrounded by protective students. "If your research was valid, our advisor wouldn't have shut it down. He protected you, kept it off your record."
Benjamin's gaze swept over the students. "You're not a good teacher."
The students bristled. "How dare you! Who are you to judge Professor Miller!"
I stepped protectively in front of Benjamin. "This is between Adrian and me. If you harass me or my friends again," I locked eyes with Adrian, "I won't hold back."
He slowly stood with his students' help.
He looked lost, bewildered.
His lips moved, but tears came first. "Emma... does it have to be like this?"
Watching him, Sophie rolled her eyes. "Oh, spare us the waterworks! Where were the tears when you were cozying up to your student? Or slicing your wife open? Pathetic!"
He didn't respond.
His eyes stayed locked on mine, pleading for an answer.
Looking at him now, I felt only exhaustion.
"Sign the papers, Adrian," I said, my voice empty. "Or we go to court."
