Professor F novel Chapter 47

"T—That means he's—"

George smiled at her. "He's no longer part of the faculty and the school, August. So, technically, the incident is not really going to cause—"

"W—what? This can't be happening." She could feel her eyes shaking and almost in tears when Flynn holds her hand on the table to calm her down.

"The board agreed to Flynn's resignation considering the circumstances. Besides, he's not taking a No as an answer." Francis said, speaking for the rest of the board members.

"But you love to teach." She said, ignoring what Francis said and her voice weak as she looked at Flynn's face. "You learned teaching from Father Jacobs. It's your only memory of him." She looked at George. "You can't take that away from him."

George looked at Flynn who took a deep breath. "C—Can we talk outside, August?"

She nodded. Flynn helps her stand on her feet and puts his hand on her back. "Please excuse us. You can start dinner without us."

They all nodded before they left. Flynn guides her outside the restaurant and they decided to talk under a tree in front near the entrance. "Why didn't you tell me that you quit your job?"

Flynn looked sad and regretful. "Because I know how much that means to you."

"What are you saying? How much what means to me exactly?" She asked, trying her best not to cry.

"How much you value work. And especially how much you value what people around you values for themselves. How much you value—me, August." He reached out to her and pulled her close by holding her hand as he caressed her face with his fingers and looking into her eyes. "And I'm so happy knowing how much they mean to you now. Believe me, I've never seen such selfless love my whole life and you just take my breath away." He sighed. "I had to make that choice. Because I love you and I value what you love. The scholarship you worked hard for. The job you have at University Coffee & Brew."

"I won't be able to forgive myself if you lost those things you love because of me." He cupped her face in his hands. "And please, this is all I ask, let me love you in ways I can. That teaching job, that memory of Father Jacobs, yes, they mean to me but you mean the most to me now. I'm happy that I have you and I'm certain Father Jacobs thinks so, too. This is all I ever wished for—just let me... love you."

She held her breath, hearing those words from him just swells her heart in happiness. "I just didn't want to cause you any trouble." She sniffed and buried her face on his chest.

He hugged her. "It's not your fault, August. Loving you was never a mistake. The situation is. That's why I had to make that choice to make things right." He cupped her face again. "I love you, August."

She looked into his eyes. "I love you, Flynn. More than ever." She felt his lips touched hers lightly and for some reason, she felt the heavy feeling on her chest is being lifted. Was it because all this time she was struggling between loving him and dealing with their relationship?

Flynn made an effort to lift that burden off of her chest. She can finally love him freely and not in hiding anymore. "Does that mean you won't be at the festival tomorrow?"

"I will be there as an honorary guest. It is the Engineers Royal Academy who is hosting the festival after all."

"Engineers Royal Academy?"

"It's the royal family's academe for engineering students." He smiled. "The school I graduated from and the school I was referring to when I suggested you study in London."

She raised her left eyebrow as she asked. "Are you a board member of the academe?"

He smiled. "Does it matter? You won't accept my scholarship offer anyway."

Her mouth dropped. "So—YOU ARE a board member of the royal academe?"

He smiled. "I am. It's funny this still surprises you."

"Of course it does. Honestly, I still can't believe I'm actually dating a prince. And this prince is suggesting that I get a scholarship in London."

"That's why it's called a suggestion." He said emphasizing on the last word. "You can say No but I'd really prefer to hear a Yes. I'd do anything to keep you around. But of course, what you love still matters more to me. Your parents. Pearsons University. Work. Would you like me to go on?"

She looked at him lovingly and nodded. "You forget saying your name there somewhere." She smiled. "You'll soon be busy with your project in New York. It is closer to Seattle than me being in London, don't you think?" She still can't believe what's going on. Although she feels guilty and bad because Flynn quits his job as a professor, she can't deny the happiness she feels when he confessed his true feelings for her and finally able to hold him in her arms without worries.

He smiled, nodding. "I can always book a flight. But yes, New York is closer than London. You win. Shall we go inside and have dinner now?" He asked and she nodded as she happily holds his hand in hers. "I know you're hungry." He added.

"Starving."

They went inside and joined the rest for dinner. Flynn pulls the chair for her to sit on before he went to take his. Francis and the rest of the guys were talking about the project they have in New York while Stella was talking to George.

The waiter served their meal and they all stopped moving when a woman's voice greeted them with a heavy English accent. "Good evening."

They suddenly behaved as though they met a royalty while she looked confused. After a few seconds, she's starting to realize who is the couple in front of them.

"Mother! Father! I didn't expect you'd be able to make it. It was such a last minute notice. I apologize." Stella exclaimed as she approached her parents.

She looked at Flynn with a pale face and he looked surprised as she is, with a look saying I swear I don't know anything about this.

It seemed like Stella is acting like a villain in her fairytale-like life story, having these unexpected moments when she's never prepared for.

The couple was smiling at everyone before looking at her and Flynn.

Flynn recovered first and approached his mother. He cleared his throat. "Mother, it's nice to have you tonight." Stella on the other hand instructed the restaurant owner to prepare for their parents' meal.

They immediately rushed upon the request. The people from the other tables couldn't contain their curiosity and excitement seeing the royal couple Prince Frederick, Flynn's father and Countess Lyndal, Flynn's mother.

But the guards were all on guard and prevented any commotion and allowing the royal family to enjoy the night.

"We wanted to surprise you, Flynn." His mother said.

Flynn looked at her with a smile. "I'd like you to meet my girlfriend—"

She blushed and felt cold. She wanted the ground to break and eat her whole. Girlfriend?! He's introducing me as his girlfriend to his parents! And in front of these many people! Is this really happening?

"This is Augustine Peters." Flynn smiled proudly.