Olivia Roberts is a passionate and dedicated literature teacher at Greenhills Academy, a prestigious school with strict policies. She's always played by the rules-until she finds herself drawn to the one person she shouldn't be: Norman Graves, the school's charismatic and enigmatic head administrator. As the walls of professionalism crumble between them, Olivia and Norman struggle to balance their undeniable chemistry with the academy's rigid no-relationships policy. Whispers start to spread through the halls, forcing them to face a choice-risk their careers for love, or bury their feelings forever. Torn between duty and desire, Olivia must decide: Will she follow her heart and defy the rules? Or will she sacrifice love to protect the life she's worked so hard to build? Passion collides with professionalism in a forbidden romance where the stakes are higher than ever. Can love survive when everything is on the line?
Chapter 1 Prologue
The late afternoon sun filtered through the large windows of Greenhills Academy, casting long shadows across the hallway. The school had emptied out for the day, leaving behind a peaceful silence. Olivia Roberts walked slowly down the hallway, the sound of her heels echoing against the polished floor. In her hand, she clutched a stack of papers, but her mind was far from lesson plans and grading.
Her thoughts were on him.
At the end of the corridor, the door to the administration office stood slightly ajar. Inside, she could see the faint glow of a desk lamp and the familiar figure of Norman Graves, the school's head administrator. His posture was straight, composed, his eyes focused on some paperwork, unaware of her presence.
Olivia's heart raced. She had always admired him-the way he carried himself with quiet confidence, the way he managed the academy with firm, yet thoughtful authority. But lately, her feelings had deepened into something more, something that wasn't allowed.
"Miss Roberts?"
The voice startled her, pulling her back to reality. She turned to see one of her fellow teachers, Claire, approaching her from the opposite direction.
"Hey, Claire," Olivia replied, forcing a smile. "Still here?"
"Just finished up some extra tutoring for the science club," Claire said with a grin, glancing toward the administration office. "Late night for Mr. Graves again, I see?"
Olivia stiffened. "I suppose so. He's always busy."
Claire gave her a knowing look, the kind that made Olivia's pulse quicken. "You two seem to have a lot of meetings lately. Anything going on?"
Olivia's smile faltered. "Just work, Claire. You know how demanding the board can be."
Claire raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. "Of course. Just be careful, Olivia. You know the rules around here." She lowered her voice slightly, her eyes flicking toward Norman's office. "Not that I'm one to gossip, but people notice things."
Olivia swallowed, nodding stiffly. "Thanks, Claire. I'll keep that in mind."
As Claire walked away, Olivia let out a slow breath, her thoughts returning to Norman. She knew the rules well. Relationships between staff members were strictly forbidden-especially between teachers and administrators. But rules didn't stop feelings.
Suddenly, Norman looked up from his desk. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, the world around them seemed to fade. His gaze softened, and a small, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips. Olivia's heart fluttered, and she quickly turned away, her face warm with embarrassment.
As she walked away, she heard the faint sound of a door opening behind her.
"Olivia."
She stopped. His voice was deep, calm, and steady-like everything about him. She turned slowly to face him, standing just outside his office now, the hallway between them feeling longer than ever.
"Yes, Mr. Graves?" she asked, trying to keep her voice professional.
"Are you... alright?" he asked, his brow furrowed with concern. "You seemed a little distant in the staff meeting earlier."
Olivia hesitated, her thoughts spinning. He wasn't just her superior. He was a man she couldn't stop thinking about. But she forced a smile, masking the turmoil inside.
"I'm fine. Just... a long day."
Norman nodded, but his eyes lingered on her, searching for something deeper. "If you ever need to talk... you know where to find me."
Olivia's heart skipped a beat. His words were simple, professional, but there was something in his tone that suggested more. She nodded quickly and turned to leave before she could say something she would regret.
As she walked down the hallway, the distance between them growing, she couldn't shake the feeling that they were standing on the edge of something dangerous. Something they could never let anyone else see.
But for now, it was just an unspoken secret. Echoes in the hallway.
Chapter 1 Prologue
29/09/2024