Page 65 of Lessons in Touch

"Of course. What's on your mind?"

"Not here." He glances around the corridor. "Let’s go into my office, where no one can hear us."

The walk to his office feels like an execution march. Elliot closes the door behind us and turns to face me. His usual friendly demeanor is gone.

"I've seen the video, Gabriel. The one from the museum."

The words hit me like a physical blow. "I'm not sure what you're referring to."

"Don't." He holds up a hand. "I'm not here to judge you, but I am here to warn you. It's circulating in a small student group. Very small, for now. But it's real, and it's spreading."

I sink into the chair across from his desk. My carefully constructed world is tilting on its axis.

"How many people know about it?"

"Maybe a dozen. But you know how these things work. It'll be everywhere by tomorrow if someone doesn't stop it."

"Was it Cassandra and Liam? Did they show it to those other students?"

"I don't know the source. But Gabriel, this could destroy both of you. Her especially. She's young and vulnerable. This kind of scandal could follow her for the rest of her life."

The mention of Rose makes my chest tighten.

"What do you suggest I do?"

"End your relationship with her immediately, Gabriel. Distance yourself before this gets any worse. And if you have to, step away from Wolfwood, at least for a while. This will die down if you are not here to fuel the rumors.”

“But that would just mean protecting myself. Elliot, do you honestly expect me to leave Rose here, to the wolves, all by herself?”

"Gabriel, I don’t know about that. But I've seen you with her. I know this isn't just a casual thing. You have to think about what's best for both of you."

I nod, though every fiber of my being rebels against the idea. "Thank you for telling me, Elliot."

"Gabriel." His voice softens. "I'm sorry. I really am."

After this conversation with Elliot, my day proves to be long and very difficult. I manage to get through my lecture, having no idea what I say. The students take notes dutifully while I go through the motions. All I can think about is Rose and how I'm about to break both our hearts.

But I have to do it. I have to end this. No matter how difficult it might be. I scribble a note for Rose and send it to her through one of the doormen.

Rose,

Meet me in the greenhouse tonight at eight. I have something important to discuss with you.

Gabriel

The greenhouse is both private and romantic. If this is going to be our goodbye, I want it to be somewhere beautiful.

***

Eight o’clock comes much too soon. I pace the greenhouse nervously, barely noticing the surroundings. It’s warm in here, a stark contrast to the January snow outside. The air is thick and humid, filled with the scent of blooming orchids and tropical plants. I've never brought Rose here before. It feels like a sanctuary, hidden away from the world.

She arrives exactly at eight. The moment I see her, my resolve wavers. She's radiant, glowing with the confidence she's been building over the past months. Not only that, but she’s wearing the pearls I got her for Christmas.

She has no idea I am about to break up with her, and it’s shattering my heart with pain.

"You look beautiful," I tell her, because I can't help myself.

"So do you! This place is incredible. Why haven't we come here before?"