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?
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.
COALESCENCE OF THE FIVE SERIES BOOK ONE: THE 5-TIME REJECTED GAMMA & THE LYCAN KING BOOK TWO: THE ROGUES WHO WENT ROGUE BOOK THREE: THE INDOMITABLE HUNTRESS & THE HARDENED DUKE *** BOOK ONE: After being rejected by 5 mates, Gamma Lucianne pleaded with the Moon Goddess to spare her from any further mate-bonds. To her dismay, she is being bonded for the sixth time. What’s worse is that her sixth-chance mate is the most powerful creature ruling over all werewolves and Lycans - the Lycan King himself. She is certain, dead certain, that a rejection would come sooner or later, though she hopes for it to be sooner. King Alexandar was ecstatic to meet his bonded mate, and couldn’t thank their Goddess enough for gifting him someone so perfect. However, he soon realizes that this gift is reluctant to accept him, and more than willing to sever their bond. He tries to connect with her but she seems so far away. He is desperate to get intimate with her but she seems reluctant to open up to him. He tries to tell her that he is willing to commit to her for the rest of his life but she doesn’t seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that he’s different; and a chance to love her. But when not-so-subtle crushes, jealous suitors, self-entitled Queen-wannabes, an old flame, a silent protector and a past wedding engagement threaten to jeopardize their relationship, will Lucianne and Xandar still choose to be together? Is their love strong enough to overcome everything and everyone? Or will Lucianne resort to enduring a sixth rejection from the one person she thought she could entrust her heart with?
"Is it considered betrayal to develop feelings for your best friend's boyfriend? What about when fate intervenes, and he turns out to be your destined mate? You might think it's luck and thank the moon goddess for such a twist of fate. That's what I believed until the love of my life uttered those dreaded words: 'I want a divorce!' As I stared at the pregnancy test in my hands, I realized it was better to keep my secret to myself. My name is Violet, and this is my story."
After three secretive years of marriage, Eliana never met her enigmatic husband until she was served with divorce papers and learned of his extravagant pursuit of another. She snapped back to reality and secured a divorce. Thereafter, Eliana unveiled her various personas: an esteemed doctor, legendary secret agent, master hacker, celebrated designer, adept race car driver, and distinguished scientist. As her diverse talents became known, her ex-husband was consumed by remorse. Desperately, he pleaded, "Eliana, give me another chance! All my properties, even my life, are yours."
Desperate to handle her grandmother's towering medical bills, Gianna agreed to a contract marriage with Tristan, the enigmatic man she'd once shared a one-night stand with. She assumed they'd fulfill each other's needs and dissolve the arrangement once the terms expired. Unbeknownst to Gianna, this marriage was a dream Tristan had clung to for ten relentless years. Certain she was just filling someone else's role, Gianna prepared to leave when that other woman returned. But Tristan, his eyes burning with unspoken emotion, seized her trembling hand and declared, "You’re mine. Now and always."
Madison had always believed that she would marry Colten. She spent her youth admiring him from afar, dreaming of their future life together. But Colten was always indifferent to her, and when he abandoned her at a time when she needed him most, she finally realized that he never loved her. With renewed resolve and a thirst for revenge, Madison left. Endless possibilities lay ahead, but Colten was no longer part of her plans. Colten rushed to her place in a panic. "Madison, please come back to me. I’ll give you everything!" It was his powerful uncle who answered the door. "She's my woman now."
After three loveless years, Neil's betrayal deeply wounded Katelyn. She wasted no time in getting rid of that scoundrel! After the divorce, she devoted herself to career pursuits. Rising to prominence as a top designer, skilled doctor, and brilliant hacker, she became a revered icon. Neil, realizing his grave mistake, tried in vain to win her back, only to witness her magnificent wedding to another. As their vows were broadcast on the world's largest billboard, Vincent slid a ring onto Katelyn's finger and declared, "Katelyn is now my wife, a priceless treasure. Let all who covet her beware!"