Page 124 of The Headmaster’s Rule

“I want to keep showing up for you, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.”

I suck in a breath as the hope blossoms and spreads. He’s not leaving?

“This isn’t only a school,” he says, blue eyes sparkling as he continues. “It’s a place where people grow, and I’m proud to be growing right alongside you.”

Tears press against my eyes as I sag against the seat, breath rushing out in relief.

He’s staying. Not only the man I love, but Headmaster Wright. The leader this school needs. Not out of obligation, but out of a desire to support the students.

And I’ve never loved him more.

My heart is so full as I watch him up there, knowing he’s right where he’s meant to be, leading this school.

But… what does this mean for us? Is he choosing Wetherly over me? Is he doing what’s best for the school, even if it means losing what we have?

Panic flashes through me at the thought, my heart clenching. I don’t want to lose Theo. I can’t. I look at my hands, swallowing against the sudden lump in my throat. Why does loving someone have to cost this much?

But as I listen to him speak warmly to the students, I know I have no choice. If I have to give him up to keep Wetherly thriving, then I’ll find a way to live with it. I’ll have to.

I watch as he looks out across the crowd, shoulders back, expression calm. He looks so certain. Not a man bound by duty or expectation, but someone who’s finally choosing this place for himself, and through the ache in my heart, I can see how right it is. He’s not staying for me. He’s staying because he wants to. Because Wetherly is where he belongs.

And that’s worth everything.

I sit in overwhelmed silence as Headmaster Wright leaves the stage, hope and dread tangling together inside me. The assembly is dismissed as the bell rings for lunch, and I wander absently toward my classroom, trying to process my whirling emotions. Even though this is amazing news for Wetherly, I’m terrified of what it means for me and Theo.

But I need to know, even if it’s going to hurt.

Gathering my courage, I take the stairs and head for Theo’s office, heart thumping. I half expect Margaret to tell me he can’t see me when I reach his office, but she smiles warmly, looking almost relieved.

“Go on in, Nora.”

“Thank you,” I murmur.

I reach for his doorhandle, then hesitate, not entirely sure where I stand. With a gentle knock, I nudge the door open and step inside. Theo stands at his window, gazing out across the sea, hands laced calmly behind his back. When the door closes with a click, he turns to me, shoulders dropping ever so slightly.

“There you are.”

I suck in a breath, heart cracking at the sight of him, tall and handsome and more grounded than I’ve ever seen. Would it even be possible to work with Theo if we couldn’t be together? What would I do with all this love I feel for him?

“Hi,” I say hoarsely, wringing my hands as I struggle to find the words. “Your assembly speech… Danny said you were leaving…”

“I’m not,” he says simply.

I rub my forehead in confusion. “But you resigned?”

“Yes.” His eyes move over my face, slow and steady. “And the board refused it. They want me to stay on.”

I stare at him for a beat, trying to read between the lines, but he’s frustratingly impassive.

“Right,” I say at last. “Well… I’m glad. This place needs you, Theo.” I have to tear my gaze away because it hurts to look at him. Hurts knowing this might be the end. “And if that means we can’t be together, then…” I trail off, unable to say the words.

“Is that what you want?” he asks quietly. “For us to return to being colleagues, nothing more?”

I glance at him, eyes stinging when I see the vulnerability in his expression. My feet nudge me closer.

“No.”

“Me neither.” He softens. “And that’s what I told the board.”