Episode 12: “Choices”

Episode 12: “Choices”

The letter came on a Thursday.

Plain envelope. No return address.

Alex knew what it was before he opened it.

He sat at his desk, Jiva curled up on the couch behind him, her eyes watching every move.

He broke the seal.

Unfolded the page.

Read the words.

Then read them again.

His hand trembled slightly as he placed the letter on the table.

“They’ve made a decision.”

Jiva stood. “What did they say?”

Alex looked at her—tired eyes, soft lips, love painted across every inch of her face.

“I’ve been terminated.”

Her breath caught.

“No suspension. No probation. Just... fired.”

He nodded slowly. “Effective immediately. Tenure revoked. All ties severed.”

She rushed to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. “I’m so sorry.”

“It was inevitable.”

“No,” she whispered. “It wasn’t right.”

They walked in silence that afternoon.

Through the park, past students who whispered as they passed.

Jiva reached for his hand. He held it tightly.

“Do you regret it?” she asked.

He stopped walking. Looked at her.

“I lost my career. My reputation. Half my so-called friends.”

She looked down.

“But,” he added, tipping her chin up, “I found you.”

Her eyes filled with tears.

“I’d lose it all again just to love you in the open.”

She kissed him then, not caring who saw.

But love didn’t pay bills.

Alex spent the next few weeks hunting for work.

Every university door closed fast.

Scandal followed him. Articles resurfaced. Gossip did its damage.

“No current openings.”

“Thank you for your interest.”

“We wish you the best.”

Jiva hated seeing him like this—gritting his teeth, watching doors slam.

“You deserve better,” she said one night.

He smiled sadly. “I had better. Then I had you. And I won’t trade back.”

That’s when she made her choice.

It started as a whisper in the back of her mind. A question she was afraid to answer.

But by Friday morning, it was a plan.

She skipped class and went straight to the admissions office.

“I want to withdraw,” she said.

The woman behind the desk looked up. “Excuse me?”

“I’m leaving the university.”

“Are you sure? This will affect your record.”

“I’m sure.”

She walked out without looking back.

When she told Alex, he didn’t speak for a full minute.

“You withdrew?”

She nodded. “I’m done here.”

“Jiva… I don’t want you giving up your future because of me.”

“I’m not.” Her eyes were clear, determined. “This place turned its back on both of us. I don’t want a degree that comes from silence and shame.”

He sank into the couch. “You had dreams.”

“I still do.” She knelt in front of him. “They just look different now.”

“What do you want?”

“You. A life we don’t have to keep justifying. A place where we can be more than shadows.”

He kissed her forehead, voice low. “Then let’s go.”

They left the city three weeks later.

A small coastal town. Cheap rent. Quiet neighbors. No student forums.

Alex worked at a local bookstore part-time.

Jiva started freelancing—writing, tutoring, slowly building her own future.

They lived in a cottage with a garden she planted herself.

At night, he read aloud while she lay with her head on his chest.

Their love had scars now.

But it also had roots.

And every day, they chose each other.

Not out of rebellion.

Not because they had to.

But because no one had ever seen them like they saw each other.

Not as teacher and student.

But as equals.

As survivors.

As lovers.

And maybe, someday—something even more.

End of Episode 12

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***