All Chapters of The Price of A Bet: Chapter 61 - Chapter 69

The studio lights were blinding. Vivian sat with her hands folded tightly in her lap, her heart pounding as the cameras prepared to roll. Across from her, Ethan sat still, his expression calm but resolute. Between them, the journalist—Amelia Rhodes—adjusted her earpiece and glanced at her notes one final time.“We’re live in five,” the producer called out. “Four, three, two—”The red light blinked on.Amelia gave a practiced smile and began. “Good evening. Tonight, we bring you an exclusive interview that has captured headlines across the city. With me are Vivian Hayes, the respected literature teacher at Fairhaven Academy, and Ethan Carter, her former student. Their relationship has sparked controversy, debate, and legal threats. Tonight, they’ve agreed to tell their side of the story. Unfiltered. Uncut.”Vivian swallowed hard. Ethan gave her a subtle nod, silently urging her on.Amelia turned to Vivian. “Let’s start with you, Ms. Hayes. Many are wondering why you chose to come forwa

The next few days passed with an uneasy quiet. The media storm began to slow, but the scars it had left lingered like an echo in the corners of Vivian’s mind. Every glance on the street, every whisper she caught in passing, reminded her that she was still the subject of controversy.She told herself it didn’t matter anymore. But some days… it did.Vivian stood in front of her bathroom mirror that morning, running her fingers over the slight creases under her eyes. She had aged in ways no one could see. It wasn’t time that etched her — it was the judgment, the fear, and the guilt.Behind her, Ethan appeared in the mirror’s reflection, still shirtless, his hair tousled from sleep. He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pressing a kiss to her bare shoulder.“You look like you’re thinking too much,” he murmured.Vivian met his eyes in the mirror. “I just… feel the weight of everything sometimes.”“I know.” His grip tightened. “But we’re still standing. Together.”She

Vivian’s world had never felt smaller.She sat hunched over the letter from the Department of Education, her trembling fingers gripping the edges until the paper crumpled in her hands. The words blurred through her unshed tears, each paragraph branding itself into her brain like a scar.Allegations of professional misconduct... evidence submitted anonymously... disciplinary hearing scheduled... immediate administrative leave.Her heart thundered in her chest, drowning out the silence of her apartment. The walls felt like they were closing in. Her breath came in shallow bursts. This wasn’t just about her career anymore. This was about reputation. Dignity. Her future.And Ethan.Someone wanted to destroy everything she'd rebuilt. And they were getting close.She reached for her phone with shaky fingers, scrolling until she found Ethan’s name.She hesitated.She hadn’t spoken to him since their painful conversation two days earlier. She’d asked him for space, for time, for understanding.

The crisp afternoon sun filtered through the cafe window as Ethan stirred his coffee absently, the bitter scent wafting up without notice. His eyes were fixed on the screen of his phone, reading Vivian’s message for the fifth time.“The board officially cleared me. I start back next week. We need to talk before then.”It was the kind of message that hinted at something deeper beneath its surface—like the stillness before a storm. He tried not to overthink it, but that had never been his strong suit, not when it came to her.Adrian dropped into the seat across from him, dragging him from his spiraling thoughts.“You’ve looked like that for thirty straight minutes. Did she dump you over text or what?”Ethan shot him a glare. “She didn’t dump me.”“Then what’s up?”“She wants to talk. In person. Before she returns to school.”Adrian leaned back, lips quirking. “That’s either very good or very bad.”“I know,” Ethan muttered, rubbing his temples. “That’s what’s killing me.”Adrian studied