The Professor I Shouldn't Want

A Little Revenge

POV: Isadora

The windows were massive, floor-to-ceiling, overlooking a perfectly manicured garden with ancient trees and lit stone pathways. The floors were polished light-toned Italian marble. There was also a ten-foot linear fireplace built into a wall clad in giant slabs of dark natural stone.

The main sofa was a massive contemporary modular set in soft cream leather. That’s where I was sitting, enduring my mother’s lecture. It was impossible not to notice the glaring difference between Anne’s living room and the one in my house. This room alone felt bigger than her entire apartment; the furniture was much newer, more comfortable, and modern. But why did I feel so much more at home there than here?

“Isadora!”, my mother called out, annoyed. “Are you even listening to me?”

“Yes.”

“And?”

“And what?”, I snapped. “I already told you, I’m not getting back together with him!”

“I truly cannot understand this sudden rebellious streak. Where is this coming from?”, I didn’t answer. “Don’t you realize you’re throwing your future away?!”

“Just because I won’t stay with the guy you want, I’m throwing my future away?”, I said, livid. “Why do I have to marry someone I don’t love?”

“You’re being ridiculous, Isadora.”

“No, I’m not!”

“You think love is everything?”

“I’m not saying it’s everything. But it’s something to consider, don’t you think? Isabella married for love.”, my mother laughed.

“Your sister always had hundreds of great prospects chasing her, heirs, nobles... she even dated a prince once! Don't you remember?”

“If you were in the same position she was, I’d let you choose too. But we both know that’s never been the case for you. Your taste in men has always been terrible! That’s why I had to step in, and I’m not going to let you ruin everything!”

“You can’t force me to go back to him.”

“Isadora, mark my words: you are never going to find anyone better than a Fletcher!”, I stood up from the sofa. “Think about what you’re doing!”, she called out as I stormed out of the room and ran up the stairs.

I went into my room and locked the door, praying she wouldn’t decide to follow me. I was exhausted; I’d spent the whole day getting my apartment ready only to end up listening to my mother’s bullshit. I had never wanted Anne’s life as much as I did in that moment.

I flopped onto the bed and let out a long sigh. This wasn't over. My mother wouldn't just accept me breaking up with Ryan like this. The next few days were going to be hell. Maybe even the next few months. I felt my phone vibrate and grabbed it, already expecting a text from my sister taking my mother's side.

Henry: [Hey, you okay?]

My eyes widened. Oh my god, he had texted me this afternoon and I’d completely forgotten to reply. I was so busy, and then the stress with my mother happened. Dammit!

Anne: [Hey, yeah I am]

Anne: [So sorry]

Anne: [I was finishing up some work and totally lost track of time]

Henry: [All good haha]

Henry: [I figured it might be work, just wanted to make sure]

I smiled. He could be so sweet when he wanted to be.

Henry: [Looks like you’re the one buried in work this time haha]

Henry: [We can talk tomorrow if you want]

Anne: [No]

I typed it instantly. Henry was the only person who could make me feel better right now.

Anne: [I’m all done with what I had to do]

Anne: [I’m all yours now hehe]

Henry: [I told you to stop doing that]

Henry: [I know where you live now, you know?]

I bit my lip, imagining him lying on my sofa. The sofa would definitely be too small for him, but we could make it work.

Anne: [And once again, I say]

Anne: [Stop doing what? Haha]

Henry: [I'll show you what]

Henry: [As soon as I see you again]

I felt butterflies in my stomach. I was counting the seconds until I could see him again.

Anne: [And where are we going this time?]

Henry: [Your turn to pick]

Henry: [Where do you want to go?]

Anne: [How about a pub?]

Anne: [It’s been a while since I’ve been somewhere with live music]

That was true. Ryan didn’t like pubs, or anywhere that wasn’t "exclusive."

Henry: [Great idea]

Anne: [Will I finally get to see you dance? Haha]

Henry: [You’re gonna have to get me very drunk for that]

Henry: [And don't even try to dare me this time, because you still haven't followed through on the last dare]

I laughed. I really did owe him a video.

Anne: [But what’s the point of sending a video now?]

Anne: [You’ve already seen me in person]

Henry: [I’m not seeing you right now]

I smiled. Fine, if he wanted a video, he’d get one. I opened my camera app. In his video, he hadn't shown his face, so he couldn’t complain if I didn't show mine. I tied my hair up and turned off the lights in my room. His video had been dark, so mine would be too, especially since I wasn't in Anne's room. I left only the lamp on the nightstand lit.

I stripped down to my lingerie. I knew he hadn't done it on purpose, but I wanted him to feel exactly what I felt when I saw his video. A little revenge. I stood in front of the full-length mirror and pointed the camera at it. The lighting was exactly how I wanted: just a dim shadow created by the warm glow of the lamp. You couldn't see anything of the room, and my reflection was a bit dark, but my silhouette was sharp.

I started filming with the camera pointed down at my legs and slowly panned up. When I hit my thigh, I turned slightly so a bit of my butt was visible, and then I ended the video. I watched it several times to make sure nothing compromising was showing, and then, I hit send.