Chapter 42 Walking Into Trouble

Chapter 42 Walking Into Trouble
(ZAYNE’S POV)

The drive to Brielle’s school is dead silent.

Aurianna sits in the passenger seat, staring out her window like the world outside is far more interesting than anything happening in this damn car. For days now, it’s been quiet, distant, and cold between us. She barely talks to me unless it’s work-related, and I’ve been trying so damn hard to pretend like it doesn’t get under my skin.

But it does. Every second of it.

And today… seeing her walk out of the pool in that tiny black bikini, water running down her skin, dripping from her hair, tracing every curve—Christ, for a moment I forgot why I was pissed in the first place. I almost forgot my own name.

I grip the steering wheel a little harder.

Focus. Brielle first. Everything else can wait.

We get to the school gates, security checks us, and they let us through. The school grounds are pristine—perfectly trimmed flower hedges, tall buildings, and students in neat uniforms going about their school day. I park in the usual visitor spot and get out.

Aurianna steps out too, walking beside me but not with me. There’s a difference. She keeps her hands at her sides, her expression unreadable, her steps quiet even on the pavement. We don’t say a single word to each other as we enter the administrative block.

We stop at the waiting area outside the headmistress’s office.

And there she is.

Brielle.

My little girl sits on a chair beside the secretary, swinging her legs anxiously. The moment she spots me, her whole face lights up with a big smile and wide, bright eyes. That instant excitement she always gets when she sees me.

“Daddy!” she squeals, hopping off the chair and running toward me.

But I don’t smile. Not today.

She stops short when she sees my face. Her expression drops immediately, her steps slowing until she comes to a halt right in front of me.

I crouch down so we’re eye to eye.

“I got a call,” I say, keeping my tone stern. “Your school told me you beat up one of your classmates.”

Her lower lip trembles. “Daddy, I—”

“No,” I cut her off, shaking my head. “This is not okay, Brielle. This is not how I raised you. I am extremely disappointed and ashamed of this behavior.”

Tears gather in her eyes instantly, her chin wobbling.

“I–I’m sorry,” she whispers.

And god… it hurts. It fucking hurts saying this to her. But what else am I supposed to do? I can’t have my kid going around dislocating people’s limbs like she’s in some damn action movie.

“When you get home,” I continue firmly, “no TV. I’m taking your iPad. And you’re grounded.”

Her face crumples as the first tear slips down her cheek. “Daddy, please… I’m sorry. I won’t do it again. I promise. I’m really, really sorry…”

I inhale sharply, forcing myself not to pull her into a hug. Not yet. Discipline first, comfort later.

(AURIANNA’S POV)

Watching the whole scene play out in front of me hits me harder than I expected.

Each tear that falls from Brielle’s eyes feels like a punch to my chest. I bite my bottom lip hard, trying to keep myself still—trying not to step in, trying not to say anything because this is all my fault.

If I hadn’t taught her anything behind Zayne’s back… If I had just listened… If I refused to give in when Brielle looked at me with those big eyes and begged me…

There wouldn’t be a kid in a hospital right now. And Brielle wouldn’t be standing there crying like she broke the world.

Dammit.

The guilt twists in my stomach so hard it’s almost nauseating.

Before I can sink deeper into it, the secretary clears her throat and stands from her desk.

“Mr. Beaumont,” she says politely, “the Headmistress will see you now. Connor’s parents are already inside.”

That's when Zayne turns to look at me, and for the first time since we left the house, we meet each other's eyes and I can’t tell if he’s angry… disappointed… or both.

Whatever it is, it stings.

The secretary opens the door, stepping aside for us. Zayne walks in first, shoulders tense, his jaw clenched.

I follow behind him, closing the distance silently.

Inside, the conversation between the headmistress and Connor’s parents comes to a sudden stop. Three sets of eyes snap toward us, their faces shifting from annoyance to something far more intense.

And I already feel the beginning of a headache forming but I step fully inside anyway, ready to face the consequences.