“You don’t need him.” My father's jaw tightens. “I’m your father and will always have your best interest at heart. We can navigate the Kingsleys together. Our lawyers will–”
“So you knew too,” I interrupt with sadness in my voice. “Mom would be so disappointed with who you’ve become.”
“Peyton, if you walk out of this house back to Blake Delano, don't come back."
The ultimatum lands exactly as he intends—heavy, final, forcing a choice. I should feel devastated by the loss of my father’s approval, but I’m not even sure who this man in front of me is. When did he lose his way? When did he lose his humanity? Or did he ever have it?
"Okay," I say simply.
"Okay?" He wasn't expecting capitulation. "That's it?"
"That's it. You've made your choice. I'm making mine. I’m going upstairs to grab a few things from the attic, and then I’m out of here. You’ll never have to worry about me again.”
"Peyton—"
I exit the room and up the stairs with my head high and my heart hammering. Behind me, I hear Silas say something to my father. He’s too quiet to make out the words, but the tone is clear.
I’m sure it’s a threat and the beginning of whatever move he's planning next.
* * *
Peyton
I’m focused and don't look back at either of them as I head up the stairs to the attic. I decide that I’m just going to get my Mom’s things and as much of mine as I can pack quickly. I decide when I text Blake not to tell him that Silas is here, an easy choice. If he knew, it would probably turn into an even worse shit show than it already is.
Me: I’m packing up. I need about fifteen minutes.
Blake: You good?
Me: Yep.
Outside, Blake's car is parked at the end of the driveway. He's leaning against the hood, arms crossed, looking like violence barely restrained although I’m not sure why.
He grabs the duffel out of my hands. "You're four minutes early."
“And you’re mad about that?”
“You look rattled. Who was in there?”
“I’m not rattled,” I look away from his stare. “But I did have it out with my father.”
“And who else, Peyton?” He opens the passenger door for me. Always the gentleman, even when he’s pissed. “You can’t lie to me if I’m going to protect you. You can never lie to me.”
“It was Silas.” I slide into the passenger seat. "Silas was there.”
“What?”
“He was sitting there when I walked in.” I exhale harshly. “He’s been telling my father that you've been manipulating me. That you're feeding information to the Kingsleys and have been for weeks. And that you manufactured a threat so you could be the hero and save me.”
Blake's expression darkens. "He's trying to isolate you. Make you doubt me."
"I know."
"Did it work?"
I look at him, really look at him.
"No," I say. "It didn't work. Because, unlike my father, unlike Silas, and unlike everyone else in this town, I believe that you’re the only person who’s never lied to me."
