Page 60 of Misconducts & Temptation

My father's eyes widened for a moment before narrowing into slits of suspicion. He opened his mouth to retort, but I cut him off.

"You heard her," I said.

"You're telling me you wanted to marry him?" my father demanded, his tone dripping with incredulity. "Do you know anything about my son? He's cold and inconsiderate. He's selfish. He's everything a husband shouldn't be. And you're ready to spend the rest of your life with him?"

Elodie tilted her chin up, her eyes meeting his without flinching. "I've made my choice."

Pride bloomed in my chest, filling the empty spaces left by years of resentment and defiance. "Get the fuck out," I said, my voice firm and unyielding.

My father’s face twisted in anger, but he held back, his control slipping like sand through his fingers. "Get dressed," he growled, directing his fury at me. "We need to talk. Now."

"I need to get to class," Elodie said softly, turning to me with a hint of urgency in her eyes.

"Oh, good," my father said with a sneer. "She's still in school. This is great, Keaton."

I smirked and stood up, completely naked, letting the moment hang in the air just long enough to see the disgusted scowl form on his face.

"I'll be out when I'm out," I said calmly, dismissing him with a wave of my hand.

My father clenched his jaw, shooting one last venomous look at Elodie before turning on his heel and storming out of the room. The door slammed shut behind him, leaving us in a silence that buzzed with unspoken words.

I turned to Elodie. She had stood up to my father—something few dared to do—and she had done it with grace and strength that belied her delicate appearance.

"You didn't have to do that," I said quietly, reaching for my clothes scattered on the floor. "My father's an ass."

"I just told the truth," she replied simply, pulling the covers tighter around herself.

I nodded, appreciating her resolve more than I could express. As I dressed quickly, I couldn't help but steal glances at her—this girl who had somehow become an unexpected ally in a world where trust was a rare commodity.

I opened my dresser drawer and pulled out a set of keys, tossing them to Elodie. "Here," I said. "You can have my Mercedes."

Her eyes widened, disbelief flickering across her face. "I…"

"I know, babes," I cut in, a smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. "I really am such a generous guy."

"I don't know how to drive," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

"What?" The word came out sharper than intended.

"Yeah," she said, her cheeks flushing slightly. "My stepmother never taught me. She said she didn't want to put me on her insurance and pay for me when I wouldn't get a car, anyway."

"Your stepmom's a cunt," I said bluntly, shaking my head in disbelief. "I'll teach you. For now, get ready. I'll drive you. I want to get on the ice, anyway." I paused, glancing toward the door where my father had stormed out moments before. "Right now, I'm going to talk to my dear old daddy and smooth this over."

"Is that even possible?" Elodie asked, her voice tinged with doubt.

"Probably not," I admitted with a shrug. "But fuck it."

She gave me a hesitant smile as she began gathering her things, her movements quick and efficient. I could see the anxiety in her eyes but also a glimmer of determination that made me respect her even more.

I stepped out into the hallway, taking a deep breath before heading toward my father's study. The corridor felt longer than usual, each step echoing in the silence as I braced myself for the inevitable confrontation.

The door to his study was ajar, and I pushed it open without knocking. He sat behind his massive mahogany desk, already engrossed in paperwork that likely dictated my future in some way or another.

"Dad," I began, leaning against the doorframe.

He looked up, his expression unreadable but tinged with frustration. "Keaton."

"I don't have all day," I said, lighting a cigarette and letting the smoke curl around my fingers. "You got something to say, say it. But I have to get my wife to class."

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