Chapter 31: Chapter 31

Zach POV.

I grinned as I played the day over and I couldn't just stop obsessing over Vega being mine. That's right She was mine and no one could take her away from me. If my public confession didn't drive that point in, the kiss pretty much sealed the deal.

I stopped as I saw Mom and Dad waiting for me, their demeanor serious immediately they made eye contact with me.

"You're in the freaking news again Zach! Couldn't you just date the girl without the world finding out about it" Chloe snapped, flinging the paper in my face?

I inhaled deeply, my gaze slipping to the paper at my feet before I glanced back at Chloe. "I wanted the world to know about us. I'm in love with her, she's mine" I said because there was no way I was going to feel bad about being with Vega. "You said it was ok to court her" I reminded, my eyes cutting to dads.

He cleared his throat, the muscles on his neck straining against the skin. "I did, but I didn't ask you to make a public confession. Why do you do this all the time Zach? Are you trying to ruin this family? Haven't I covered my fair share of your bad decisions? You never think about how your action affects this family, do you".

I clenched my fist. "I'm not going to do anything to ruin this family. I know I put you both through shit in the past but I'm going to do better now, there will be no more scandal, I promise".

Father scoffed, his expression matching that of Chloe's.

"We both know those are empty promises. Break up with her as soon as possible. She's not good for you".

"And I guess you'd know what's good for me!" I snapped, losing my temper even tho I tried hard to rein it in.

"Don't talk to your mother like that, she's just looking out for you".

"I'm tired ok. What do you both want from me. Why is it that everything I do never satisfy you both. I'm trying my hardest to please you, but you keep making me feel like shit".

"Grow up Zach, can't you act like a man? Must you always let your emotions get the best of you this much huh? This image of you with this girl isn't going to favor our family business in the fucking long run, and what about Arielle, huh, her father already called to pull out of our deal because you broke her heart".

"I wasn't with Arielle".

Chloe scoffed, throwing her hands in frustration. "Of course, that's what you'd say.. you're such a freaking liar and nothing is ever your fault, Is it," Chloe asked, venom dripping through her words.

"I'm not going to break up with Vega ok and I don't care what you choose to take away from me," I said as father's face set in a grim line. "Can't you both just let me be for once. I know you do all this because the family has an image to uphold but I'm getting suffocated ok. I'm happy with Vega, so can you just leave us alone".

Father puffed out air. "You think you're the only one who feels boxed in? How do you think I feel when I have a son like you that doesn't take life seriously huh. Does your whole life revolve around girls huh!".

My jaw hurt from the way I ground my teeth together as his words came at me, and it was much more lethal than the few occasions he'd hit me.

"You're just like your mother and it's pathetic".

"Don't talk about her! Fuck you!" I snapped, then distanced myself from him before I did something stupid like punching him for being the worst.

"Sergio Dante, enough" Chloe quickly chastised, grabbing onto him, but she didn't have to because at this moment I hated her, hated them both so much I almost saw red.

Noah walked in, freezing at a spot as he took in the atmosphere. "What's going on here?"

Dante waved dismissively like I wasn't freaking important. "It's nothing. Zach's just causing trouble again".

"Let's just talk about this later ok? We shouldn't upset Noah" Chloe murmured, looking up at father and he nodded, even tho he probably wanted to tear me down more than he already had. If only he ever listened to me, even if it was just once maybe I wouldn't feel so fucking neglected all the time. They didn't want to upset Noah. I guess that courtesy didn't extend to me. I was always going to be their fucked up son. It was fucking fine, I didn't have to take their shit, and I won't.

"Go to your room, we'll discuss this later".

"No, we won't. I won't be breaking up with Vega and I don't care how you feel about it, or how it affects this family." I said, holding his gaze and clenching my fist. "Why should I care about a family that doesn't feel like mine anyways."

"Zach, don't say that. You're just pissed right..." Noah trailed off as I glared at him. I knew I probably looked like an ax murderer with the way his eyes widened in fright.

I cussed, moved away from them, and headed toward my room because I felt like smashing things.

They fucking ruined everything. I fumed, the further I got away from them, my breath coming out in puffs of air as I stormed up the stairs to my room. once I got there, I slammed the door so hard, that I'm sure they heard it from how hard it rattled on its hinges.

Then I roared out my pain, before smashing into the mirror that overlooked me, the glass breaking and shards of it getting into my knuckles. The pain knocked the air out of me but it also helped me calm down for a bit because all I could see was blood spilling down my hand, the pain shooting through my arms whenever I attempted to clench my fist.

My phone rang and I picked it up without checking who the caller was.

"What" I snapped. I guess smashing my hand didn't quite take away the itch I felt. I was so on edge it was hard to stand still.

"It's Arielle and I have something to show you that'll utterly blow your mind".

"I'm not fucking interested Arielle," I said and was going to end the call when she spoke again.

"Vega! She was in on the bet".