Page 85 of My Rockstar Ex's Broken Vows

Marcus gives him one of his polished grins, the kind that always makes my stomach twist. "I wanted to be here for this discussion. Ollie’s education is very important to me."

Gregson gestures for us to sit, and I lower myself into the chair, my back straight and stiff. Marcus settles beside me, radiating smugness as he folds his hands neatly on the desk.

"Thank you for submitting an application for your son, Oliver," Gregson begins. His tone is polite but formal.

"Yes," Marcus says smoothly. "I’m pleased to hear he’s been accepted. Trinity Prep is one of the best schools in the city and it's an honor our son has been considered."

"Wait," I say, my voice sharp enough to draw both their attention. "Accepted? I wasn't aware. When would we have gotten the letter?"

Marcus glances at me, feigning innocence. "Remember, I told you I was putting in the application. I must have forgotten to mention when I got the letter last week."

I'm sure he forgot to mention it. We don't talk anymore except through our attorneys is more like it.

I think Gregson is sensing the tension between us and jumps in. "The application was submitted at the end of February, just before the application deadline. It turned out we had one spot for first grade next year perfect for a high-caliber student such as your son."

My jaw tightens, and I glare at Marcus before turning back to Gregson. "I wasn’t aware. No one consulted me. This isn't something I have fully looked into. He is very happy at his school in Brooklyn."

Gregson hesitates, his eyes flicking between us. "Typically, we require signatures from both parents for enrollment. However, given the timeline and Mr. Walker’s enthusiasm?—"

"He doesn’t make decisions unilaterally," I interrupt, my tone colder than I intended. "I'm sorry if we wasted your time, but I thought this was an exploration meeting."

"Of course," Gregson says quickly, leaning back in his chair. "We’re happy to provide more time for discussion. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t say that Trinity Prep would be an excellent fit for Ollie. Our arts programs, in particular, are number one in the state."

"That’s interesting," I say, my voice tight. "Because Ollie’s doing great where he is. He loves his teachers, his friends, and his music lessons."

Marcus clears his throat, the sound pointed. "I think we can all agree that Trinity Prep offers more structure and opportunities for advancement."

"It’s not just about opportunities," I snap, turning to him. "It’s about what’s right for Ollie. And this—springing an application on me without even talking to me—isn’t it."

Gregson shifts uncomfortably, clearly regretting inviting both of us into the same room. "Perhaps we can schedule a follow-up meeting once you’ve had a chance to discuss things further. I have an opening next week."

I nod stiffly, standing. "Thank you. I’ll be in touch."

Marcus rises beside me, his smile still in place. "Thank you for your time, Headmaster."

As we step into the hallway, I whirl on Marcus, my voice low and sharp. "You had no right to do that."

He shrugs, his expression smug. "I’m doing what’s best for my son."

"Your son?" I repeat, my voice rising. "What’s best for him is not yanking him out of a school he loves just to satisfy whatever this is about."

Marcus’s smile falters, if only for a second, before he smooths it over. "He’ll adapt. Children are resilient."

I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head. "You had no right to make this decision without me. You can’t just enroll him behind my back and expect me to fall in line."

Marcus doesn’t even flinch, his expression calm and infuriatingly smug. "I made the decision because you’re not thinking about what’s best for him. Trinity can foster his talents in ways his current school never could. You heard Gregson—he specifically mentioned the arts programs."

I cross my arms, narrowing my eyes at him. "Oh, so now you care about his arts interests? Since when have you supported anything Ollie actually loves?"

"I thought going to a school that’s top in the arts department would make you happy," he barks sharply, his smile fading just slightly. "I guess nothing will make you happy because you're miserable."

"I was only miserable with you, Marcus," I fire back. "I am glad to know you're taking an interest in his creativity and love for music. Maybe channel all of that energy you're using to try to throw a wrench into everyone's lives and foster that, instead.”

Marcus’s jaw tightens, and for a moment, he looks like he’s about to argue. But then he shakes his head, brushing it off. "It’s just a phase. Every kid goes through things like that. Next week it will be football and the week after that it will be math club. That is why a school like Trinity Prep is where he should be."

"It’s not a phase," I snap, my voice rising despite myself. "It’s who he is. But I'm done arguing with you. I won't be pushed intomaking this decision right here and now. I'll look it over and give my thoughts through our attorney."

Marcus takes a step closer, his voice dropping into something colder, sharper. "If you’re not willing to do what’s best for him, then I will."

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