Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)
Chapter 526

My scolding with unusual sharpness had Fidelia tremble with tears. She dropped to her knees with a thud. "Auntie Camilla, it's all my fault, please don't punish Monique, punish me instead!" I caught Camilla stunned and sneaking a glance at my dark face.

I pointed at Fidelia, firm and unyielding, "Get up! Nothing grinds my gears more than kneeling!"

Both Fidelia and Camilla swallowed hard, mirroring each other's nervousness.

"Fidelia, a mistake is a mistake. Kneeling won't erase it. You need to truly understand your error. Stand up!"

Fidelia looked to Camilla, who twitched her lips awkwardly, not daring to make a peep. I immediately understood this was Camilla's version of punishment.

I glanced at Hannah, who promptly helped Fidelia to her feet.

"From now on, Fidelia, no more kneeling at the drop of a hat! Everyone deserves respect, including yourself. Don't devalue yourself by acting subservient! You're not in trouble for your free spirit, but for sneaking out in the dead of night, and not for using such tricks to get what you want!

You can speak your mind, make your wishes known, and stand your ground if you must. But don't resort to extreme measures against your family to get your way! You didn't even give your mother a chance to explain before you bolted, especially not at night. That's a double mistake!"

I laid out her errors, each word hitting its mark.

Camilla kept stealing glances at me.

I knew that I had challenged her approach to discipline today. Sure, her methods weren't necessarily wrong, but they weren't to my liking. I truly despised seeing others kneel without cause!

I took a deep breath, still stern, "You too, go to the bathroom in your room and reflect! Once you've thought it through, apologize sincerely to your mother."

Fidelia obediently nodded, "Yes!"

"Hannah, take them upstairs," I commanded.

Hannah, serious as ever, nodded and gestured for the girls to follow.

Perhaps being relieved to see Fidelia facing consequences, Monique didn't argue and dutifully headed upstairs.

My gaze then shifted to Probert, who stepped forward with sincerity, "Mom, I was wrong. I shouldn't have kept secrets and helped my sister deceive you!

I'm torn up about it. I know it is wrong to lie to you but I want Fidelia to stay. After all, calling the cops was a step too far and wasted their time. Mom, I'm sorry. I'll go reflect. Please don't be mad!" With that, he dashed off, as if fearing I'd call him back.

His words, though, hit the spot. Darn it, the kid's got spunk! No wonder he's my favorite!

Camilla and I exchanged a look, nearly bursting into laughter.

Then Carl, ever the clown, chimed in, "I've been bad too, off to reflect!"

He toddled away, only for Helga to grab him back quickly, "Get back here, you! What's your wrong? Speak it out!"

That broke the tension, and laughter filled the room.

Carl, enjoying the attention, giggled along. With his little eyes crinkling with mirth, he forgot the recent unease. Even his sleep had improved these last few nights.

Children heal fast, but the ache in my heart was a different story.

But there was no time to dwell. I had no time to rest since we'd returned to Silverdale City.

Once Logan had any clue, I'd stick to it for finding my son, instead of letting him wander any longer alone.

Camilla tried to say something, but I was lost in thought. She nudged me gently, "Aaliyah, what's on your mind?"

I snapped back, deflecting, "Nothing, just thinking about the kids!"

"Aaliyah, do you think..." Camilla hesitated.

I turned to her, urging her on, "Camilla, speak up!"

She looked at me, probing, "Aaliyah, should I... should I consider what Fidelia wants and accept her ask..."

I caught on to her drift.

After a moment of thought, I looked her in the eye, shaking my head, "If you're asking for my advice, then no, you shouldn't give in to her demands." Disappointment and frustration flickered through her eyes, as clear as day.