It's Called PRIDE!

[23] CROSSING THE LINE

*This chapter contains violence which may trigger you if you are less than 18 years. So please skip the chapter if you don't fit the age level. And this chapter followed the Wattpad Guidelines so no for the readers. Enjoy ahead.*

Laxmi

As we returned home, Avi and I entered the living room. Armand closed the door behind us, then sat on the couch, his posture rigid and his expression stern.

"Now, tell me, where were you two?" His voice cut through the air with an authoritative edge, his eyes piercing through us both. A shiver ran down my spine as I tried to muster an answer.

"Why? I told you, we were at the café," I replied, avoiding his gaze and trying to sound casual.

"Hm... I see." Armand shifted his focus to Avi.

"Avi, what do you say? Were you two at the café?" His voice grew even sterner.

Avi looked down, his voice barely a whisper. "Yes, Dad. We were at the café."

"And what were you doing there, Avi?" Avi glanced at me, his eyes filled with uncertainty and fear. He looked back down, mumbling, "D-dad, we were... having fun."

"What kind of fun?" Armand pressed, his tone unyielding. Anger flared inside me.

"Umm..." Avi stammered, but I interjected quickly.

"We ordered some food, like you saw. But why are you interrogating us?" I snapped, my eyes finally meeting him.

Armand stood up swiftly and slapped me across the cheek. The sting of the blow made me clutch my face instinctively, my eyes filled with shock and pain.

"Did I ask you?" he roared before sitting back down. Avi trembled beside me, his fear palpable.

"Now, tell me, beta, what kind of fun were you two having?" Armand's gaze fixed on Avi, who was now shaking.

"We were eating and talking about school," Avi managed to say, his voice trembling.

"I see," Armand said, rising from the couch. He kneeled in front of Avi, lifting his chin to force eye contact. "Then why are you looking down while telling me this?"

Avi remained silent, his fear rendering him speechless.

"Are you lying?" Armand's voice dropped to a menacing growl, but Avi still said nothing.

"I'm asking you again: is your mom lying?" Armand cupped Avi's cheeks harshly, his grip unrelenting.

"Armand, stop! Why would we lie?" I shouted, pulling Avi into my arms.

"Then why did the owner say you two entered the café just five minutes before me, in a haste?" Armand's eyes bore into mine, and I felt my heart race, my tongue glued to the roof of my mouth. I hugged Avi tighter, unable to speak.

"So, will you kindly tell me now where you two were?" Armand unbuckled his belt, the sound sending a chill through my body. I remained silent, bracing myself.

"Still not talking?" He lashed out with the belt, the pain searing through my waist. I let out an involuntary cry, clutching Avi even tighter.

"Tell me, you bitch!" he growled, striking me again. The pain was unbearable, and I could only react with a pained gasp.

"Armand, what are you doing?" My mother-in-law appeared from her room, her eyes wide with horror.

"Mom, stay out of this. It's none of your business," Armand snarled, glaring at her.

"No. I will not tolerate this in my house," she said, standing her ground. Before she could finish, Armand pushed her away, and she fell to the floor with a groan.