ZACH & BREN: THE BETA'S REGRET

Zachary’s POV

I had just tucked Hailey into bed. I didn’t plan to speak to Brenda after. I never do. But she would always stand there and watch me with a smile on her face before I head towards the door.

So I would say I was shocked not to see her lingering around me today. I decided to check her room.

The door creaked as I pushed it open, the familiar scent of wood and faint traces of lavender greeting me. Brenda’s scent. It used to comfort me, but now it felt like a reminder of everything that went wrong. My eyes narrowed as they landed on the bed where she lay, her face pale and sweat dampening her forehead. She was barely moving, almost lifeless.

Part of me wanted to walk away, just like I always did. Leave her to deal with whatever mess she’d gotten herself into this time. But something in me hesitated. I stood at the doorway, torn between resentment and responsibility.

“Zachary…?” Her voice sounded weak, barely audible. I have to admit, it used to make my heart race, but now it o