Page 121 of The Headmaster’s Rule

My chest hollows as I think of how I’ve felt since Eleanor arrived. How I’ve slowly loosened my grip, found ways to let joy in again. With the promise of Safe Harbor and all it brings, I was looking forward to the future. Not only because of Eleanor and the way I feel about her, but because she made me see the job with fresh eyes, reminded me that change is possible.

I think of the morning she pitched Safe Harbor, eyes alight with purpose, telling me we could do better for the kids who fall through the cracks. She wasn’t afraid to challenge me, even then. I remember how earnest and sincere she was, how she’d held her breath when she finished, as if feeling she’d gone too far.

But she hadn’t.

She saw a version of this place worth fighting for. And she made me see it, too. She showed me I can still do good here. That my time doesn’t have to end in failure or shame. That I can leave something behind worth being proud of. Like my father, but guided by heart, not obligation.

I glance down at my watch, a dull ache settling behind my ribs as I turn back for my board meeting.

Time to say goodbye.

And even though it’s worth it for her, my heart breaks all the same.

A handful of board members wait in the conference room when I enter, stomach churning. In all my years here, I never imagined I’d be leaving under these circumstances. I don’t regret falling for Eleanor, not for a second, but I know I haven’t always been the model of professionalism. The board trusted me to lead with integrity, and I’ve given them plenty of reasons to question that. If they’re angry, I understand. I just hope they see the heart behind it.

It’s an effort to pull my mouth into a tight smile, to meet their gaze as I shake their hands. Patsy smiles placidly, and Charles’s eyes twinkle as I unbutton my suit jacket and sink into a chair. It’s a relief not to have the entire board here.

“Mr. Wright,” Helen begins, as polished and formal as always. I glance from her to the others, surprised to note there’s no current of judgment simmering underneath the polite exteriors, no hint of hostility hanging in the air.

Of course. These are blue-blooded traditionalists. Their genteel facade is their armor.

“I assume you’ve all read my resignation,” I say at length.

“Yes,” Helen murmurs, pulling a document from a folder on the table. My resignation letter. “We were surprised to receive it, especially with no formal complaint lodged.”

I frown, confusion washing through me. “No one came forward?”

Helen shakes her head. “The board only became aware of the situation after your disclosure.”

I smooth a hand over my beard, trying to hide my surprise. Jake didn’t tell them. Of course he didn’t. I don’t know the guy well, but he doesn’t strike me as the type to get involved in things like this.

But it doesn’t matter. I couldn’t continue on like that with Eleanor forever. Not when I want a future with her.

“Well,” I say, squaring my shoulders, meeting Helen’s gaze. I’m going to face this, own it, and find a way to move forward. “First of all, I want to apologize—”

She silences me with a raised hand. “Let’s clarify the facts first. Are we to understand your relationship with Miss Hart began after she was hired?”

I blink. “Yes.”

Helen nods, glancing at the others before turning back to me. “And you have disclosed this relationship voluntarily?”

“Well, yes,” I repeat.

“You haven’t let the relationship impact your leadership,” Helen continues calmly.

I hesitate at this. “I’m not sure—”

“We’ve spoken with respected faculty who’ve witnessed the evolution of your leadership in recent months,” Charles interjects. “Who’ve said you’re more present, more open-minded, and that your dedication to Safe Harbor and student wellbeing has only grown.”

Surprise socks me in the gut. I glance between them, dumbfounded. I can’t help but feel like I’m misunderstanding this, that the real meeting hasn’t started yet.

“Who—”

“We’re not at liberty to disclose that,” Patsy says gently.

Danny. It must have been Danny.

My throat tightens as I think of my colleague—my friend—going in to bat for me. I knew he was aware of my relationship with Eleanor, but I didn’t realize he’d noticed other things, too. How I’ve changed, how I’ve found my feet again. And I never considered that he’d think my contribution to this place was worth defending.