Chapter 101: 101. The Letter

Alina's Pov

As I opened the letter, I watched carefully as my heart was pounding in my chest. I unfold the paper with trembling hands and began to read. The silence in the car feeling heavy, each second stretching out as my eyes take in what was written.

My Dearest Alina,

If you are reading this, then my time has come, and I have departed from this world. There are no words that can truly express the remorse I feel for the pain and suffering I caused you. I know I was never the father you deserved. I was selfish, cruel, and neglectful, and I let my ambitions and grudges take precedence over my duties to you as a parent.

Signing you away to Theodore was the most disgraceful thing I ever did. I justified it as a business decision, but deep down, I knew it was wrong. It was not until I was imprisoned that I began to see the full extent of my failures and the hurt I had inflicted on you.

I asked you to visit, hoping to have the chance to make amends, to explain myself, and to beg for your forgiveness. But I understand why you chose not to come. I had given you every reason to hate me, and no reason to trust me.

There is no excuse for my behavior, but I hope you can believe that I did love you, even if I never showed it. I was too proud and too stubborn to admit my mistakes while I was free, and by the time I wanted to make things right, it was too late.

Theodore—he is a good man, despite everything between us. He cares for you deeply, and for that, I am grateful. I hope you find happiness and love in your life, the kind I never provided.

Alina, I am truly sorry. I can only hope that in time, you will be able to forgive me, not for my sake, but for yours. Holding on to anger and bitterness will only cause you more pain. Please, live your life fully and freely, without the shadow of my failures hanging over you. I have signed everything that I had left of my property in your name. It's not much after the losses and compensations I had to make, but it's yours. And I hope you use it.

With all my regret and sorrow,

Your father.

\---

As I finished reading, the car was filled with a heavy silence. My eyes were wet with tears, but there's a hint of something else—perhaps a tiny spark of relief or closure.

Theodore reaches over and gently takes my hand. "How do you feel?" He asked softly.

I take a deep breath, my fingers tightening around his. "I don't know," I admit honestly. "It's a lot to process. But... maybe this is what I needed to hear. Maybe now I can start to let go."

He nodded, squeezing my hand reassuringly. "Whatever you need, Alina. I'm here for you."

I smile faintly, my eyes still shimmering with tears. "Thank you, Theodore. For everything. I don't know what I would do."

"You'll never have to find out," he promised, leaning over to kiss my forehead. "I went to visit your dad. I know I should have asked you first about this, but when he asked me about how you were doing, I told him that you were with me. And so was his grandchild. He was surprised but he was happy. He wished he could have seen Asher once. Unfortunately, time didn't allow him. But he wanted me to tell you that he was very sorry and hoped he could have been better for you.”

“Thanks,” I smiled gently in his direction. “Thanks for meeting him even though you hated him.”

“I did. But I'm still thankful to him for one thing.”

“What?” I asked curiously.

“You,” he said in a heartbeat. “I'm thankful that because of him, I got you. I guess that was the only good thing he did for me before leaving at least,” he chuckled slightly to lighten the mood and I couldn't help but join him in his laughter.

I sit idly by the window, staring out. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant sound of birdsong fill the air, but my mind is elsewhere. I think about Theodore, about how much he has changed for me and how he takes care of both Asher and me. I never thought he was capable of such things, but he has proven me wrong time and time again.

There was the day he surprised me with a trip to my favorite bookstore. I hadn't been able to go out much since Asher was born. So he took me out, letting me lose myself in the aisles of books for hours. The gesture was so thoughtful and unexpected—it made me realize just how deeply he understands me and cares for my happiness.

I’m pulled from my thoughts by a soft knock on the door. I turn to see Theodore standing there, a gentle smile on his face. "Mind if I come in?" he asks.

"Of course not," I reply, smiling back.

He walks over and sits down beside me. "What are you thinking about?" he asks, his tone light and curious.

"Just... everything," I say with a small sigh. "How much things have changed."

He nods, understanding. "There's something I wanted to talk to you about," he begins, his expression becoming more serious. "What do you think about taking over the publishing house?"

I blink, not having an answer for that yet. "I'm not sure, Theodore. It's a big step."

He reaches out and takes my hand, his touch warm and reassuring. "I know. But it's my way of apologizing for what I've done to you in the past. For everything you couldn't achieve because of me."

I look down at our joined hands, feeling a mix of emotions. "Theodore, you've already done so much..."

He shakes his head. "But I want to do more. I know it's soon, and I won't pressurize you into anything. But if you think you can forgive me, then take over the publishing house and achieve your dreams. I want to see you fly, Alina. I want to see you living your life to the fullest."

He leans in and kisses my forehead gently before getting up to leave. As he walks towards the door, I think about everything he's done to keep me in his life. He really is trying his best, and I can see it in his every action.

Just as he’s about to step out, I find my voice. "Theodore, wait."

He turns, his eyes filled with a mixture of hope and apprehension. "Yes?"

"I would like to join the publishing house," I say, feeling a new sense of determination. "I’ll start from next week."

A smile spreads across his face, genuine and relieved. "I’m so proud of you, Alina. I know you'll do amazing things."

As he steps back into the room and wraps me in a tight hug, I feel a surge of gratitude and hope. For the first time in a long time, the future feels bright.