Chapter 12 Chapter 12

Chapter 12 Chapter 12
“It still feels unreal, you know. If you told me years ago I’d be sitting here, in your office, I would’ve laughed.”

Samuel’s voice was light, almost amused, as he leaned back in the chair across from Lena’s desk. He looked far too comfortable for someone who had just walked back into her life after years of silence.

Lena didn’t look up immediately. She was busy straightening a small stack of files, aligning their edges with more care than necessary, as if the neatness of paper could somehow steady the swirl of thoughts in her head.

“I didn’t expect to see you either,” she said finally, her tone polite, controlled. “Not like this.Not after all these years.”

Samuel’s lips curved into a slow smile. “Life has a funny way of doing that. You think you’ve closed a chapter, and then suddenly—” he gestured vaguely between them, “—you’re sitting across from someone you knew in another lifetime.”

Lena’s fingers paused on the files. She lifted her gaze to him, really looking at him now. He had changed—broader shoulders, sharper jaw, confidence etched into the way he carried himself—but there were still traces of the boy she once knew.

“You look… good,” he said, studying her openly. “Actually, you look better than good. You’re even more beautiful than you were back in school.”

She let out a short, almost embarrassed laugh. “Samuel, don’t start. Just stop flattering me. We’re not teenagers anymore.”

“I’m not flattering you,” he replied easily. “I’m just telling the truth. I had a huge crush on you back then, you know.”

Lena shook her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips despite herself. “You did. But, I also stupidly had eyes only for Adrian in those days and wasn’t seeing anyone else.”

For a brief second, something flickered across Samuel’s face—something like disappointment—but he masked it quickly with another easy smile.

“I remember vividly well,” he said. “And I also remember thinking he had no idea what he had.”

The mention of Adrian cast a shadow over Lena’s expression. The warmth in her eyes dimmed, replaced by something more guarded.

“That part of my life is in the past now,” she said quietly.

Samuel nodded, his tone softening. “Fair enough. So… what about your present?” He hesitated, then asked carefully, “Are you married?”

“No,” Lena answered, shaking her head.

She reached for the framed photo on her desk and held it out to him. “But I have a son. His name is Milo.”

Samuel took the frame, studying the picture. A small smile spread across his face. “He’s handsome. And he looks a lot like you.”

Lena’s expression softened instantly, pride warming her features. “He’s my whole world. I can’t possibly ask for more.”

Samuel kept holding the photo for a moment longer, then looked back at her. “You must be an amazing mother, Lena. You’ve really done a great job and I must commend you; you’re good.”

“Thank you, Samuel.” Lena uttered with a smile.

They sat in a brief, comfortable silence before Samuel cleared his throat. “Maybe we should… catch up sometime. Properly.”

Before Lena could answer, the office door flew open.

“Lena!”

Adrian’s voice cut through the room like a blade. He stormed in, fury written all over his face, with Nora rushing in behind him, clearly flustered.

“Mr. Ravel, you can’t just barge in here!” Nora protested.

“I need to talk to her,” Adrian snapped, not even glancing at the assistant.

Lena shot to her feet. “What do you think you’re doing, barging into my office like this? Does this place look like your sitting room?”

“If you had answered your phone, I wouldn’t have had to,” Adrian shot back.

His eyes flicked to Samuel. Then to the photo of Milo still on his hand.

His jaw tightened. “What is he doing here?”

Samuel stood slowly, clearly enjoying the tension. “We were just catching up.”

Lena crossed her arms. “That’s none of your business, Adrian. Stop poking your nose where it isn’t needed!”

“I’m not going to sit by and watch you get close to another man,” he said sharply.

“Oh really?” Lena’s lips curved into a cold smile. “Funny you should say that. Samuel just asked me out. And I accepted.”

Adrian’s fists clenched at his sides.

Samuel calmly set the photo back down. “I’ve got to be on my way. I’ll see you soon, Lena.” He threw Adrian a pointed look and walked out.

The door closed and Silence fell like a heavy curtain.

Adrian turned back to Lena, his anger barely contained. “Why was he holding Milo’s picture? What’s really going on? Is something going on between you two?”

She lifted her chin. “You don’t get to barge in here and interrogate me. It’s none of your business.”

“Stop playing games and just tell me the truth,” he said, forcing himself to breathe. “Is Milo my son?”

Lena’s heart slammed against her ribs, but her face stayed cold. “Leave.”

“I’m not leaving until you tell me the truth.”

Her control finally snapped. “You left me, Adrian! You divorced me. You chose Bella! Now, you come back into my life uninvited to question me?”

“Yes, and I was wrong. I made a huge mistake and I regret it,” he said. “But answer me. Please stop shutting me out.”

She slammed her hands on the desk. “Yes. Milo is your son.”

The words hung in the air.

Adrian looked like the ground had been ripped out from under him. “My… son?”

She folded her arms, hurt and defensive. “Don’t pretend to care now. You’ll always be selfish!”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“What difference would it have made?” she shot back. “You were too busy with Bella.”

He swallowed. “I should have known.”

“Nothing would’ve changed,” she said bitterly. “Just like nothing changed when you walked away.”

“I don’t even know what to say.”

“Then don’t,” Lena said, turning away. “Just leave.”

He didn’t move. His eyes drifted back to Milo’s photo.

“I was blinded by lust,” he said quietly. “And I regret it every day. I want to be in his life. He deserves his father.”

“It’s too late.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

Exhausted, Lena sank into her chair. “Talking won’t change anything.”

Adrian sat across from her, his voice low and desperate. “Please… let me be in Milo’s life.”