Chapter 295 What lies ahead

Chapter 295 What lies ahead
Roy’s POV

“You risked your life for her,” I say, my voice quiet but firm as I turn to Alexander. “You almost died, you know that?”

He shrugs like it means nothing. “There was nothing else I could do. Even if it means doing it all over again, I’d still choose to protect Isabel.”

His voice holds no hesitation. No pause. Just truth.

I sigh and look at him for a long moment. “Do you love her that much?”

He doesn’t answer.

The silence stretches, but I get my answer anyway. His silence is the answer.

I nod slowly, turning my eyes back to the park ahead of us. The wind rustles the leaves gently, and for a second, the world feels still.

I take a sip of the juice in my hand, click my tongue against the roof of my mouth, and drop it quietly. “It was a one-sided love.”

I feel Alexander’s eyes on me. He turns his head, gaze locking onto mine.

I meet it with a faint smile. “Yeah, man… Isabel never stopped loving you. Even when she made it seem like all she felt was hate, I saw the war in her eyes. Even after five years of me loving her, of staying, of trying to be enough… it still wasn’t me. She never let go of you.”

I laugh bitterly, shaking my head.

“It used to tear me up, seeing her hurt because of you. And I thought maybe if I could just love her hard enough, give her a life without the pain, it would be enough. That maybe I could fix her.”

My voice trails for a moment. Then I breathe out again.

“But after everything… I realize now maybe I was just placed in her life for this day. To hold her heart long enough until she found her way back to you.”

Alexander frowns. “I don’t get it, Roy. Why are you telling me all this?”

I shift on the bench, turning to him. “I’m leaving for the States this weekend.”

His brows lift in surprise, but I go on.

“I used to be scared. That I wouldn’t be there to protect her if anything happened. But I’m not afraid anymore. Because I know you’ll be there now. You’ll keep her safe… and you’ll make her happy.”

I rise to my feet, tucking my hands into my pockets. He stands too.

“You don’t have to hide how you feel anymore,” I tell him. “You love her. She loves you. So go for it.”

I hold his gaze.

“I’m putting Isabel in your care now, dude. Don’t disappoint me.”

Then I point at him, half-laughing. “And hey—if I find out you made her cry again, even once, I’ll be on the next flight back to knock sense into your head.”

He lets out a short laugh, shaking his head.

Just then, I see her.

Isabel.

I texted her two days ago to meet me here, but she doesn’t know about this part of the plan.

I glance back at Alexander. “Oh—and sorry. I had to call her over.”

His brows crease. “Who?”

He turns… and his eyes land on her.

She’s coming closer, curious and unsuspecting.

I walk toward her, smiling.

“Roy,” she says. “You said—?”

I scoff and nod toward Alexander, standing in the booth.

“I believe you have something to say to him.”

Her hands fall to her sides. “Roy…” she whispers.

She starts to step toward me, eyes wide with questions, but I shake my head. “Go to him,” I whisper. “This is your moment, not mine.”

I blink slowly, lips pressed together. Then I walk away, the weight in my chest heavier than I expected.

But it’s time.

Time to let go of what could’ve been.

And maybe… finally reach for what lies ahead.



Alexander’s POV

It feels like a dream. But it’s not.

Isabel actually brought me here—to her home. To our children.

To Scarlett and Sterling.

To introduce me to them today. As their father.

I never thought I’d deserve this moment. But here I am… and I’m grateful. Eternally grateful.

Thanks to Roy, I had the chance to spend a little time with them before this. But now… now I get to be a part of their lives for real.

I turn to look at Isabel. She’s standing beside me, and when I meet her eyes, she nods gently. A silent reassurance.

We walk through the double doors into the living room.

Laughter fills the space—Scarlett and Sterling are running around with Aurora, while Victoria and Leonard sit watching, smiles lighting their faces.

But as soon as I step further in, they notice me.

Victoria and Leonard rise from their seats. I pause, unsure if I should keep going.

Isabel steps forward and says softly, “Mom.”

Just that. But it’s enough.

Victoria gives a small, startled blink, then her features soften. “Yes… yes, come in, Alexander. Here—have a seat.”

Her tone is warm. Gentle.

It throws me off.

This change. This welcome.

Do I really belong here?

A part of me still waits to be told to leave. That I’m too late. That this isn’t mine to want.

Just then, two small voices pull me back.

“Uncle Alex! You’re here!”

I look down. Scarlett and Sterling. Bright eyes. Wide smiles.

I crouch down, arms wide, and they dive into my hug.

Isabel kneels beside us. Her hand on Scarlett’s shoulder, then Sterling’s.

She says gently, “Scarlett… Sterling… there’s something Mom needs to tell you.”

She darts a glance between them.

My heart stutters.

Is she really going to do this?

Tell them?

That I’m their father?

Fear grips my chest. What if they don’t take it well? What if they don’t want me?

The kids stare at her, curious. “What is it, Mommy?”

The room goes quiet.

Isabel’s eyes lock with theirs. Her voice, soft but steady.

“It’s about your dad… your real dad.”

Silence.

Scarlett and Sterling blink, eyes wide, lips parting as they stare up at her.

Waiting.

Like they’ve been waiting all their lives to hear what she’s about to say.