Chapter 91 A Second Chance For a Father

Chapter 91 A Second Chance For a Father
“I already know.”
“So what if you're my father?”
Lucas did not let go of the hand holding his, but the look in his eyes was cold, painfully distant.
“I don't know whether that's a good thing or something much worse.” The sharp words came out without hesitation, leaving Christian frozen in place. “All I know is that I'm staying with my mom.”
Christian's eyes trembled, and it took all his strength to find his voice.
“I know I've made both of you suffer. But I still hope you'll acknowledge me.”
Tears streamed down the face of the man who always carried himself with pride wherever he went.
Now, the billionaire cried like a man who had lost his entire world, right in front of his five year old son.
“Why are you crying?” Lucas asked, his innocent voice trying to sound like a little gentleman. “Isn't it embarrassing to cry in front of women?”
Christian nodded, unable to stop the faint smile tugging at his lips.
“It is embarrassing. But I can't help myself.”
He made no attempt to hide his weakness as he glanced at Ariana, who quietly bit her lip.
“Can I be your father from now on?”
The careful request felt like walking barefoot across shattered glass. Even though his voice was barely audible, Lucas still heard every word.
“If Mom doesn't accept you, then I won't accept you either. Daddy David is just like my real dad. I don't want you at all if Mom doesn't want you either.”
Christian's heart instantly sank. His body no longer had the strength to so much as part his lips.
“So I've already lost? My own son chose another man as his father?”
The thought cut through his heart like a fresh knife wound.
“He didn't mean it that way. Please don't take his words to heart. He just...”
Ariana tried to interrupt. But Lucas's small voice quickly cut her off.
“Mom, are you really okay?”
Letting go of Christian's hand, Lucas hurried over to Ariana.
Christian let out a rough sigh, rubbed his weary face, and lowered his head.
Ariana could see how much Christian had changed.
He was no longer the selfish man who forced his own way like he had a year ago.
Holding Lucas close as she gently rubbed his back, she answered only after a long silence.
“Of course, sweetheart. We were just talking.”
“I'll never go with him.”

Christian watched intently as Ariana left the room with their son and quietly closed the door behind them.
Then a soft but irritated voice spoke up.
“I hope you didn't make my little brother cry. Watch yourself. I like Lucas more than I like you.”
Before rolling her wheelchair away, Sophia added with an annoyed expression,
“I only recognize Ariana as my one and only mother. So I hope you'll show them how sincere you really are, Daddy.”
Instead of getting angry, Christian smiled broadly, determination shining in his eyes.
“Yes. I understand. I'll bring our family back together.”

“Were you the one who sent away the remaining servants in this house?” Ariana asked before continuing. “Do you know how shocked I was?”
She walked into the room carrying a tray and approached the bed.
Their eyes met.
Christian, who had been lying down, immediately sat up against the headboard and greeted her with a bright smile.
“I didn't want you and Lucas to feel uncomfortable. I know it's been difficult for you to keep hiding your face, and Lucas's.”
The guilt on Christian's face was unmistakable.
“And that's because of me.”
Just as Christian had said, Ariana had spent the last ten days wearing a headscarf, a face mask, and colored contact lenses.
After setting the tray down, she removed her mask.
It had become part of her daily routine while managing her grandfather's company in Germany. She also cooked every meal for Christian and Sophia.
She often crossed paths with the servants and knew they talked about her appearance, but she had never paid much attention to it.
Sometimes, all of them ate together at the dining table like a real family.
Before that, Christian would clear the kitchen staff so Ariana could cook freely.
“That's too much. You shouldn't have done that. Besides, we won't be staying long,” Ariana replied as she sat on the edge of the bed.
“Didn't I already tell you that this mansion...”
“Christian.”
She interrupted him gently but firmly.
He let out a heavy sigh and nodded.
“If you are trying to pay for your regrets with everything you've given me, I can return it all.”
“Yes, I understand. I'm sorry. I won't force you to come back to me. But I won't change my decision.”
His unwavering gaze locked onto his beloved wife's eyes.
“This house and all of my assets belong to you now.”
“You're still as stubborn as ever.”
“I love you so much, Ariana.” He spoke while holding back a slight cough. “Would you go for a walk in the garden with me?”
“Are you sure you can walk that far?”
Ariana looked at him teasingly, though concern lingered in her eyes. His health had improved considerably, but she still worried.
His stiff lips spread into a wide smile, revealing his perfectly straight teeth.
“Of course. But before that...” he turned toward the meal she had prepared. “I'm so hungry. You'll feed me again, won't you?”
“No. You can feed yourself. You're not Lucas.”
She placed the plate on Christian's lap while he laughed at her pouting expression.
“That's not funny. Stop laughing, finish your food, then take your medicine.”
Blushing slightly, she looked away.
“We can go outside after you finish eating.”
Christian suddenly froze as warm lips gently brushed against his cheek. His left hand instinctively touched the spot.
“I couldn't sleep all night. I was afraid our time together was nothing more than a dream I'd imagined.”
His voice was hoarse and heavy, barely above a whisper. His fingers trembled as he held the spoon.
Seeing that, Ariana lowered her hand and gently covered the back of his hand with hers.
“I'm giving you one month to make me believe in you again, just like you said.”
Christian still couldn't find the words.
His eyes remained filled with emotion as he watched his wife lovingly feed him every bite before handing him his medicine.
“So don't be afraid that I'll leave. I'll stay here until that time comes, just like I promised.”
She smiled so sincerely and beautifully that Christian fell in love with her all over again.
“Since Lucas is playing with Sophia, let's skip the walk. I'll stay here and keep you company while you sleep. You said you couldn't sleep, didn't you? I promise I won't leave until you wake up.”
“Really? Don't take it back.”
Before Ariana could answer, Christian moved closer, lifted her into his arms, and gently laid her down on the bed.
He kissed her forehead.
“You're really childish.”
Ariana laughed softly, allowing the handsome man to rest against her chest like a spoiled child.
“Whatever happened to the proud Mr. Matheus? Now you're just like Lucas.”