Chapter 28

All senses were stuck at that moment, seeing Kiera react this way. It was by far the most stupid thing I have done. Finally, things were starting to get normal, and Kiera was starting to truly try to put her trust in me, and with each passing day, our bond became stronger. But look at me now, ruining everything that I have worked so hard to achieve. How can I be foolish enough to do something and ruin everything? I don't even want to think about the consequences of my silly act.

And right in the moment of my frustration, a tiny hand touched my face, distracting me from my thoughts. "Daddy," a small voice called out, breaking me out of my self-destructive mindset.

I turned my attention to Aria; she seemed tense by the way Kiera reacted, but I can't blame her for that, nor can I blame Kiera. It's all my fault in the first place. I shouldn't have acted so irrationally.

I hugged Aria tightly, trying to provide comfort to her and to myself with her warm embrace. "Don't worry, mama is just a little startled; everything is fine," I reassured Aria, gently stroking her hair as I took a deep breath to calm myself. It was important for me to show her that I was okay, even though I knew deep down that I needed to work on managing my emotions better for both our sakes.

I sighed, trying my best not to curse in front of Aria. I knew that my outburst had scared her, and I didn't want to add any more negativity to the situation.

Taking a moment to collect myself, I need to apologize to Kiera before things start to get messy. The kiss was not intentional, but I don't regret it for a tiny bit. I don't think Kiera has the same thoughts as me regarding the kiss.

My lips still tinkle whenever I think of it, but I know Kiera doesn't feel the same way as me, and I don't think she will after what happened between us in the past. She was kind enough to forgive me and be in my life as a friend. But she will never accept me as a lover or a partner.

Maybe because I'm selfish, and I want her to be more than a friend in my life. I want to spend each moment of my life with her beside me. But I don't think Kiera wants the same, not when I'm the reason for the hardship in her life, the pain, and the sadness. Maybe I should leave her alone. I can't keep hoping for something that's not possible because my desperate need for her love will only bring pain to both of us. I'm happy that she is beside me as a friend, and I can't hope for more.

My phone rang as I was procrastinating about the feeling in my heart. The phone call suddenly lifted my mood with the information. Just when I thought things couldn't be worse, the news could change everything in seconds. I couldn't wait to share the news with Kiera. I know nothing more can make her happier than the news itself.

*****

It has been almost eight years, and the thought still roams in my mind. Memories that still hurt my soul, struggles that still scare me. And, like a disease, it's disturbing my mind and my soul. No matter how hard I try to smile and let go of the past, the pain never leaves my soul.

Some decisions bring happiness to your life, but there are some that bring nothing but sadness, and that decision was one of those in my life.

"Kiera," said a familiar voice that called my name. I dried my eyes, not wanting to show the emotions in my heart on my face. It's been so long that I sometimes think that somehow I mastered the art of hiding the pain in my heart with a fake smile plastered on my face, as I'm doing now.

"Jason," I said, turning my face and forcing a smile as I greeted Jason.

"I'm sorry about earlier," Jason said, holding my hands in his hand. "The kiss... it was just an accident."

I nodded with a smile on my face. I know in my heart that there can't be anything other than a friendship or a contractual marriage between us. I've tried to convince myself that the kiss was simply a mistake, but deep down, I understand that our connection can never be anything more than platonic or based on convenience. Despite my true feelings, I continue to wear a smile on my face, concealing the pain within me.

With a broken heart, a depressing past, and a shameful history, I don't deserve someone like Jason or Aria in my life.

"You're not angry with me," Jason asked, with concern for me written on his face.

"I can never be," I mumbled in response, my voice barely audible. "Sometimes things happen, and I can see the worry on your face about that incident. But don't worry; I'm fine. Look," I said, smiling cheerfully.

Jason chuckled at my words, hugging me tightly but carefully, trying not to disturb the sleeping Aria in my arms. "I have something very important to share with you." Jason separated himself from me, looking into my eyes. "Your dad is awake from the coma."

I looked at Jason with my mouth open, not trusting his words or my ears. My mouth went dry, and words stopped coming from it.

"Really," Jason said, the same word that was running through my mind. "Now let's go; he is waiting for you."

I don't know what happened to me, but after hearing the news, I wrapped my arms tightly around Jason, hugging him and planting my lips on his cheeks. Jason looked startled by my reaction as he stared at me with his mouth open. Shit, thank God I came to my senses fast, or else this kiss was going to be plastered on my lips, not his cheek.

"Sorry," I said, hiding my gaze from Jason as I pulled away. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and I quickly regained my composure.

"It's fine," Jason replied, touching the space where my lips were just moments ago. "Sorry, but we have canceled our trip for now."

I nodded at his words, cursing myself all the way to the hospital for my silly mistake. Kiera doesn't forget that Jason is your only friend and nothing else. There can't be anything between you, so shut up and control your emotions. I took a deep breath, reminding myself of the boundaries that I had made clear. It was important to keep my feelings in check and maintain our friendship above all else.