Chapter 89

Chapter 89
The next day.

Mr. Charles Lancaster's study was filled with the smell of cigars and old wood. The light from the desk lamp created long shadows on the wall. Damian stood with his back to his parents, who sat opposite each other on the sofa, his eyes staring out the large window at the darkening garden. His suit hung loosely on his shoulders, his tie was loose, and his hair slightly messy.

"I'm not going to continue the trial for Alva's custody," he said suddenly, his voice calm but firm.

Margareth, who had been sipping tea, put down the cup with a loud noise. "What do you mean, Damian?" she asked, her voice rising an octave.

Charles gave his son a sharp look. "Are you kidding me? After everything we've prepared—the lawyers, the evidence, the strategy—you suddenly pull out?"

Damian slowly turned to face them. His face didn't show the slightest hesitation. "I'm not joking, Dad. I've given it a lot of thought, and I realize that Alva is safer with Elena."

Margareth stood up immediately, her voice shaking. "She already has three daughters! And now you want to give our grandson, Alva, to her? Damian, this is not fair!"

"What's not fair," Damian replied softly, "is letting my son grow up in an environment of lies and anger. I think Alva is better off with his mother."

Charles rose to his feet, looking closely at Damian. "You're being emotional. All this is because of the incident with Isabella, right? But you must remain rational. Alva is a Lancaster bloodline. Alva must grow up under our upbringing."

Damian shook his head slowly but surely. "I once thought so. But now I realize I lost control. I almost killed Isabella in the car. Do you think I can take care of a child in that mental state?"

Margareth leaned closer, taking her son's hand. "Damian... baby... you're hurting. But giving in like this will only make Elena win. Do you want her to think she deserves more than us?"

Damian took a deep breath, then released his mother's grip. "This isn't about winning or losing, Mom. It's about Alva. About what's best for him."

Margareth was on the verge of tears. "We're just afraid you'll regret it. If you give up custody just like that, it will be hard to change the court's decision later."

Damian took a long look at his mother's face. "Maybe I will regret it, but I'm more afraid of Alva hating me one day because I forced him to live with a father who can't even control his own emotions."

Charles sighed heavily, looking at his wife, who looked shocked. "So, what are your plans now, Damian?"

Damian sat down slowly on one of the leather chairs. "I want to talk to Elena. Ask for a second chance. Not for remarriage, but for me as a father. I want to be part of Alva's life, even if it's just as a visitor. I'll accept any conditions."

Margareth sat back down limply. "Elena won't just trust you. After everything that happened—"

"I know," Damian cut in softly. "I'll prove that I'm still worthy. Not with power, but with patience."

Charles paused for a moment, then opened his desk drawer and pulled out an envelope. "The lawyer has prepared a letter of demand. If you're confident in your decision, I'll ask them to cancel everything."

Damian looked at the envelope, then nodded. "Please cancel."

Margareth covered her face with her hands. "God... may you not make the wrong move."

Damian stood up again. His gaze was still firm. "Even if I'm wrong, at least this time I'm choosing with my heart, not my ego."

Damian walked out of the study, leaving the silence behind. His steps were steady, but his heart was raging with doubt. But one thing was certain—he didn't want to be a man who repeated one mistake after another. Alva deserves a father he can be proud of, and Damian is determined to be that man... even if it means starting from scratch.

"Elena, if I asked you for forgiveness, I'm sure you'd refuse since you're married to Nathan!"

Continued...