billion book
CHAPTER 22
Lucas’ POV
They continued to treat me with coldness, and I struggled to cope with it. Despite my efforts to make amends, it felt like a hopeless endeavor. My situation seemed utterly helpless.
My son remained silent, unwilling to respond to me. Even Zara spoke to me in a distant and cold tone. I couldn’t help but long for the way she used to care for me, and the time and effort she invested in our relationship. Regret washed over me as I realized how much I had neglected them for far too long.
Fear crept in, whispering that it might be too late for me to reclaim my role in their lives. The thought of them letting me go, casting me aside, felt increasingly real. There was a growing anxiety within me, a weighty feeling that they would turn their backs on me, just as I had done to them for years.
And then, at that moment, I faced my fear, confusion, and doubt head-on. I acknowledged the depth of my emotions. I was awakened, and I sensed that they were too. The impact of my actions might serve as a trigger for them to leave me.
The burden felt overwhelming, like an incessant downpour of hopelessness. Each day I woke up, I feared that our home would become a cold and empty place.
But I refused to succumb to complete despair. I needed to maintain my confidence, to keep the flames of hope and faith alive within me. I still believed that my fight was not over yet. I wanted to cherish my wife and son genuinely, to love them wholeheartedly, not merely due to a sudden change of heart.
I longed to witness my child’s growth, to see them achieve great things, and to give everything I had for their happiness. I yearned to be a true father, to fulfill my role in their lives.
“Are you lost in thought, sir? Perhaps this photo of Zara and Enrique might slip,” Mary, my secretary, remarked while holding the coffee I had requested.Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.
She placed it on my table. Then, I massaged my temples, feeling exhausted beyond measure. I was tired of overthinking, but I knew that alone wouldn’t be enough to claim recovery. I still had a long way to go, a seemingly hopeless case, but I would never give up or stop trying. I was ready for the real battle.
Not solely because of the threat posed by that bastard Nick, but because I refused to lose Zara. For far too long, I had denied my love for her, trying to force myself to believe I loved Giselle instead.
“Mary,” I called her, motioning for her to take a seat in the guest chair.
“Yes, sir?” she responded, aware of what I was about to ask.
“Mary, if there’s someone who truly knows me, it’s you. You’ve witnessed my secrets, failures, and hardships. You’re familiar with my talents.” I saw a genuine smile form on her face, knowing that my words rang true.
“You’re exceptional, sir. I’m not one to gossip, am I?” she joked.
I knew I could trust her to keep a secret. I couldn’t rely on someone who couldn’t hold her tongue.
“Seriously, Mary, I feel completely doomed. It’s been draining, and I can’t help but sigh over and over again,” I expressed with a heavy heart. The weight of my mistakes seemed etched on my face.
She responded, not holding back, “Yes, sir, I’m aware of everything. I also know about your questionable fashion sense. And those dark circles under your eyes? Well, you’re to blame for those, sir.” There was no need to hide anything; it was all written on my face.
“I want them back, Mary. I want my family back. I feel lost, and I don’t know what to do anymore. It’s a constant struggle,” I admitted, feeling as if my options were dwindling.
“I knew this day would come, sir. I just didn’t expect it to take six long years. But you’ve finally come to your senses. It seems your ego no longer blinds you, and you’re no longer deaf to the cries for connection. I’m proud of you, sir,” Mary said, offering words of encouragement to uplift my spirits.
“That’s the thing, Mary. Once I awakened to the truth, they remained distant. I made them feel so terrible that it feels like a hopeless case. It seems they’re slowly slipping away from me. They won’t even speak to me without those icy glares and distant treatment,” I confessed in a hushed tone.
“Sir, forgiveness isn’t easy. It takes time to heal certain wounds, doesn’t it? And you know what you need to do. Fight against your emotions, and make up for your shortcomings. It’s difficult, yes, but isn’t it worth it?” she advised, bringing a smile to my face. She was right; it was my battle to fight.
I will win them back, even if it takes time and effort. They’ll be worth the wait, worth every hardship endured, and worth cherishing.
It feels strange like I’m not quite myself, but I must embrace this change. Otherwise, I’ll lose her forever, and I know the pain will be unbearable, like a searing scar.
On that same day, anticipation filled me as I headed home. I planned to confess my feelings and beg for forgiveness. I prepared myself for potential rejection, knowing that painful truths might be spoken.
As I drove, my eyes kept darting to the clock. It was 6 pm, and darkness enveloped the sky.
But despite my excitement, nervousness consumed me. As I approached the house, an overwhelming sense of fear and trepidation gripped me when I noticed the lights were off and the gate and door were locked.
With a desperate urgency, I entered their room. Emptiness greeted me. Their clothes, their belongings, all gone as if they were sudden and forgotten memories.
Standing there in shock, I felt a surge of terror. It was like a nightmare turned into a harsh reality. I couldn’t help but shake my head in disbelief. This couldn’t be true…
They wouldn’t abandon me just like that, would they? I’ll reclaim what’s mine… It can’t be them. No, they wouldn’t do this to me.
I collapsed to my knees, tears streaming down my face. The pain and anguish threatened to drive me to madness.
My gaze fell upon the bed, where a letter lay. Trembling, I picked it up and read its contents.
Dear Lucas,
You are finally free. I’ve always prioritized you, but I’ve suffocated you in the process. It’s clear that you can’t find happiness with us, and that we don’t align with your goals and dreams. Let me take care of our child. We’re moving far away so as not to burden you. I’ll send the divorce papers, already signed. It’s time to part ways. I genuinely wish you happiness, Lucas. Goodbye… until next time.
It felt as if my soul had been ripped away, leaving me in a state of shock.
Happy? How could I possibly be happy when they’ve just abandoned me? I can’t… My happiness fades away as they drift further and further away, beyond my reach.