Brought By Destiny

Chapter 18

The Courage to Forgive

Michael’s POV:

Every word she spoke had been a shock to my system; every sentence she uttered felt like a physical blow that left me reeling with guilt. I had spent years living in a bubble of self-righteous anger, never once imagining that Nathan and Mum had sacrificed the chance to have their own children because of me.

I had assumed their lack of children was simply a choice of their own, but to realize it was a selfless act to protect my feelings, feelings I had weaponized against them made the air in my lungs feel heavy.

Lilly was right. She was absolutely right.

I sat in the darkness of my room, staring at nothing, her questions echoing in my mind. Why do I love Ryan so much? He isn't my blood.
He isn't my responsibility. Yet, I love him with a ferocity that defies logic. I would walk through fire for that little boy.

And then there was Nathan. He had spent years trying to be a father to me, reaching out time and again only to have his hand bitten. He had been nothing but patient, kind, and supportive, while I was the one who refused to put in even an ounce of effort. I had shut Mum out whenever she tried to bridge the gap, treating her love like a nuisance. I felt utterly miserable. The weight of my own pettiness was crushing me, and I knew I couldn't live with this guilt for another second. I had to fix this.

The night dragged on. I didn't sleep a wink, rehearsing a thousand different ways to start a conversation with Nathan.

I was terrified. Would he even want to hear from me after the way I’d treated him? Would he be able to forgive the years of cold shoulders and bitter silence?

Morning came, and we gathered around the breakfast table like we always did. The clinking of silverware felt deafening. I wanted to speak, but the words felt lodged in my throat. I realized that a public apology wouldn't be enough.
I needed to look him in the eye, man to man.

"I want to talk with you... alone,"
I said, my voice cracking slightly as I looked at Nathan.

Both he and Mum froze, their expressions a mix of shock and confusion. They exchanged a wary glance, likely wondering if I was about to start another argument. Without waiting for a response, I pushed back my chair and walked out to the backyard.

The morning air was crisp. After a few agonizing minutes, I heard the sliding door open. Nathan came to stand beside me, keeping a respectful distance.

"Any trouble, Michael?" he asked softly, his voice devoid of any malice.

I couldn't look at him at first. I stared at the trees at the edge of the yard, my heart hammering. "I’m sorry," I began, the words rushing out like a broken dam. "I'm sorry for everything I've done over the past few years. I’m sorry for not trying to understand you... for always blaming you for everything that went wrong in my life. I’m sorry for being so blind. I’m sorry for everything."

I took a shaky breath and finally turned to face him. "I’m sorry... Dad."

The word felt strange but right on my tongue. Nathan’s eyes instantly filled with tears. He didn't say a word; he simply stepped forward and pulled me into a fierce, crushing hug. I broke down then, hugging him back with all the strength I had. For the first time in my adult life, I felt the walls I had built around my heart finally crumble.

A moment later, I heard footsteps on the grass. Mum came running toward us, her face wet with tears of joy, and she threw her arms around both of us. Standing there in the backyard, wrapped in their embrace, I finally felt complete. I realized how incredibly blessed I was to have parents who loved me enough to wait for me to find my way back to them.

I felt a desperate need to see Lilly. I wanted to tell her that she had been the catalyst for the best thing that had happened to me in years. It was so good to be able to say "Dad" again.

I drove straight to her house. When I knocked, she opened the door, but her expression remained blank and guarded. She didn't say a word, simply turning her back and walking into the living room. I followed her, feeling the tension thick in the air.

She stopped in the center of the room and folded her arms across her chest, looking at me expectantly. I took a deep breath, letting the silence settle before I broke it.

"I’m sorry," I said, meeting her eyes.

"I'm not the one you're supposed to be saying that to," she shot back, her voice firm.

"I already told the person I needed to," I replied with a small, genuine smile. "He forgave me. But I’m telling you now because I was rude to you yesterday, and you didn't deserve that."

Her eyes instantly lit up, the frost in her expression melting away. "Seriously? You talked to him?"

"Yes," I said.

She didn't hesitate. she stepped forward and hugged me tightly, burying her face in my chest. I held her back, feeling that familiar, electric "wired" sensation. My heart was racing, and I couldn't understand why her being this close made me feel so lightheaded and grounded all at once.

"I'm so happy!" she said, pulling back just enough to look up at me.

"Thank you, Lilly. Thank you for making me realize how wrong I was," I said softly.

"You're most welcome," she replied, her smile radiant.

"So," she continued, her eyes dancing with mischief, "I think this is something worth celebrating, don't you?"

"Yeah, it is," I agreed. And then, before my brain could filter my thoughts, I blurted out, "So... will you go out on a date with me?"

I froze. I hadn't planned to say that. It just came out, unexpected and raw.

"What?" she asked, her eyes widening in surprise.

"I... uh..." I stammered, feeling the heat rise to my neck.

She started to giggle, a beautiful, melodic sound. "Seriously, Michael? You're asking me out just like this? Is this really the way you ask a girl out?"

"What?" I asked, now the one with wide eyes. I thought I had done okay!

She stepped even closer, taking both of my hands in hers. Her touch was warm and sent a jolt through me. "I'll be ready at 6:00 PM," she whispered. "Come and pick me up on time."

Before I could process her answer, she leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek. Then, with a playful wink, she turned and disappeared into the back of the house. I stood there in a daze, my hand reaching up to touch the spot where her lips had been.

"Buddy!!"
I turned to see Ryan standing in the hallway, his face lit up with a grin.

I laughed, the pure joy of the moment finally bubbling over. I ran over and lifted him high into the air, spinning him around while he shrieked with laughter. I couldn't control the happiness surging through me.

My family was whole, and the woman who had changed my life had just agreed to a date. I spent the rest of the afternoon in a blur of excitement. I went home and told Mum and Dad—yes, Dad—about the date. Mum was ecstatic, immediately offering to help me pick out what to wear, while Dad just gave me a knowing, supportive pat on the shoulder.

I found myself checking the clock every five minutes. I wanted everything to be perfect. I made a reservation at a quiet, beautiful restaurant by the lake, somewhere she could feel safe and relaxed.

I went out and bought a small bouquet of lilies, thinking of the significance of her name.

As 6:00 PM approached, I felt more nervous than I did when I was a teenager. I adjusted my tie in the mirror for the tenth time.

"You look great, son," Dad said, leaning against the doorframe of my room.

"Thanks, Dad," I replied, and I realized I meant it with every fiber of my being.

I drove to her house, the bouquet sitting on the passenger seat. When I pulled up to her curb, I took a deep breath to steady my racing heart.

This wasn't just a date; it was a new beginning. I walked up to her door, feeling like the luckiest man alive. Today, I hadn't just found my father again; I was starting a journey with the woman who had taught me how to love without fear.