When The Heart Already Given Up

Chapter 20: A Resemblance Unveiled

It took him 6 years to finally find out the whereabouts of his wife, she was living in the countryside, south of the kingdom at Syford Fort.

Reinhart stood at the outskirts of Syford, his heart pounding with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation. It has been six long years since his pregnant wife, Caecilian had run away from him, believing he still harboured feelings for his ex-lover, Trisha. He couldn't blame her with the way he treated her. The betrayal she felt had driven her away, leaving Reinhart utterly lost.

But now, after countless sleepless nights and tireless searching, Reinhart had finally found her. Upon finally discovering and learning she has given birth to a son who bears a striking resemblance to him.

Emotions surge through Reinhart as he realises the gravity of the situation. The consequences of his actions becoming more apparent. The sight of his son acts as a stark reminder of the life he could have had with Caecilian and the family they could have built together.

Regret and longing intertwine within Reinhart's heart as he yearns for a chance to make amends and reclaim what was lost.

As he saw the figure of his wife approaching his son with a happy face as they entered the house. He was mesmerised by her beauty even in her simple attire without the luxury. How he missed the time they had together.

Reinhart wanted to come to them but hesitated, unsure of how to approach them. He knew that convincing her to forgive him would not be easy, as he had shattered her trust. However, he was willing to do whatever it took to gain her forgiveness and rebuild their relationship.

Taking a deep breath, Reinhart knocked on the cottage door. The sound echoed through the tranquil countryside, stirring a sense of nervousness within him.

When the door opened, he saw Caecilian standing there, her eyes widened in disbelief.

"Reinhart?" She whispered, her voice laced with mixture of surprise and apprehension.

He nodded, unable to form any words. Reinhart's gaze upon the boy who was hiding in the back of her legs, their son. Who bore an uncanny resemblance to him.

"I found you." Reinhart finally managed to say, his voice filled with emotion.

Caecilian remained silent, her eyes fixed on him. She had given up hope of ever seeing him again, believing her heart would never heal from the pain he had caused. But now, faced with his presence, she couldn't help but a flicker of something she thought was long extinguished.

"Caecilian..." He said softly, his voice laced with sincerity.

"I have searched far and wide for you. I have missed you so, and I'm filled with regret for the pain I've caused you. "

Caecilian's gaze wavered a mix emotions flickering within her eyes.

"Duke Reinhart, it's too late now." She whispered, laced with both sadness and anger.

"You left me brokenhearted, questioning myself. How could I come back to you after all this time?"

Reinhart clenched his first and took a deep breath, fighting to find the right words to convince her.

"I understand your doubts, Lian. But please believe me when I say that I love you and never stopped loving you. Trisha was a mistake, a momentary lapse in judgement. I have spent six agonising years regretting my actions and longing for our family to be whole again."

Tears welled up in Caecilian's eyes, as she turned away, struggling to contain the flood of emotions flooding her heart. The pain she had carried for so long was still raw, a constant reminder of the betrayal she had felt.

"...mom." Ralphye called her while tugging her skirt.

Caecilian kneeled down to face her son.

"Mom, who is he?"