WHEN I NEEDED YOU. ( Lesbian Slow Updates.)

47

Watching her children interact with the Himura's brought warmth to her heart and calmed her anxiety. Anele had forgotten about the past and was enjoying watching Dae and Dre tell their grandparents and great grandparents about their daily lives while enjoying the many gifts the Himura's had given them.

She did not feel guilty for not bringing them to the Himura mansion earlier because it was their (the grandparents and Kenji's) fault for not believing her when she informed that she was pregnant by Kenji because Kenji denied the pregnancy. Nonetheless she was learning to put the past behind her for her children's sake.

" I'm sorry."

Anele was startled by Kenji, who she was unaware was seated next to her. He had not been this close to her in so long and flashbacks of the night he forcibly took her played in her mind as she tried to calm the panic attack she felt coming. Kyoko noticed her brother seated next to Anele and rushed over to check on Anele.

" What are you doing!?"

A now calm Anele was the one to respond.

" It's okay Kyoko, I can't keep running from him."

Kyoko looked at her brother skeptically, but she knew it was important for Anele to face her fears and confront the situation head-on. She nodded and backed away, giving them both some space.

Kenji looked at Anele with remorse in his eyes.

"I'm so sorry for everything I've put you through. I never should have treated you the way I did,"
he said sincerely.

Without looking at him, she responded cautiously,

"For what, exactly?"

Kenji let out a sigh, his voice filled with remorse.

"For everything. For not believing you, for denying the pregnancy, for what I did to you that night. I can't change the past, but I want you to know how truly sorry I am."

Anele's heart ached at his words, memories of that fateful night resurfacing against her will. She closed her eyes briefly, taking a deep breath to steady herself. It had taken her years to heal from the trauma, and she had worked hard to build a new life for herself and her children, distancing herself from the pain and betrayal but now, with Kenji's apologies , she wasn't sure what to do or how to feel. Could she forgive him after all this time? Could they ever truly move on from the past?

Keeping her voice steady, she finally responded,

"I appreciate your apology but forgiveness is a process, and it's not something I can grant or deny in an instant. I need time to think."

Kenji nodded, the weight of his mistakes evident in his eyes.

"I understand. I'll give you all the time you need. I just hope that someday you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

Anele looked at him, her gaze softening slightly. She knew she should forgive for her own peace of mind but somethings needed time and patience.

"I won't make any promises Kenji but perhaps, with time and genuine effort on your part, we can work towards a place of understanding."

Kenji's face illuminated with a glimmer of hope as he nodded.

"Thank you. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make amends and be there for our children."

Anele looked into Kenji's eyes, searching for any signs of sincerity. She saw a glimmer of hope, a flicker of regret. Maybe, just maybe, he was being genuine and for her children's sake, she knew she had to give him a chance.

" They need a constant father in their lives."

They both had a long road ahead of them, but perhaps this unexpected encounter was the first step towards healing their fractured relationship. Only time would tell if forgiveness was possible, but for now, they both agreed to focus on their children and taking the necessary steps towards a better future.