A Heart Caught In Crime

Chapter 21 - A New Path

The heavy oak door of my father's study loomed before me, as imposing as ever. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead. Natasha's words echoed in my mind, giving me strength: "We can build a better life, Christian. For us and for our baby."

I knocked, entering at my father's gruff "Come in."

Enzo Lovius sat behind his massive desk, the very picture of power and authority. His steel-gray eyes met mine, a silent question in them.

"Father," I began, settling into the chair across from him. "We need to talk."

He leaned back, fingers steepled. "I'm listening, son."

I took a deep breath. "As you know, Natasha's pregnant. We're having a little girl."

A rare smile softened my father's features. "Congratulations, Christian. A granddaughter... that's wonderful news."

"Thank you," I said, feeling a swell of pride despite my nerves. "But there's more. I've been thinking about our future - mine, Natasha's, and our daughter's. And I've come to a decision."My father's eyebrow raised slightly, his expression guarded.

"I want out, Dad. Out of the family business, out of this life. I want to move to Denver, raise our daughter away from all... this." I gestured vaguely, encompassing the opulent study and all it represented.

Silence stretched between us, heavy and tense. I could almost see the wheels turning in my father's mind, his jaw clenching and unclenching as he processed my words.

Finally, he spoke. "You understand what you're asking? The implications?"

I nodded. "I do. But I need to do this. For my family."

Another long pause. Then, to my surprise, my father's expression softened. "I always hoped you'd find a reason to leave this life behind, son. I just never thought you'd have the courage to do it."

Relief washed over me. "So... you're okay with this?"

He chuckled, a rare sound. "Okay? Christian, I'm proud of you. It takes a strong man to choose his family over power. Your mother and I... we never had that choice."

I felt a lump form in my throat. "Thank you, Dad. That means more than you know."

My father stood, walking around the desk to place a hand on my shoulder. "You'll always have our support, son. And our protection, should you need it." His eyes twinkled. "Now, tell me about my granddaughter."

We spent the next hour talking, really talking, in a way we hadn't in years. As our conversation wound down, my father's expression turned thoughtful.

"You know," he mused, "every Lovius child should have a strong name. Something unique, with meaning."

I nodded, curious where he was going with this.

"How about... Rhydian Oak Lovius?" he suggested.

The name resonated immediately. "Rhydian... isn't that Welsh?"

My father nodded. "It means 'traveler.' And Oak, well, that speaks for itself. Strong, enduring."

I turned the name over in my mind, imagining calling it out in a sun-drenched backyard in Denver. "Rhydian Oak Lovius," I repeated. "It's perfect, Dad. Thank you."

After leaving my father's study, I felt lighter than I had in years. The future stretched out before me, full of possibility.

Back in our penthouse, I fired up my laptop, pulling up real estate listings in Denver. Natasha was out with my mother and sisters, no doubt being showered with attention and baby gifts.

I spent hours poring over listings, finally settling on a beautiful 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom house in a quiet suburb. The virtual tour showed spacious rooms flooded with natural light, a modern kitchen that Natasha would love, and a backyard perfect for a growing family. The school district was excellent, and the neighborhood seemed ideal for raising children.

Without hesitation, I made an offer. Money talks, especially when you have the Lovius fortune behind you, and within hours, the house was ours.

When Natasha returned, laden with shopping bags and glowing with happiness, I could barely contain my excitement.

"I have a surprise for you, mia cara," I said, guiding her to the couch.

Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "What kind of surprise?"

I pulled up the virtual tour on our big screen TV. "How would you like to raise our daughter here?"

Natasha's jaw dropped as she took in the images of our new home. "Christian... is this... did you buy us a house in Denver?"

I nodded, suddenly nervous. "Is it okay? I know we talked about leaving, and I thought-"

My words were cut off as Natasha launched herself into my arms, peppering my face with kisses. "It's perfect," she breathed. "Absolutely perfect."

As we cuddled on the couch, discussing our plans for the future, I felt a profound sense of peace settle over me. We had a beautiful home waiting for us, a baby girl on the way, and the promise of a new life far from the shadows of my family's legacy.

"Oh," I said, remembering my conversation with my father. "I hope you don't mind, but we have a name for our little one."

Natasha looked up at me, curious. "We do?"

I nodded. "Rhydian Oak Lovius. My father suggested it, actually."

Her eyes welled up with tears. "Rhydian Oak," she repeated softly, her hand resting on her growing bump. "It's beautiful, Christian. Your daddy really suggested that?"

I nodded, feeling a lump in my throat. "He did. I think... I think he sees this as a new beginning for all of us."

Natasha snuggled closer. "A new beginning," she murmured. "I like the sound of that."

As the sun set over Manhattan, casting a golden glow through our windows, I held Natasha close, my hand resting protectively over our growing daughter. Rhydian Oak Lovius, our little traveler, strong as an oak. She would grow up free from the shadows that had defined my life for so long.

For the first time in years, I felt truly, completely free. The future was bright, and it was ours for the taking.