THE FORGOTTEN DAD

Chapter 18: Shadows of Yesterday

Emil returned home late that night, his mind still swirling with the unsettling conversation he'd had with Dae Ho earlier. The dim light of the hallway revealed the soft glow of the television still flickering in the living room. As he walked in, he saw Jasmine curled up on the couch, fast asleep. The soft hum of the TV was the only sound in the otherwise quiet house.

Emil's heart softened at the sight of her. She looked peaceful and serene, despite the weight of their circumstances. Carefully, he bent down and gently lifted her into his arms, cradling her as he made his way up the stairs. Jasmine stirred slightly, but remained asleep, her head resting comfortably against his chest.

As he ascended, Emil's thoughts raced. The words Dae Ho had spoken echoed in his mind: the threat of exposure, the potential for jail time, and the possibility of being separated from Jasmine and their daughter. He knew the stakes were high, and the weight of his responsibilities pressed heavily on him. What would become of Jasmine and their child if he were to end up in jail?

He reached Jasmine's room and carefully laid her down on the bed. She shifted slightly, her face relaxing into a soft, contented expression. Emil stood there for a moment, looking at her with a mix of sadness and longing. He whispered to the still figure on the bed, his voice barely more than a breath.

"I'm sorry, Jasmine. I know I've made so many mistakes. I still love you, even if it's hard for you to believe."

His eyes wandered around the room until they fell on a small, weathered album on Jasmine's bedside table. Curiosity piqued, he picked it up and flipped through its pages. Inside were photographs of their university days—moments of laughter, joy, and love. Images of them together, youthful and carefree, captured the essence of a time when things seemed simpler and their future seemed bright.

Emil's vision blurred as a single tear slipped down his cheek. He couldn't believe how far he had fallen from that idealistic young man he once was. The selfishness and greed that had driven him seemed so distant from the person who had once loved Jasmine so deeply. The stark contrast between who he was now and who he had been then was painful.

With a heavy heart, Emil closed the album and placed it gently back on the table. He lingered for a moment, looking down at Jasmine as she slept, feeling the weight of his actions and the uncertainty of their future. As he left the room, he hoped against hope that he could find a way to make things right before it was too late.