Addeline: The Darkness at the Heart of My Love [Papa Emeritus IV]

Faith is Mine

A few days following Addeline's departure, Swiss called Aurora over. He would have contacted her sooner, but he needed time to think about what he wanted and where to go from here.

As Aurora's car pulled up, Swiss felt a knot of anxiety in his stomach. He watched her step out and make her way through the gate, her expression unreadable. The afternoon sun cast long shadows, adding a sense of gravity to the moment.

Swiss stood on the porch, the familiar creak of the wooden boards under his feet grounding him. As Aurora approached, her eyes met his, filled with questions. Swiss took a deep breath, ready to lay everything out, hoping that she would understand why he ghosted her.

"Well, hello, stranger," she greeted warmly, yet with a hint of anguish. "Long time no see."

"I'm so sorry, Liv," he said, his voice heavy with regret.

"I thought you'd call me back, you know? I know we said we'd take it slow but a week without a word?" she laughed, trying to mask her disappointment with humor.

"Liv, Addy was here."

Her demeanor changed instantly, concern replacing the lightheartedness. "Oh, for the week... she spent the night?"

He nodded, feeling the weight of his confession.

A look of worry crossed her face. "Did you guys...?"

"A few times," he admitted, unable to meet her eyes. He didn't want to lie to her.

Liv sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping as she wiped a small tear from her eye before it fell. She wanted to remain strong despite the revelation. "Why was she here, Jutty?"

"Emeritus sent her. It's a long story."

"I have time," she said, her voice soft but firm.

"Remember the girl Copia knocked up? She died after having the baby and... well, the guy needed some time to think about things I guess, so he sent Addy here with Meliora."

Aurora's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes wide with shock. "Oh my God, that poor girl. And the baby?"

"The baby is fine but Addy has to raise it," he explained.

Aurora nodded slowly, processing the information. "That must be hard for her."

"I think she'll get through it." Swiss gave her some time to process this information before he began again, "Liv, listen," he said, his voice filled with sincerity as he stepped closer to her, "I want to give us a chance. I think we could really be something special."

She giggled softly, a mix of disbelief and hope flickering in her eyes. Gently, she placed her hand on his cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin. "Jutty, I've wanted that too, for so long. I can't share you though. I respect myself too much for that. You have to be with me, and only me. There's no room for her."

"Well, this might be a deal breaker then," he said, his voice heavy with uncertainty.

The woman's face, which had been full of hope just moments before, now bore a deep frown, shadowed by the anticipation of whatever he was about to reveal.

"The baby that Addy is pregnant with," Swiss began, his voice trembling as he struggled to find the right words. He didn't want to confess it, but he knew he had to be honest. "There's a chance it's mine."

Aurora's eyes widened, "How big of a chance?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

"Well," Swiss sighed, running a hand through his hair, "she slept with me and Copia on the day she got pregnant, so there's a huge possibility."