Hidden truth- The sequel

21: Fractured bonds

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Trigger Warning:
This chapter includes violence and emotional distress.
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Justin's PoV

The bar was warm, dimly lit, and smelled of whiskey and wood polish. It was the kind of place Miguel and I used to hang out at when life felt simpler. Back then, the biggest concern we had was deciding whether to order another round or call it a night. Now? Life was a million times more complicated, and the weight of it all pressed heavily on my shoulders.

I swirled the drink in my hand, watching the amber liquid catch the faint light. Miguel leaned back in his chair, his face relaxed in a way that made me slightly jealous. "So much has changed these past few years," he said, his voice carrying a mix of nostalgia and awe.

I nodded, my thoughts already racing. "You can say that again."

He tilted his glass toward me as if making a toast. "Think about it, bro. I have a daughter now—a whole kid. You went from killing it in the ring to owning your own boxing club. Hell, you're still the most famous boxer in the country. And Maia? She's pregnant with twins. Twins, Justin. Life's crazy."

I let out a soft laugh, though it didn't quite reach my chest. "Crazy doesn't even cover it."

Truth was, I felt like I was drowning. I'd spent so much time building everything, fighting for it, literally and figuratively. And now that I had it all—a thriving business, the love of my life, and two babies on the way—I couldn't shake this restless, hollow feeling.

"I miss it," I admitted quietly, staring into my drink. "I miss fighting. I've been training, sure, but no fights. I turned down every opportunity to focus on Maia and the boys." I paused, feeling the words tighten in my throat. "But it's like...I don't know, man. Something feels off. Like I'm out of place or something."

Miguel looked at me, his brow furrowing in that older-brother way he'd always had. "You can still fight and be there for them, Justin. You're good at balancing things when you want to."

I shook my head, a bitter smile tugging at my lips. "It's not that simple. I feel bad. Like, really bad. I haven't told Maia because...I don't know. I don't want to put more on her plate. She's already carrying two boys, literally, and I'm supposed to be the strong one. But..." I exhaled, leaning forward on the table. "Man, I'm overwhelmed."

Miguel took a slow sip, watching me carefully. "Sounds like you need to check back in with your therapist," he said, half-joking but serious enough for the comment to sting a little.

I let out a small laugh, rubbing the back of my neck. "It's more than that, though. I feel like something's missing. Like a part of me isn't where it's supposed to be, you know? And no matter what I do, it's like I can't figure it out."

My phone buzzed on the table, the screen lighting up with a text. Maia. A smile immediately tugged at the corner of my mouth as I picked it up.

"You having fun, babe?"

I typed back quickly. "Yup. You okay with Aaliyah?"

Her reply came almost instantly, and the picture she sent made my heart squeeze. Maia and Aaliyah sat on the couch, their faces covered in green clay masks, a rom-com playing in the background. Maia's belly was so big now, it was hard to believe we still had a few months to go. My angel.

"She's adorable, man," I muttered, showing the picture to Miguel.

He laughed. "Yeah, bro, you're whipped."

"Like you're not with your daughter," I shot back with a grin.

Before I could bask in the lightness of the moment, my phone buzzed again. I glanced at it, expecting another picture from Maia, but instead, my blood turned to ice.