Chef Oab kept his gaze focused on the dessert he'd just finished plating, his fingers lingering over the edge of the counter as he steadied himself. He didn't want to look at Methas—not when he was stirring up memories that Oab had spent years trying to bury. But as the alpha's mocking words trailed into something resembling remorse, Oab felt compelled to listen.
"Well, Chef," Methas said, his tone holding an edge of superiority even as he forced an apology. "I suppose you can't throw a tantrum here, seeing as this isn't your restaurant." Methas's smile was cold, but then he paused, his expression shifting slightly. "But I do owe you an apology, I think. After all, I've caused quite a bit of trouble for you."
Chef Oab took a slow breath, letting the alpha's words sink in. Part of him wanted to snap back, to remind Methas of the hurt he'd caused, but he held back. Too much had happened, and he was no longer the man who reacted impulsively. Instead, he kept his tone steady, though his voice held an underlying chill.
"An apology, huh?" Oab replied, his eyes still fixed on the plate. "I'm not sure an apology fixes what's happened, but... go on."
Methas cleared his throat, glancing around as if he wasn't used to showing this kind of vulnerability—or guilt. "I know I was the reason things went south between you and Plawan," he admitted. "I manipulated things to get what I wanted—paid him off, twisted the situation, even when I knew the truth."
Oab's hands tensed, his fingers tightening against the edge of the counter. He remembered the nights he'd spent doubting Plawan, the bitterness that had festered between them, and the accusations that had flown. But now, hearing Methas finally admit his part in it, the anger simmered differently.
"I did it because... well, I thought I'd win everything if I had Plawan in my pocket," Methas continued, almost as if he were confessing to himself. "Money, power—it all blinded me. But now I see..." He trailed off, his voice carrying a tinge of regret.
Chef Oab finally looked up, his gaze sharp. "I won't lie, Methas. I hated you for what you did—for what it did to me, to Plawan." His voice was calm but held a weight that pressed down on the room. "But if it weren't for your actions, as twisted as they were, Plawan and I... well, we wouldn't have Buea."
Methas's expression wavered, his confidence faltering as he processed Oab's words. He seemed almost taken aback by Oab's acknowledgment, but there was no denying the truth. The child sleeping in the next room was the one thing that had emerged from all the lies and manipulation, and for that, Oab couldn't wholly wish it all away.
Methas looked away, clearing his throat again. "For what it's worth, Chef, I... didn't expect it to go that far. I thought I was just securing my interests, but I can see now that I was wrong."
Chef Oab nodded, letting a heavy silence fill the room before speaking again. "Your greed took something precious from me, Methas, and I don't know if you can ever make up for that. But right now, I have something—someone—to focus on, and that's my son."
Chef Oab's eyes narrowed, his words sharp as he finally let loose. "Yeah, I do need a proper apology from you, you bastard," he spat. The weight of years of betrayal was evident in his tone. Methas didn't even flinch; instead, he took in the insult, his expression steady and accepting, though a hint of regret flickered in his eyes.
Methas let out a small sigh. "I know I deserve that," he admitted. "And I know I'm one of the people who was there for Plawan and your child when you weren't. I never expected forgiveness." He paused, his voice dropping as he continued, "We tried reaching out for you, Oab. You think we didn't? I've had firsthand experience with JJ's fury every time he couldn't get ahold of you."
Oab's scowl softened slightly, surprised by this bit of insight into what had been happening behind his back. He hadn't realized the extent to which his absence had affected those around Plawan, especially someone like JJ, who had always been protective of the omega. Seeing Methas acknowledge his wrongdoing, Oab found himself listening, a bitter ache forming in his chest.
