Silent Hearts: Operation Breaking His Ice Heart (Complete)

Chapter 26

Rhythm immediately glared at Kane the moment he stepped into the room. His eyes scanned Ada from head to toe, checking if something had happened. Kane raised an eyebrow, unimpressed, while Nathan shook his head at his cousin’s possessiveness.

“Are you okay? Did Kane say anything bad to you?” Rhythm asked, his voice full of concern as he stepped closer to Ada.

Ada simply shook his head and smiled.
“No, nothing. We just talked.”

“If Ceidence is dramatic, you’re paranoid,” Kane rolled her eyes. “I only talked to your partner. I didn’t hurt him or anything.”

“Don’t scare Adelaide, Kane,” Nathan said firmly. “I’m sorry, Adelaide. My aunt is really like this—but she’s actually nice.” He shot Kane a glare.

“Ugh. I don’t even know what to say...” Kane was about to continue when her phone rang. She quickly answered it.

“Whatever,” was all she said before hanging up abruptly.

“Who was that?” Rhythm asked.

“Who else? My oh-so-great bodyguard. Worse than my parents with all the nagging. Tsk,” Kane muttered, clearly annoyed.

Rhythm and Nathan just exchanged looks and shook their heads at Kane’s stubbornness.

It was already evening when Mew and Gulf arrived. They were both surprised to see Nathan and Kane at the house.

“Your parents are worried about you, Kane. At least answer their calls,” Gulf said while they were at the dining table. He was feeding Tyronne, while Ceidence wasn’t around—already living in his condo—and Kyle rarely came home since he was now married to Shine.

“Even if I don’t answer, they know where I am. I’m here, safe and sound. Just tell them I’m still breathing,” Kane replied casually to Mew and Gulf.

“And you, Nathan?” Mew asked.

“I already informed Mama and Dada. And of course, I got an earful earlier. And i know it extend, though. Hehe,” Nathan smiled awkwardly.

Rhythm glanced at Ada, who was quietly eating beside him.

“Are you okay, love? Are you feeling something?” Rhythm asked gently. Ada quickly looked up, startled.

“H-huh? Did you say something?” Ada replied, confused.

“Are you feeling okay? You’re not sick or anything?” Rhythm repeated, concern in his voice.

Ada shook his head and gave a small smile.

“I’m okay. Don’t worry,” he said and focused back on eating.

Rhythm wasn’t convinced, but he nodded anyway.

After dinner, Kane had no choice but to go home—they were picked up by a private plane. She and Nathan said their goodbyes to Mew, Gulf, and Rhythm. Before boarding, Kane suddenly hugged Ada.

“Don’t forget what I told you. Hurt my nephew, and your life will be hell. That’s my friendly reminder.” She patted his shoulder firmly before letting go.

Nathan gave Ada a small smile.
“I didn’t get to bond with you much—thanks to my cousin and his possessiveness—but it was really nice meeting you. Thank you for melting his ice-cold heart. Welcome to the family. And don’t worry... Rhythm will always stay with you. Bye.”

Ada couldn’t even respond—Nathan had already turned around. Ada looked at Rhythm, who gave him a soft smile in return.

Later that night, once they were in their room, Rhythm couldn't shake off the feeling that something was bothering Ada. He watched silently as Ada fixed the pillows, tucked in the sheets, and avoided his gaze.

Rhythm walked over, gently pulling Ada into a loose hug from behind.
"Love..." he whispered, his voice calm. "You’ve been quiet since dinner. You sure you're okay?"

Ada leaned slightly into his chest but didn’t answer right away.
"I’m fine... just tired, I guess."

Rhythm rested his chin on Ada’s shoulder.

“You don’t have to lie to me, Ada. I know you. You’re not ‘just tired’.”

Ada sighed softly, still not facing him.
“I don’t know… maybe I’m just overthinking.”

“About what?”

Ada’s eyes were glassy, tears quietly building up until one slipped down his cheek.

Rhythm immediately stood up and rushed to him.

“Hey—hey, what’s wrong? Did Kane say something to you?” he asked, alarmed.

But instead of answering, Ada suddenly hugged him tightly, burying his face into Rhythm’s chest. And then, he broke into soft sobs.

Rhythm was stunned. “Ada…”

“You’re my crush, right?” Ada started, his voice shaking between sobs. "I know all your details and even what happen to your life. I can even pass as detective   because I know so much about you." he said laughing bitterly.  “Everyone in school knows that after junior high, you were supposed to fly to the US with your cousin to study… all the way until college. And now that Nathan’s here... did he come to remind you that it’s time for you to go?”

Rhythm’s chest tightened painfully. Hearing Ada say that—seeing him cry like that—was enough to shatter his own heart.

“No,” Rhythm said firmly. “I’m not going. And that’s final.”

Ada quickly pulled back to look at him, his eyes wide and wet with tears.
“R-Really?”

Rhythm gently wiped his tears with his thumbs and smiled.

“Uh-huh. I’m not going. Because I have you now. And I don’t want to leave you behind. Even if I ask you to come with me, I know you wouldn’t… because you have your pride. And I love that about you.”

“But… but this was your long-time plan,” Ada whispered, voice barely steady. “Even Ceidence told me about it before we even got together. What will your parents say? They might—”

Rhythm cut him off with a soft kiss, silencing the panic building in his words.

When he pulled back, he held Ada’s face gently.

“They already know. And they’re okay with it. They told me they’re thankful for you—because of you, I changed. And I know what I want now, Ada. It’s you.”

Rhythm’s gaze softened as he looked down at Ada, his heart racing in his chest. Ada, still wiping away his tears, met his eyes with a quiet vulnerability that made everything in Rhythm's world feel still.

Without another word, Rhythm leaned down, his hand gently cupping Ada’s cheek. He paused for a brief moment, as if silently asking for permission, before he closed the distance between them, pressing his lips to Ada’s.

Ada responded instantly, a soft sigh escaping him as he melted into the kiss. It was slow, tender—an unspoken promise that no matter the future, they’d face it together. Rhythm’s lips moved against Ada’s with gentle certainty, as if showing him how much he meant in this single moment.

When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless. Ada’s eyes glistened, his face flushed, but the smile on his lips told Rhythm everything he needed to know.

“I love you,” Ada whispered, the words that had been hanging in the air finally spoken out loud.

Rhythm’s heart swelled with emotion. “I love you too, more than anything.”