Broken Heart

20 Surprised

AUTHOR'S POV

The return to the familiar comfort of the Williams mansion did little to soothe the turmoil within David. The day's events, the unexpected revelation of his mate bond with Kevin, and his tense confrontation with kevin and his father, had left him emotionally drained and utterly conflicted.

He retreated to the quiet sanctuary of his private sitting room, seeking refuge from the lingering echoes of the day's drama.

A soft knock on the door announced the arrival of his parents. They entered, their expressions a mixture of surprise, concern, and a hint of sadness. They had heard the news, the almost unbelievable news, that their son , their fiercely independent and private son, had found his mate.

"David, darling," his mother began gently, her voice filled with a delicate blend of emotions, "we... we heard. About Kevin."

Her father stepped forward, his gaze searching his . "We're... we're surprised, of course. And... a little hurt. That you didn't tell us. Such a big thing, and you kept it to yourself."

David sighed, the weight of his secret pressing down on him. He knew he owed them an explanation, but the words felt heavy and difficult to form.

"I... I didn't know how to tell you," he said finally, his voice barely a whisper. "It all happened so fast. And it's... complicated."

His parents exchanged a knowing glance. They had always been perceptive, intuitive, and deeply attuned to their son's emotions. They could sense the pain and confusion beneath his guarded exterior.

"Complicated how, my love?" his mother asked softly, taking a seat beside him on the plush sofa.

David hesitated, then took a deep breath. He decided to be honest, to share the burden of his secret, except for the kiss. He couldn't bring himself to speak of that, the image still too raw and painful.

"I...ballroom.... when I first met him," he began, his voice trembling slightly, "I felt a connection. A pull. But... Kevin hid his female alpha identity from me. I felt deceived." which least matter now to him.

His parents listened patiently, their expressions thoughtful. They had known Kevin was a female alpha for years. It was not a secret, merely a matter of Kevin's personal preference for masculine pronouns and presentation.

"David," her father said gently, "Kevin's identity was never truly concealed. He simply prefers 'he' and 'him.' It's how he's always been. We've known for years. It's never been an issue."

David looked at them, surprised. "You knew?"

His mother nodded. "Yes, dear. It's not uncommon. Some female alphas feel more comfortable presenting in a way that aligns with their inner sense of self. It doesn't diminish his strength or his capabilities."

David was taken aback. He had assumed Kevin's gender identity was a secret, a deliberate deception. To learn that his parents were aware, and that it was accepted without question, shifted his perspective slightly.

"But... but still," he stammered, "he didn't tell me. Not at first."

"He probably wanted you to get to know him as a person first," his father suggested, "before revealing something so personal. It takes courage to be true to yourself in a world that often has rigid expectations." David hesitated as he didn't told them about spending his heat with kevin.

His mother added, "And we've seen him, sweetie. We've seen how amazing he is. How talented, how strong. He's been through so much, with Samuel... strictness."

His parents then shared stories of Kevin, anecdotes from their interactions with him over the years. They spoke of his intelligence, his business acumen, his quiet strength, and his unwavering determination. They recounted instances where he had shown remarkable compassion and empathy, often going out of his way to help others. They also alluded to the immense pressure he was under from his father, the burden of expectations he carried as the heir to the Walton empire.

"He's had a difficult life, David," his father said softly. "Samuel has always been... demanding. Especially of Kevin. He sees him as the perfect successor, the ideal leader. But Kevin has his own dreams, his own aspirations."

"He deserves happiness, my love," his mother added, her voice filled with a gentle hope. "Just as you do."

David listened, his heart aching with a growing understanding of Kevin's situation. He had been so focused on his hurt, his sense of betrayal, that he had failed to see the complexities of Kevin's life, the pressures he faced, the burdens he carried.

His parents, wise and compassionate, did not try to force him to forgive Kevin. They simply offered their perspective, their understanding of his character, and their hope for his well-being. They respected his decision, his need for time and space to process his emotions.

"We trust you, David," his father said, his voice firm but gentle. "You will make the right decision. But we also hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive him. He deserves a chance, just as you do."

His mother took his hand, her touch warm and reassuring. "We're happy for you, sweetie. To have found your mate. But we also want you to be happy. Whatever that means for you."

Their words, their unconditional love, were a balm to David's wounded heart. He still didn't know what the future held, whether he could forgive Kevin, whether he could reconcile the image of him with the figure his parents described.

But he knew he wasn't alone. He had his family, their unwavering love, and their quiet hope that he would find his way to happiness.The path ahead was still uncertain, but he felt a small measure of solace in knowing that he had their support, no matter what he decided.