Silent Hearts: Operation Breaking His Ice Heart (Complete)

Chapter 33

Rhythm's POV:

I still couldn't believe what I was hearing as Ada carefully explained everything on the ride. His voice was soft, almost guilty, but steady enough to tell me he had carried this truth for a long time.

"Love... it started when your mom helped me," Ada said, his fingers nervously twisting the hem of his shirt. "I used the money I won from that international pastry contest, plus the scholarship and educational assistance I received. I thought... maybe I should build something small. Just a shop, something to support my family so I wouldn't be a burden to you."

He glanced at me with those wide, cautious eyes, afraid I'd snap again.

"I didn't think it would grow like this," he continued, his tone almost disbelieving even now. "But somehow... it did. And, Rhythm... I'm thankful for everything you've given me for supporting me all this time. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. I was scared you'd stop me before I could even try."

I leaned back against the car seat, staring at him for a long moment. My chest felt heavy, not with anger this time, but with something else. Awe. Respect. Maybe guilt, too, for ever making him feel like he had to hide.

"You built it from scratch," I finally said, shaking my head slowly. "From nothing... to this. Damn, Ada... I don't even know what to say."

He lowered his gaze, lips pressed together.

I reached over, touching his chin and tilting his face up to mine. "You thought you'd be a burden? Baby... you're the opposite. You're incredible. And I want to see it. Take me to one of your branches—tonight."

Ada blinked, startled. "Now? After we eat?"

"Yes. Now," I said firmly. "No more secrets."

He nodded slowly, relief flickering in his eyes.

By the time we finished eating and drove over, I was buzzing with a mix of curiosity and nerves. When Ada led me inside the cozy, well-lit pastry shop, the smell of butter and sugar hit me like a memory I didn't know I had. But the biggest shock wasn't the scent.

It was the person behind the counter.

"Ceidence?!" I blurted.

My brother's head jerked up, just as surprised. His mouth curled into a teasing smile the moment his eyes landed on me. Then he looked straight at Ada, giving him a knowing grin.

"So," Ceidence said, smirking. "My possessive brother knows now?" I glared at him. "Stop that look, bro. Just... stop."

"Don't give me that glare," Ceidence shot back easily. "Support your partner for everything. That's what matters."

I felt my jaw tighten. "Everyone knew? But not me? "

Ada's head bowed, guilt written all over his face. My chest twisted at the sight. I lifted his chin gently and hugged him right there. "It's okay, baby. Don't worry. I'm not mad. Not anymore. Now I understand better. I'm sorry for being too strict, too possessive with you... But no more secrets, okay?"

His eyes grew teary as he hugged me tightly. "Thank you... thank you for understanding, Love."

Before I could reply, a familiar voice cut in from the back.

"Oh, well. Congrats, you two. At least Rhy knows this finally."

I froze. "Treyton?!"