Silent Hearts: Operation Breaking His Ice Heart (Complete)

Chapter 41

Ada sat on the living room couch, hands clutching each other so tightly his knuckles were white. He thought he was ready for this — ready to face Rhythm’s parents — but now that Gulf and Mew were here, sitting across from him, his heart felt like it might give out.

“I… I’m sorry,” Ada said first, his voice hoarse. “I know you probably hate me right now. I know you think I hurt Rhythm on purpose—”

“Stop.” Gulf’s voice was sharp, cutting through Ada’s self-blame. “You think we came here to humiliate you? To judge you?”

Ada swallowed hard and nodded weakly.

Mew’s expression softened. “No, Ada. That’s not why we’re here. We’re here because we care about you — both of you. And right now, you both look like you’re breaking into pieces.”

Ada’s lips trembled as tears spilled. “I… I didn’t mean to hurt him. I just… I saw Anggie. I saw how desperate she was. She’s alone. Her family wants to get rid of the baby. She begged me to help her. How could I just turn away?”

Gulf’s hands curled into fists. “That girl… I swear, the nerve. After everything she did—”

“She’s giving the baby to me,” Ada blurted, cutting her off. “After she gives birth… she’s leaving. She said she trusts me and Rhythm to raise the baby. That’s why I… I chose to help her.”

Mew sighed heavily, rubbing his forehead. “Ada, we understand your heart. We do. But you have to understand Rhythm too. He feels like he’s losing you. And when Rhythm feels cornered, he lashes out.”

Ada wiped his tears with the back of his hand. “He said I had to choose. Him or Anggie and the baby.” His voice cracked. “And I… I chose the baby. And now, I think I’ve lost him forever.”

Gulf reached over, taking Ada’s cold hands into her own. “You haven’t lost him. He’s angry, hurt — but he loves you, Ada. I’ve never seen my son fight for anyone the way he fights for you.”

Ada shook his head, sobbing. “Maybe this is the end. Maybe it’s better this way. I don’t want to hurt him more. I’m so sorry, Mommy Gulf, Daddy Mew. I didn’t mean to hurt your son like this.”

Gulf’s jaw tightened, tears pooling in his eyes. “You think this is easy for him? For us? Do you know what he told us this morning?”

Ada looked up, confused. “What…" What did he say?”

“He’s leaving,” Gulf said quietly, her voice breaking. “He’s going abroad. He won’t even attend graduation. He says he needs to get away from you to breathe.”

Ada froze, tears streaming silently now. He knew Rhythm — if he had decided, then nothing would stop him.

“I want to stop him,” Ada whispered. “I want to beg him not to go. But… maybe this is what he needs. Even if it breaks me, I’ll let him go.”

Gulf’s heart twisted painfully at the sight of Ada — crying, broken, still thinking of Rhythm before himself. She brushed Ada’s tears away gently. “You’re a good person, Ada. We see that. That’s why we love you like our own. Don’t ever think you’re not part of this family.”

Before Ada could reply, his phone began ringing loudly. He glanced at it, saw the name, and his face drained of color.

“It’s Anggie,” he whispered.

“Answer it,” Mew said softly.

Ada swiped to answer. “Hello?”

Anggie’s voice came through, panicked and breathless. “Ada… Ada, please. I’m at the hospital. The baby’s coming. I—I think I’m in trouble.”