Silent Hearts: Operation Breaking His Ice Heart (Complete)

Chapter 49

The white sands of the Maldives glowed beneath the late morning sun. The sound of the waves crashing gently against the shore was peaceful, the perfect backdrop to Gulf's birthday celebration. The entire family was there — Mew, Gulf, Ceidence, Treyton, Shine, Kyle, Ada, Aiden, Rhythm, and the kids — all gathered for the rare out-of-country trip.

Mew had secretly planned everything, wanting to give his husband a perfect day, but also hoping that this trip would help Rhythm and Ada slowly find their way back to each other.

Gulf stood barefoot on the sand, smiling as he looked around at everyone laughing and playing. "This is perfect, Love," he said softly, leaning against his husband's shoulder. "Thank you so much." 

Mew kissed his temple. "Only the best for you, love. You deserve it. And..." he glanced toward Ada and Rhythm, who were sitting on a beach mat with Aiden, "maybe this trip will be the start of something good for them too."

By the shore, Rhythm had been doing everything quietly, without making a big show of it. He helped Ada set up Aiden's sunshade, carried the toys, and even knelt in the sand to help build a little sandcastle with the kids. When Aiden spilled juice on his shirt, Rhythm fetched a towel and even put a fresh shirt on him.

"You don't have to do all that, you know," Ada said, watching him.

"I know," Rhythm replied with a small smile, brushing the sand from Aiden's hair. "I want to."

Aiden still seemed shy, calling him "Sir Rhythm" every time he spoke.

Rhythm crouched down so he was eye-level with the boy. "You know, you don't have to call me 'sir' all the time. You can call me Daddy too — like Treycie does."

Aiden blinked, his small brows furrowing. "But... I'm not your son," he said shyly.

Rhythm smiled warmly. "Then... can I be your Daddy? Can I be Daddy to Mommy Ada too?"

The adults nearby heard him and smiled knowingly. Ada felt his cheeks warm and quickly looked away.

Aiden's eyes turned to his mom, a small smile forming. "If Mommy agrees," he said softly.

Ada's face turned even redder, but he couldn't help the small laugh that escaped. "We'll... talk about it," Ada said gently, brushing Aiden's hair.

At lunch, Everyone gathered under a big cabana where the table was filled with fresh seafood and tropical dishes. Ada was feeding Aiden when a bit of sauce landed at the corner of his lips. Before Ada could wipe it away, Rhythm — seated right next to him — leaned forward and gently wiped the sauce with a napkin.

Ceidence let out a low whistle, grinning. Shine giggled and nudged Kyle.

"Ohhh..." Treyton teased, a wide grin on his face. "Look at you two. Feeding each other now?"

Ada's cheeks burned, but before he could say anything, Rhythm leaned forward and kissed Aiden's forehead. "Eat well, kid," he said softly.