how to make an alpha male fall in love? (How-To Series #2)

24

Chapter 24: The Past

That night, it was a very pleasant atmosphere for the three of them. No hate. Just acceptance and love.

But behind Jared's understanding of the situation, he is still curious. He has serious questions so his emptiness could be filled. So the gap between his father draws closer.

"S-sir?" Nagdadalawang-isip pang tawag ni Jared kay Robert.

"Just call me papa. Or however you like it." This tone was so warming for Jared's heart. Little do everyone know how much Jared wanted to hear that kind of tone.

Having a double thought, hinanda ni Jared ang sarili at binigkas ang salita, "P-pa?"

"Nak?"

It was not an exaggeration. He really felt overwhelmed at the moment. He told himself inside that he can die already upon knowing his true father.

"B-bakit-" He paused, unsure if he should ask it or just hold it in.

"Hmm?" Robert hummed asking Jared to continue.

"Bakit mo iniwan si mama?" Napatigil si Peony nang marinig ang tanong ng anak. "Bakit mo kami iniwan ni mama?"

And from there, the air is getting thick. And it was starting to be harder to breathe.

"It's not like I want to. I don't want to leave you..." ipinatong niya ang kaliwang kamay kay Jared tapos ay kay Peony, "and Dahlia." Robert turned to Peony.

Nagulat si Jared sa tawag ni Robert sa kaniyang ina. Even Peony turned uneasy when Robert told that. "Dahlia?" Jared asked.

"Dahlia Marie Rosecutten." Ani Peony.

Mas naguluhan si Jared sa sinabi ng ina. "That's my real name, Jared. Simula nang magpakalayo-layo ako kay Robert, I decided to change my identity. So he couldn't find us."

Madaming katanungan si Jared sa kaniyang isip. Hindi niya alam ngunit may kung anong pumipigil sa kaniya. Tila nasasakal ang kaniyang lalamunan.

"I know why you are wondering the reason I allowed your father to be here," inilapit ni Peony ang kaniyang upuan sa anak, she caressed her son's cheek, "Because I have always seen your pain. And it is getting worse day by day. I think it would be best- not just for Robert, but also for you- to meet each other."

Nauunawaan ni Jared ang lahat.

Wala siya sa isang pelikula kaya hindi siya mag-iinarte. Alam niya sa sarili niya na hinahanap niya ang isang father figure simula pa dati at ngayong nandito na ito sa kaniyang harapan, hindi na niya ito papakawalan.

Jared turned to his father which has a soft expression on his face. Jared smiled which Robert reciprocated.

Matapos nilang kumain, Robert spent more time with his family. Still unsure, he extends his arm toward Peony which she instantly felt.

Pinalo naman ito ni Peony at pinanlisikan ng mata si Robert. Robert laughed in his deep voice. Tila natunaw si Peony sa tawang iyon ni Robert. It is because that's the first thing he fell in love with this guy. His manly laugh.

She was so goofy and bubbly and Robert is her opposite. Robert most of time just wasted his time staring at Peony and listening to her clumsy moments.

Until the time came where Robert doesn't find Peony amusing anymore. Peony was in a dark place. Not just because Robert was losing interest in her, but also because she was already pregnant of Jared.

Peony was so afraid her parents would know about it, so he called Robert. She wanted to move in with her man but unlike her, Robert doesn't want to. Robert was at the peak of his career and he couldn't afford losing all of his efforts just with one controversy.