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Chapter 52

Daphne stirred awake, her lashes fluttering as the soft light of morning streamed through her curtains, casting a glow over her bedroom. Her body felt weightless against the silky sheets, the lingering haze of sleep making her surroundings feel dreamlike. Slowly, her gaze shifted downward, and her breath hitched.

Theo was on one knee at the side of her bed, his broad shoulders bare and his smooth skin tight over his muscles. The intensity of his focus was captivating as he worked with careful precision to clasp the delicate diamond bracelet around her wrist. The cool touch of the diamonds against her skin made her heart race, each movement of his strong hands anchoring her more to the moment.

For a heartbeat, Daphne couldn't breathe. The sight of him kneeling there, his dark hair slightly tousled and the morning light softening his sharp features, ignited a thought so vivid it overwhelmed her—what if this wasn't just about the bracelet? What if he was asking her to marry him?

Her mind flickered with images of what that might be like: Theo holding her hand with that same quiet devotion, his smirk transforming into a rare, vulnerable smile as he whispered words meant just for her. She imagined his voice, low and steady, promising forever, the weight of his love as unyielding as his gaze on her now.

The thought made her chest tighten. For the first time, the idea of something so permanent, so binding, didn't terrify her. It made her ache in a way she didn't quite understand.

Theo's deep voice cut through the silence, grounding her.

"This belongs to you," he said softly, glancing up as the bracelet clicked into place. His dark eyes met hers, studying her reaction with that familiar mix of intensity and unreadable calm. "Only you."

She swallowed hard, her pulse fluttering in her wrist where his fingers lingered a moment longer.

"Were you carrying this around in your pocket?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper, trying to ignore the way her cheeks flushed.

Theo's lips curved into a small, knowing smirk. "Of course," he said, his tone teasing, but his gaze betrayed something deeper.

Daphne lifted her hand slowly, as if the moment might shatter if she moved too quickly. Her fingers brushed against Theo's cheek, her palm curving to cradle his face. The roughness of his stubble under her thumb sent a soft ache through her, a longing that had simmered quietly since their breakup. Her gaze locked onto his, her heart beating in rhythm with his steady breaths. She traced the planes of his face, committing every detail to memory, as if touching him might tether her to this fragile, beautiful moment.

Theo leaned into her touch, his eyes softening as he lowered his lips to her forehead. The kiss lingered, tender and deliberate, a promise in its simplicity. His hand rose to encircle her wrist, bringing her palm to his lips. He pressed a kiss there, warm and intimate, his eyes never leaving hers as he pulled back just enough to speak.

"I thought about what you said," he murmured, his voice low, almost hesitant.

"About?" Daphne's voice was still thick with sleep, but her eyes searched his face, fully awake now.

"Talking to my parents," Theo said quietly. "I think I'm ready to do it."

Daphne's lips curved into a soft smile, her hand still resting against his cheek. "That's a really good idea," she said, her tone as gentle as the morning light filtering through the room.

Theo exhaled, his lips twitching in the faintest of smiles. "I texted my mom," he admitted, his thumb brushing over her wrist. "I told her we'd be coming over for breakfast."

"We?" Daphne's brows furrowed slightly. "I think you should talk to them alone, Theo. It'll be easier for you."

But Theo shook his head, his expression firm yet vulnerable. "No. I want you there... I need you there."

Her breath caught as her heart clenched, his words wrapping around her like the warmth of his body. She felt the unspoken weight of his plea, the way his soul seemed to reach out for hers, bridging every fracture that had existed between them.

"Please," Theo whispered, his voice almost breaking. "I can't do this alone."

Daphne's resolve melted in an instant. She nodded, her voice barely audible. "Okay."

The tension in Theo's shoulders eased as relief washed over his face. "Thank you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. His hand cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing along her jawline as his next words fell from his lips like a confession. "I love you."

Her heart swelled, a radiant warmth flooding her chest as her lips curved into a smile so full it lit up her face. She looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with joy, her love for him unguarded and infinite.

"I love you, too," she whispered, her voice breaking softly. "I love you so much."

Theo leaned down, their foreheads touching as they lingered in the stillness of the moment, the world outside forgotten. It was just them—two souls finding their way back to each other, their love weaving them into something unbreakable

___________________

Daphne's fingers intertwined with Theo's as they walked up the steps to his parents' townhouse. His grip was firm, almost too tight, betraying the nerves he was trying so hard to conceal. She could feel the faint tremor in his hand, a stark contrast to the confident man she was so used to seeing.

The townhouse loomed above them, its pristine brick facade and tall, arched windows seeming impossibly daunting. Each step they took felt heavier than the last, and Theo's breaths grew shallow, his jaw tight with tension.

Daphne glanced at him, her heart squeezing at the sight of his furrowed brow and the set of his lips, pressed into a thin, anxious line. Without a word, she stopped, gently tugging on his hand to bring him to a halt just before the door.

"Theo," she said softly, her voice cutting through the quiet street. He turned to look at her, his dark eyes clouded with worry.

Her free hand came up to rest on his arm, her touch light yet grounding. "You're going to be okay," she said, her tone steady and reassuring.

He exhaled a shaky breath, his eyes searching hers, as if looking for the strength he felt he lacked. "I don't know if I can do this," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Daphne squeezed his hand, stepping closer until her warmth surrounded him. "Yes, you can," she said, her words unwavering. "You're not alone in this, remember? I'm right here."

Her thumb brushed over his knuckles in a soothing rhythm, and for a moment, the tension in his shoulders seemed to ease. Theo's gaze softened as he looked down at her, his lips parting to speak, but no words came out. Instead, he nodded, a faint trace of gratitude flickering in his eyes.

"Together," Daphne added, giving his hand one more firm squeeze before leading him up the last few steps.

When they reached the door, Theo's hand lingered on the doorknob for a moment too long. Daphne leaned in slightly, her voice a gentle whisper in his ear. "You've got this."

Theo took a deep breath, her words bolstering him. He straightened his shoulders, giving her hand one final squeeze before turning the knob.

Theo and Daphne stepped into the townhouse, the door closing behind them with a quiet click that seemed to echo louder than it should have. The house was impeccably neat, the faint scent of fresh coffee mingling with something sweet—maybe pastries. But the air was thick, charged with an undercurrent of tension that Daphne felt the moment they crossed the threshold.

They walked toward the dining room, their steps soft against the polished wooden floor. As they entered, the scene before them was both inviting and unnerving. Daisy sat at the breakfast table, her delicate hands wrapped around a steaming mug. She looked poised, her smile warm and welcoming as her eyes landed on Daphne. Luca, on the other hand, sat stiffly in his chair, his jaw tight and his expression unreadable. His piercing gaze flicked to Theo, lingering for a moment before shifting away.

"Daphne," Daisy greeted, her voice a comforting melody that attempted to cut through the tension. "It's so good to see you."

"Thank you, Mrs. Silvano," Daphne replied with a polite smile, though her hand instinctively tightened around Theo's for reassurance.

Daisy rose slightly, her smile widening as she stepped around the table to embrace Daphne briefly, her touch light but genuine. "You can start calling me Daisy, you know," she said softly, releasing her with a motherly squeeze before retaking her seat.

Theo remained quiet, his usual calm demeanor muted as he pulled back a chair for Daphne. The small act of chivalry felt deliberate, like he needed something to do with his hands. He didn't look at her as she murmured a soft "thank you" and sat down, but his presence beside her felt like an anchor in the silent room.

As they all settled around the table, the stillness became almost unbearable. The clink of silverware and soft creak of chairs were the only sounds, filling the space like a presence of their own. Daphne glanced at Theo, who was staring at the table with a guarded expression, his fingers loosely clasped together. Daisy sipped her coffee, her eyes darting between Theo and Luca, waiting for someone to speak. Luca's brow furrowed as he leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming once against the armrest before stopping.

No one seemed to know where to begin, and the silence stretched, heavy and suffocating.

Daphne cleared her throat softly, her gaze flicking to Theo, silently urging him. When he didn't move, she reached beneath the table and placed her hand lightly on his thigh, a subtle gesture meant to ground him. His hand slid over hers in response, squeezing briefly, though his eyes remained fixed on the tabletop.

Across the table, Luca cleared his throat, the sound breaking through the oppressive quiet like a crack of thunder. Theo's head jerked up, his gaze snapping to Luca, whose calm but guarded expression betrayed a hint of apprehension.

"When did you find out?" Luca asked, his tone low, steady.

Theo exhaled sharply, his voice rough when he answered, "In Aspen. Angelo was there."

"I see," Luca replied with a slow nod, his shoulders sagging slightly as if the weight of those words settled heavily onto him. His eyes, usually sharp and discerning, seemed dulled by exhaustion, the kind that came from carrying a secret for far too long.

The room fell silent again, the tension thickening like fog. The faint clink of a knife against porcelain broke the quiet as Theo methodically placed a slice of toast and a small serving of eggs onto Daphne's plate. His movements were precise, automatic, as if he were grasping for any semblance of normalcy. Without a word, he poured himself a cup of coffee, the dark liquid swirling in the cup as he set it down untouched.

Luca's voice broke through once more, quieter this time but no less insistent. "You must have questions."

Theo finally looked up, his jaw tight, his eyes stormy with emotions he hadn't yet begun to unravel. "I do," he said simply.

Luca nodded, his lips pressing into a thin line. "The floor's yours," he offered, though his tone carried the weight of someone bracing for impact.

Theo hesitated, his throat working as he tried to push the words out. "Well, I guess the first question would be... about..." He paused, his voice faltering. "Eric Anderson."

Daisy visibly recoiled at the name, her body shrinking. Luca's gaze flickered to her, a silent exchange passing between them before his hand found hers, resting on it with quiet reassurance.

Theo's gaze didn't waver as he repeated himself, firmer this time. "Who is he?"

Daisy straightened in her chair, drawing in a shaky breath. Her voice was soft but steady as she began, "He was my ex-boyfriend." She stopped, swallowing hard, her hands twisting in her lap. "I was in college, and we were both sure we never wanted children. But then I got pregnant."

Daphne, watching intently, caught the flicker of pain that crossed Daisy's face, a deeply buried sorrow resurfacing in her eyes. Theo, however, remained motionless, his expression unreadable as he listened.

"My whole life changed," Daisy continued, her voice trembling. "And I wanted you more than anything in the whole world."

Theo's posture stiffened, his hands clenching on the table's edge as her words washed over him.

"But Eric..." Daisy's breath hitched, and she paused to gather herself. "He was sure he didn't want kids."

Daphne glanced at Theo, her heart aching as she saw the way his jaw tightened, the flicker of anger and betrayal flaring in his eyes. Her fingers pressed slightly against his leg, a silent reminder that she was there.

"And Dad?" Theo's voice was low, raw. "How... when did he come into the picture?"

Daisy's gaze softened, her voice barely above a whisper. "Luca was always in the picture," she said. "We were in love, but life was complicated. But we both knew we wanted you, Theo. I wanted you, and Luca wanted us. He was there the whole time. We got married, we had you, and our life was everything we both wanted."

Her words seemed to unravel something in Theo. His face twisted with pain, his hands trembling as he ran them through his hair. "Why..." He struggled to speak, his voice cracking. "Why didn't you tell me any of this?"

"I wanted to," Daisy said earnestly, tears pooling in her eyes. "Believe me, we never wanted to hurt you, baby. But... every time we tried... we couldn't."

Theo shook his head, his breath coming faster, the room's air seeming to thicken. Daisy reached out toward him but hesitated, her fingers curling back into her lap.

"How were we supposed to tell you without losing that smile off your face?" Daisy said, her voice breaking as the tears spilled over. "Did you want me to tell you when you wanted to hold only Luca's hand when you graduated from kindergarten? Or when you wrote about Luca being your hero in the fourth grade?" She paused, her voice trembling. "You loved this man every single day of your life, and he loves you just as much. How could I take that from a child?"

Her words seemed to hang in the air, heavy and inescapable. Theo's shoulders shook as he tried to contain the storm brewing within him. Daphne's hand slipped further along his thigh, her touch steady and unyielding, willing him to hold on. For a moment, she thought he might break—but he didn't.

Daisy's voice trembled as she continued, her gaze locked on Theo, pleading with him to understand.

"Luca is your father, Theo. In every way that matters. Blood doesn't make a father—it's love, devotion, sacrifice. And Luca has given you all of that and more, from the moment you came into this world."

Theo's breathing was uneven, his chest rising and falling as he tried to process her words. His jaw worked as if he wanted to say something, but the weight of emotion held him back.

"I didn't tell you about Eric because I didn't want to take away the happiness you had," Daisy continued, her voice breaking. "You were such a joyful child. You loved Luca with your whole heart, and he adored you. I couldn't bear the thought of shattering that. I didn't want you to feel like something was missing when everything you needed was already right here."

Theo finally spoke, his voice low and unsteady. "But it wasn't your choice to make. It was mine. You should've trusted me with the truth." His words were heavy, tinged with both anger and heartbreak.

Daisy's tears spilled over, but she didn't flinch. "I know," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "And I'm sorry. Truly. I made that decision out of love, but I see now that it hurt you, and for that, I'll never forgive myself."

Luca, who had been silent, finally spoke, his voice firm but calm. "Theo, your mother is right—I've always been your father, not because of biology, but because I love you. I chose you, every single day. And I would do it all over again."

Theo's hands clenched into fists on the table, his head bowing as if the weight of their words was too much to bear.

"You both lied to me," he said, his voice raw. "You kept this huge part of my life from me."

"We did," Luca admitted, his tone somber. "And it wasn't fair to you. But it wasn't because I didn't want to tell you. It's because I was afraid. Afraid that if you knew, you might feel differently about me. That you'd see me as less."

Theo's head snapped up, his eyes filled with a mix of pain and disbelief. "How could you think that?"

Luca leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "Because I love you. And sometimes love makes you do things you're not proud of. I didn't want to risk losing the bond we had."

The room fell silent again, the weight of their confessions settling like a heavy fog. Daphne's heart ached for Theo as she watched him struggle with his emotions.

"Theo, you're allowed to feel hurt, and you're allowed to be angry," Daisy said. "But don't forget that everything we did, we did because we love you."

Theo turned to her, his eyes glistening. He nodded slightly, his shoulders sagging as the tension in his body began to release. "I just... I don't know how to feel right now," he admitted.

Daisy reached across the table, her hand trembling as she placed it over his. "Take all the time you need. We're here. We're not going anywhere."

For the first time, Theo didn't pull away. He didn't say anything, but his fingers slowly curled around Daisy's, holding on, as if searching for a way to bridge the gap that had opened between them.

"What happened to Eric?" Theo asked, his voice tightening as he leaned forward. "Did he ever try to get in touch? Did he ever meet me?"

Daisy hesitated, her lips parting as if to speak, but the words seemed to lodge in her throat. Her eyes glistened, the weight of the memories pressing heavily on her. "No," she said softly, her voice trembling. "He..."

Theo's chest tightened as he watched her struggle. "Tell me," he urged, his voice firm but not unkind. "Please."

Daisy opened her mouth again but faltered, her gaze dropping to the table. The silence stretched, heavy and expectant, until Luca shifted in his seat, his deep voice breaking through. "Because of things that were happening in our lives, we needed Eric to put in writing that he was giving up all responsibilities of being your father."

Theo's brow furrowed, his hands curling into fists. "You made him sign a contract?"

"It was only supposed to be a court document," Daisy interjected quickly, her tone almost pleading. "To make sure he understood exactly what he was legally giving up—so there would never be any confusion, no chance he could try to disrupt your life."

Theo's eyes narrowed as he processed her words. "What happened?" he asked again, his voice sharper now, more insistent.

Luca's expression darkened, his jaw tightening before he answered. "Eric wanted two million dollars in exchange for his rights to you as your father."

Theo's breath hitched, his face paling as the words hit him like a blow. "What?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Daisy's hands trembled as she clasped them tightly in her lap. "It wasn't supposed to be like that," she murmured, her voice cracking under the weight of her emotions. She shut her eyes, as if willing the memory away, but it clung to her, raw and unrelenting. "But that's what he demanded."

Theo stared at them, his mind racing. The room seemed to close in around him, the air growing thick and stifling.

"Two million dollars?" he repeated, his voice rising. "He sold me?"

"No, Theo," Daisy said urgently, her eyes snapping open. "You were never for sale. He didn't deserve you. He didn't deserve us."

Luca leaned forward, his voice steady but laced with quiet anger. "We paid him so he would stay away, Theo. So he could never come back into your life and disrupt the family we were building. It wasn't about money—it was about protecting you."

Theo shook his head, disbelief etched into every line of his face. "Protecting me?" he echoed, his voice cracking. "From what? The truth?"

"From his selfishness," Luca said firmly, his tone unyielding. "Eric didn't want you. He wanted the money, plain and simple. And as far as I was concerned, that was the price of ensuring you'd never have to know that kind of rejection."

Daisy reached for Theo, her hands trembling. "We did what we thought was best," she whispered, tears spilling down her cheeks. "We did it because we loved you."

Theo's chair scraped loudly against the floor as he pushed it back, rising abruptly. His breathing was shallow, his hands shaking at his sides. He began to pace the length of the room, his footsteps sharp against the hardwood floor. The energy coursing through his veins was too much to contain, too volatile to be stilled. His life was unraveling, and sitting still felt impossible.

He stopped suddenly, turning back to face his parents, his jaw tight and his eyes burning with intensity. "Is there anything else?" he asked, his voice low but trembling with emotion. "What else haven't you told me?"

Daisy swallowed hard, her gaze flickering toward Luca, seeking silent guidance. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her sweater, betraying the storm of emotions she was trying to keep under control.

"Tell me," Theo demanded, his voice rising. "No more secrets. Please."

Luca straightened in his chair, his shoulders tense as if bracing himself. He exchanged a long look with Daisy, an unspoken conversation passing between them. Then, their gazes drifted toward Daphne, who sat quietly, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, her presence steady but unassuming.

"She's not going anywhere," Theo said firmly, catching their hesitation. His sharp tone made Daphne's gaze lift toward him. "Whatever you have to say, you can say it in front of Daphne."

Luca let out a slow, measured breath, his fingers interlocking on the table as he leaned forward. "Theo," he began, his voice deliberate, every word heavy with weight. "What we've told you so far—about Eric, about how I came into your life—was the truth. But there's something else you should know....about our family.....and about the name you carry and the reputation that comes with it."

Theo's heart thudded painfully in his chest, his hands twitching at his sides as he braced himself for yet another revelation. "Go on," he said, his voice a tense whisper.

_________________

Mason and Wendy

The airport buzzed with the usual chaos of departures and arrivals, but to Wendy, everything seemed muted as she stood with Mason near the security checkpoint. His tousled hair and easy smile contrasted with the sterile airport surroundings, making him look like he belonged anywhere else but at the airport.

"So," Wendy started, glancing down at her phone before looking back up at him. "How long are you staying in California this time?"

Mason grinned, his expression as casual as ever. "For a while, actually. I'm shooting an ad campaign for a magazine. Might even stick around if the vibe's right."

Wendy nodded, shoving her hands into the pockets of her jacket. "Sounds fancy. What's the campaign about?"

"Eh, some high-end outdoorsy thing. Think rugged guy in expensive boots pretending to hike," Mason joked, his voice light but his gaze unwavering on her.

Wendy's eyes narrowed, "And they picked you as the model?"

Mason chuckled, "No. I'm the photographer."

"I didn't know you were into photography like that," Wendy paused.

"We've learned so much about each other this past weekend, haven't we?" Mason teased. "You don't believe in love, you're afraid of heights, you don't like thunder, you hate conflict and violence–"

"You sound like a stalker," Wendy stopped him. "Are you obsessed with me or something?"

"Me? Obsessed with you?" Mason's grin spread. "Why, yes. Yes, I am."

"You're disgusting," Wendy rolled her eyes. "And delusional."

Mason smirked, unfazed by her eye roll. "Call it what you want. But you haven't walked away yet, so I must be doing something right."

Wendy's lips twitched as she fought off a smile. "Or maybe I'm just being polite."

"Polite? You?" Mason arched an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Baby, please. Don't insult yourself like that. I have high standards."

Wendy let out a laugh, shaking her head. "Wow, you're really full of yourself, aren't you?"

"Just confident," Mason shot back, flashing that easy grin of his. "Though I could tone it down if it's too much for you to handle."

"Don't do me any favors," she replied, her tone dry but her smile betraying her amusement.

Mason leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "You know, for someone who's so good at putting people in their place, you're awfully fun to tease."

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?" she asked, tilting her head.

"Depends. Do you want it to be?" Mason's grin widened, his eyes glinting with mischief.

Wendy shook her head again, crossing her arms over her chest. "I don't like compliments."

Mason sighed, "What do you like, sweet girl? Please, tell me. I'll bring the world to your feet."

Wendy blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the intensity in Mason's voice, even though it was laced with his usual teasing.

"The world?" she repeated, arching an eyebrow. "That's a pretty big promise for someone who doesn't know me that well."

Mason's grin softened into something more thoughtful. "Maybe. But I'm a fast learner."

"Fast learner?" Wendy replied, recovering her composure. "Okay, then. I like coffee, quiet mornings, and people who don't talk as much as you do."

Mason chuckled, shaking his head. "Noted. I'll work on the talking part."

"Good luck with that," Wendy said, her tone skeptical, though a faint smile lingered on her lips.

Mason tilted his head, studying her like she was a puzzle he was determined to solve.

"What?" Wendy asked, noticing his gaze.

"Give me your phone."

"Why?" Wendy's brows furrowed.

"So I can give you my number," Mason rolled his eyes.

"I don't want your number."

"Too bad," Masons said, taking her phone out of her hand. "You're gonna need it when you can't sleep thinking about me tonight."

Wendy gasped, reaching out to snatch her phone back, but Mason easily stepped out of her reach, a smug grin plastered across his face.

"Mason, give it back!" she demanded, her tone caught between annoyance and disbelief.

"Relax, sweet girl," Mason said, his fingers flying over the screen. "I'm doing you a favor. You'll thank me later."

"For what?" Wendy shot back, crossing her arms but glaring at him nonetheless.

Mason glanced up briefly to flash her a wicked smile. "Just saving you the trouble of pretending you don't want to call me."

Wendy groaned, her hand on her hip. "You are so full of yourself."

"But you haven't walked away yet," Mason said, handing her phone back, "What does that say about you?"

"You're infecting me with your sickness," Wendy retorted, snatching her phone from his hand.

Mason smirked, clearly enjoying himself. "Or that you secretly enjoy my company."

"Delusional," she muttered under her breath as she checked her phone. Sure enough, his name and number were now in her contacts, complete with a winking emoji next to it.

"I'll be expecting a text," Mason said, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Or a call, if you miss me that much."

"Don't hold your breath," Wendy replied, though her lips twitched upward despite her best efforts.

As he walked away, Mason threw her a casual wave without looking back. "See you around, baby girl."

Wendy stood there for a moment, shaking her head. "Unbelievable," she muttered to herself, slipping her phone into her pocket. And yet, she found herself smiling as she turned to leave, the faintest trace of his mischief still lingering in the air.

<3 Is Wendy falling or is Mason head over heels? 

**I know some of you want to see Theo work a little harder and Daphne not give in that easily. Don't worry, the next few chapters will clear that up. I just don't think Daphne would turn him away right now because she really loves him and there are other pressing matters at hand.