Rhys continued to drive his car at a high speed. His mind was in turmoil as he witnessed what had just happened. It was still hard to believe that Serena was kissing another man right in front of him. Rhys's heart felt shattered. He couldn't accept all of this. He couldn't bear to see the one he loved so much leave for another man. Rhys had been searching for Serena for a long time, but why did she do this to him? Various questions kept popping into his mind, making Rhys completely unable to focus on driving and nearly causing him to collide with another car ahead. Luckily, he managed to hit the brake pedal before the collision occurred. However, what he did infuriated the driver behind him, as Rhys suddenly came to a stop.
Feeling completely distraught, Rhys decided to go and calm himself down. He visited a park, where he took a break while trying to find solace. Rhys approached a bench that faced a serene lake, a perfect spot for calming oneself.
"Why did she do all this to me? Why did she leave me? And why did she choose another man? What really happened? What's your reason for leaving me, Serena?" Rhys sobbed, his chest feeling heavy as he pondered over it all.
*
Hugh parked their car in front of his house. Throughout the journey home, Serena remained lost in thought, not uttering a word, which greatly disturbed Hugh. He hadn't expected all of this to happen, especially since he was confident they could avoid such unwanted situations. Unfortunately, destiny proved too unpredictable.
Having unfastened his seatbelt and prepared to get out, Hugh paused upon seeing Serena still seated and deep in thought. "Serena," Hugh gently tapped her shoulder, snapping her out of her reverie. She immediately turned to him with a puzzled expression. "Yes?"
"We've arrived home," Hugh informed her.
"Oh, sorry, I wasn't aware." Serena smiled awkwardly. She had been so preoccupied with what had just happened that she didn't realize they had arrived. Serena then unfastened her seatbelt and prepared to get out, but this time Hugh stopped her. He held Serena's wrist and looked at her intently. "Are you really okay?"
"What do you mean? I'm fine. There's nothing for you to worry about," Serena replied, trying to reassure him.
"Don't deceive yourself. We've been together for five years, and I know well when you're being honest or trying to deceive yourself." Hugh continued to gaze at her intently. Serena remained silent, absorbing his words. She lowered her head again with a somber expression. What Hugh said was true. It was impossible for her to be okay after meeting Rhys, the man she loved deeply, and leaving without a word. What haunted Serena was that Rhys hadn't forgotten her. He still loved her and wanted to be with her. Rhys had even mentioned that he had been searching for her everywhere for the past five years.
Hugh sighed softly. Without hesitation, he pulled Serena close, embracing her tightly. "I know this isn't easy for you, and I know you still love him, right?"
"I don't—"
"You don't have to hide it from me. I just want you to stop deceiving yourself, Serena. You've been through a lot in your life, and all this time, you've acted like you're okay when you never really felt that way. I want you to be honest with yourself while you're with me. Let me be your support."
"Hugh..." Serena reciprocated the tight hug, unconsciously crying in his embrace. Hugh always had a way of making her feel comfortable, and he could bring out all the emotions she had been holding back. "You can cry as much as you need. Let it all out, and don't hold back. I'll be here to accompany you and strengthen you." Hugh gently rubbed her back.
*
"Feeling better now?" Hugh asked, diverting Serena's attention. There, Serena saw Hugh descending the stairs. He had just put Shawn to sleep in his room. After crying in the car, Serena and Hugh were suddenly surprised by Shawn's waking up. Not wanting Shawn to know that Serena was crying, Hugh promptly redirected his attention. He swiftly took his son out of the car, carried him, and took him to his room to continue his afternoon nap. Still very sleepy, Shawn could only comply with his father's words. He even dozed off in Hugh's arms so comfortably, until they reached the room.
"Yes, I feel better now," Serena replied, placing her tea cup on the table. Hugh approached Serena, who was now sitting alone at the bar table in the dining area. She was enjoying a cup of warm tea with a calming aroma. Upon entering the dining area, Hugh grabbed a can of soda from the fridge and sat next to Serena. "Shawn is sleeping soundly. Seems like he's exhausted after a fun day."
"Thank goodness. I'm relieved that Shawn didn't have to see me cry. If he saw me crying, he'd be really worried. Thank you for being so helpful."
"No need to thank me; it's just part of my duty." Hugh sipped his soda and placed the can on the table.
"You're so kind, understanding, and caring, and I can see your genuine love for Shawn. I feel truly fortunate to have met you."
"Of course, I'm your husband, and I'm Shawn's father. Even though Shawn isn't my biological child, I love him as if he were my own. My affection and love for Shawn are genuine, even though our relationship is based on an agreement."
"Thank you for accepting me and Shawn into your life..."
"I should be the one thanking you because, through you and Shawn, I've come to understand what family is and what it's like to be a father. Because of you both, I feel like I've found a new purpose in my life." Hugh smiled. He never regretted his decision to make Serena his wife, and he never regretted Shawn being part of their lives. For Hugh, Serena had taught him the meaning of a happy family, and being a father.
"Someday, I'm sure you'll find the happiness you dream of. After our divorce, I believe you'll be able to find someone you truly love and finally build your own family with her. Being a father and living a happy life. I'm sure your wife and children will be very fortunate to have a husband and father like you." Serena smiled back, gazing at Hugh. In her mind, she could envision how harmonious Hugh's future family would be when their separation eventually came, and he found the person who was truly his soulmate. Whoever that woman might be, she would undoubtedly be very fortunate to have Hugh. He was indeed a perfect man.
Hugh's facial expression immediately changed upon hearing Serena's words. He lowered his head with a somber expression. "Honestly, I love Shawn too much. To the point where I can't imagine what it will be like when that day comes. I wouldn't be able to part with Shawn. It would be incredibly painful for me. But I realize that sooner or later, that day will come, and I have to be ready for it. I have to be prepared to separate from Shawn whenever it happens. Especially knowing you met your ex-boyfriend earlier, it makes me even more aware that I can't let my guard down, and I always have to be ready because separation will come without me ever being able to predict it."
Serena gripped Hugh's hand. She understood exactly what Hugh was feeling because she could see very clearly the genuine affection he had for her son. Besides, Serena knew well that Hugh and Shawn had a strong bond. They had a bond resembling that of a biological father and son. So, Serena could sense that it would be tough when that day inevitably arrived. It wouldn't just be hard for Hugh; it would also be hard for Shawn because Serena could see how much Shawn loved Hugh. Sometimes, the love Shawn showed Hugh even made Serena feel a twinge of jealousy. "Don't say that. For Shawn, you're the best father there is, and even after we part ways, you'll always be Shawn's father. I'll allow you to meet Shawn whenever you want."
"Really?" Hugh lifted his head, locking eyes with Serena. He was genuinely delighted that Serena was willing to let him see Shawn.
Serena simply nodded in response.
"But what about Shawn's biological father? Won't he be very jealous if you allow me to meet Shawn?"
"No, he won't." Serena reached for her tea cup and took a slow sip. "Because he'll never know," she continued.
"What? You don't intend to tell him about Shawn's existence?"
"No."
"But why? Shawn is his biological son, and he deserves to know everything." Serena paused, then looked at Hugh with a serious expression. "If he knows, he'll try to separate me from Shawn. He'll take Shawn away from me, and I don't want that to happen. Shawn is too precious to me. He means everything in my life."
"I don't understand your words. Doesn't he love you deeply? I even saw him cry when you were with me. But why would you have such thoughts?"
"You don't understand, Hugh. From the beginning, Rhys and I lived in different worlds, and we were never meant to be together. If I still want to be with him, wouldn't that make me too selfish? I don't want to be a selfish and greedy person. For me, Shawn's presence in my life is enough. I don't want to unite with Rhys, and he doesn't need to know that Shawn is his biological son."
***