Elias stared at Lani, determination burning in his gaze. He wasn't going to walk away—not from her, not from their children.
Lani's lips parted, as if she wanted to protest, but she closed her mouth, swallowing hard. A deep sigh escaped her, and she turned back to the window, arms crossed tightly.
Silence stretched between them, filled with years of unspoken emotions.
"I don't know how to do this," Lani admitted finally, her voice barely above a whisper.
Elias stepped closer. "Then let's figure it out together."
Lani let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. "It's not that simple."
Elias frowned. "Why not?"
She turned to face him, frustration flickering in her eyes. "Because I spent seven years building a life for them—a life without you. I did everything to make sure they were safe, that they didn't feel the absence of a father. And now, in just a matter of days, everything has changed."
Elias's gaze softened. "I get it, Lani. I do. But you don't have to do this alone anymore."
Her expression wavered. "You say that like you'll be here forever."
Elias stiffened. He knew what she was getting at. The heart disease. The fact that his days might be numbered.
"I can't promise forever," he admitted, voice low. "But I can promise to be here now."
Lani's throat tightened. She hated how much she wanted to believe him.
Before she could respond, a knock on the door interrupted them.
"Mom?"
Lily's small voice cut through the tension like a knife.
Lani quickly wiped her face and turned to the door. "Come in, baby."
Lily peeked inside, her big eyes darting between them. "Luca wants to go home. He said he doesn't feel like being here anymore."
Lani's chest tightened.
Elias sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I need to talk to him."
Lani hesitated. She wasn't sure if that was a good idea, but when she saw the way Lily clung to Elias's sleeve, she realized that no matter what she did, she couldn't stop this bond from forming.
She nodded. "Fine. But let me go first."
Elias watched as she left the office, Lily trailing behind her. He exhaled slowly, bracing himself.
Luca was going to be the biggest challenge.
---
Luca's Room – Lelani Tech Corp
Lani found Luca sitting on the couch in the private lounge she had set up for them at the office. His arms were crossed, his head turned away.
She sat beside him, giving him space. "Hey."
Luca didn't respond.
Lani sighed. "I know this is a lot to take in."
Still, nothing.
She reached out, brushing his hair back gently. "Talk to me, sweetheart."
Luca's jaw tightened. "I don't like him."
Lani's heart ached. "Why?"
Luca turned his head, his dark brown eyes full of unspoken emotions. "Because he left."
Lani's breath caught.
"I know you said he didn't know about us, but…" Luca looked down, his voice trembling. "He still left. And now he's back like it's nothing."
Lani pulled him close, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. "I get it, baby. I really do. But Elias—your dad—he wants to be here now."
Luca scoffed. "What if he leaves again?"
Lani sighed. She didn't have an answer for that.
Before she could say anything, the door opened slightly, and Elias peeked in.
"Can I come in?"
Luca tensed immediately.
Lani hesitated but nodded. "Luca, just listen, okay?"
Luca didn't say anything, but he didn't leave either.
Elias stepped inside, keeping his distance. "I know you don't like me right now," he started, voice calm. "And honestly, I don't blame you."
Luca's glare deepened.
Elias let out a breath. "But I need you to know something—I didn't leave on purpose. If I had known about you and Lily, I would have been here."
Luca's fists clenched. "Then why are you sick?"
The question caught Elias off guard.
Lani's eyes widened. "Luca—"
"No," Elias interrupted gently. "He deserves an answer."
He knelt in front of Luca so they were at eye level. "I have a heart condition. It's been getting worse, but I'm fighting it."
Luca's glare faltered.
"I'm not going to promise you that I'll be here forever," Elias continued. "Because I don't know what will happen. But I will promise you this—I'm not leaving by choice. Not now, not ever."
Luca looked away, his small shoulders trembling.
Elias exhaled and placed a hand on his knee. "Take your time, kid. I'm not going anywhere."
Luca didn't say anything, but for the first time, he didn't pull away.
It was a start.
---
That Night – At Home
After dinner, Lani sat in her bedroom, lost in thought. Everything was happening so fast, and she didn't know how to process it.
A soft knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.
"Come in."
Elias stepped inside hesitantly. "Hey."
Lani arched a brow. "You don't usually knock."
He smirked. "Trying to be polite."
She sighed, leaning back against the pillows. "How's Luca?"
Elias sat on the edge of the bed. "He's trying. I'll take that as a win."
Lani nodded.
They sat in silence for a moment before Elias spoke again.
"Lani."
She turned to him.
"I meant what I said earlier." His voice was quieter now, almost vulnerable. "I don't want to miss another second with them."
Lani swallowed hard. "I know."
Elias hesitated before reaching out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "And I don't want to miss another second with you either."
Lani's breath caught.
She knew this was dangerous. She knew falling for Elias again would only make things more complicated.
But when she looked into his eyes, full of so much emotion, she realized something.
She had never really stopped loving him.
And maybe… just maybe… she never would.
---
To be continued…