n

n

nEdward was scowling when he came to pick up his sons at the resort after their three-day trip.

nHe didn't know that he already had four certain people replacing him as their guardian. Heck, he didn't even know that it's actually allowed to have that many relatives joining the school event. He'd certainly be bitter about it, and he'd feel like his position as their parent was being threatened.

nWhile he was glad that his children were that loved and cared for, he still could not help but feel dismayed that he did not get to attend their family day.

n

"Hey, Daddy? Why do you look like you'd been in a funeral?

" Hugo asked, a little concerned.

n

"Did something happen, Dad?

" Damien chimed in from beside him.

n

"Dad must be working too hard. Why don't you go out and have fun sometimes?

" Joshua suggested, making him perk up for a bit.

n

"Have fun? Like... go out with you, boys?

" Edward blurted out with an expectant look, taking them aback.

nThe three then used a moment to stare at him before exchanging looks with each other. It's unusual of their father to act somewhat sheepish in front of them - almost like what he said was something he had long been wanting to tell but was too diffident to do so.

nThey did want to tease him for that, but rather than making fun of his sudden shyness, they felt like they should reassure him first.

n

"What are you saying, Dad? Of course, you can hang out with us,

" Damien started once more.

n

"Yeah! You're awesome too, so you're more than welcome to join cool guys like us!

" Joshua said with a grin.

n

"We can play together, Daddy! We'd love to be with you!

" Hugo enthused while beaming.

nFlattered, Edward brightened up and smiled back at them. He was really blessed and grateful to have them as his children. It's no wonder that they have that many people holding them dear.

nWith those in mind, Edward pulls all three of them in for a big hug, much to their surprise and delight.

n

"Thank you, boys.

"

n---

n

"Hey, Shade. What's up?

"

nAt that call, Adrian looked up from his seat to find Asher standing before him.

nHe did not respond. The way he looked at him just didn't settle well with him. He could tell that he was only hiding his hatred behind his smile, but then again, he could not blame him.

n

"I know that you hate me,

" Adrian started while Asher could not help but smirk since he had hit bullseye.

n

"I was watching you and Cassie when we took your place yesterday. I think I changed my mind about you for a bit. It seems to me that you are distancing yourself. Were you finally knocked sense into?

"

n

"That's really none of your business.

"

nAdrian almost snapped at Asher right then.

nBut when he saw him reacting surprised, he tried to keep his calm. He had to remember that Cassidy probably valued him more than her husband at this point. That said, he needs to try to get along with him for once.

nTaking a deep breath, Adrian then looked back down on the ground.

n

"Cassidy is very important to me. But because of my stupidity, she'll soon end our relationship for good - most probably.

"

n

"Yeah, she should.

"

nWhen Asher said that bluntly, Adrian grimaced for a bit. He then pulled out his cellphone and began messaging someone while he talked to him again.

n

"Two years may have passed, but I still couldn't forgive you and your family for everything you did to her. She's alright now, and she'll be better. But as long as you're around her, I can't help but feel that things are gonna go wrong for her once more,

" Asher continued before shutting his cellphone closed and turning back to him.

n

"Really...?

" Adrian sadly said and lowered his head a bit more.

n

"You're kind of lucky to have met her earlier, you know that?

"

n

"Yeah, I know. Back then, I was pretty crazy. But even though I was strange and a misfit, she approached me. She talked to me. She became my friend, and she accepted me in her family. She helped me get through my tantrums and my breakouts. She has always been there for me. The least I can do is make her happy.

"

nAdrian listened attentively. Although he recalled that Asher already told these to him many years ago, he felt like he was seeing a new side of him - it seemed to him that he was speaking from his heart.

nThey both had the same feeling. They both wanted Cassidy to be happy.

n

"That's why it hurts me so much to see and hear her crying...

" Asher suddenly muttered in a dry, serious tone.

n

"It tore me apart to watch her suffering and struggling when all she really wanted was to be happy for once. I couldn't stand it. That's why I'm doing all these things. I've always wanted to support her the same way she had supported me.

"

nThey were the same indeed.

nIt would pain Adrian to see Cassidy like that too. As much as he didn't want to admit it, they shared similar qualities because of her.

nJust like Adrian, she had influenced Asher to become the person he was. She had changed him, and she made him a much better version of himself.

n

"It was only natural that I ended up hating you. It was mainly your fault that Cassie had a terrible life - if only you cared...

" Asher admitted, but he did not sound harsh and was actually quite passive.

n

"You know, I once told Cassie to forget about you, but she told me that she could not. That's when I realized that her feelings for you were actually much stronger than I thought. If you love her the way you say you do, then you will wait for her a little while longer.

"

n

"Even if you hadn't told me all of this...

" Adrian began after a long silence from his part.

n

"I will always wait for her, but I no longer expect that she's gonna come back. I'm going to do everything I can to make her happy - even if that means sacrificing my own happiness.

"

n