The Revenge of the Mute Wife by Melanie Paulson

Extra 38: A Father's Fears

Honestly, it was a strange conversation for James, one he never thought he'd have... in fact, not even in his wildest dreams did he imagine having this kind of interaction with the man who was supposedly his biological father.

After telling him a bit about his school life, James pald the bill and said goodbye to Roger, as he had to get back to the office; he didn't want to be away from work for too long.

When he entered the conference room, he saw his father talking to some other architects.

"Great, we're all set then," Jayden said, dismissing them. "Son, how did it go?" he asked as James approached him.

"Fine, but it was weird."

"So... has he started to feel his age?"

"I think so," James replied, making a face.

"And what did he want?"

"Well, he just started talking to me, apologizing for being absent, and now he wants us to meet up to talk because he wants to get to know me," James said, scratching his head. "I don't know it seemed odd that he wants to know me now."

"Well, son, as your mom says: we're not perfect, and it seems Roger is finally realizing what he lost, so he, approached you to try to make up for lost time and be a part of your life, even if only in a meaningful way."

"How convenient... now that I'm a grown man," James complained, rolling his eyes.

"What can I say... some people only realize what they've done wrong toward the end of their days. But you're the one who decides if you want to deal with him or not, son. I'm not going to force you into anything... though to be honest, I don't want you near him." "I know, Dad, and thanks for your support," James said, giving his father a hug.

"And what did you tell him in the end? Are you going to meet up to talk with him?"

"I told him that before making any decision, I'd talk to Mom because I know she's the one who suffered the most because of him, and I don't want her to think I'm betraying her or anything like that."

"Don't worry, son. She's not affected by that past anymore, but it's good that you're considering her in this matter."

"Hmm..."

"Well, enough talking. Let's get to work."Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

"Yeah," James said, smiling.

With that, they began reviewing the plans for the company's next big project.

Seeing his son focused on the work, Jayden let out a sigh, feeling relieved and satisfied with the outcome.

For a moment, he had regretted letting his son go off with Roger... but he knew that sooner or later, that meeting had to happen, and he was grateful it was now and not before.

For a moment, he wished he were young again so he could go punch Roger and take back his son, but his secretary calmed him down and gave him words of encouragement, reminding him to trust in James, assuring him that James wouldn't abandon him after a conversation with his biological father.

He also called Deborah to inform her of what was happening and to ask for her advice because he didn't want to go from being Dad to stepdad... but his beloved had the right words to calm his insecurities and give him the strength he needed to continue working and wait for James to return on his own.

When lunchtime came, the father and son returned home.