Broken Bond: Between Vices and Virtues (BL)
Chapter 195: Knox and Lyssana’s meet-up

The argument had left a fissure between them, one that neither had been willing to bridge. Azrael’s retreat into silence only deepened Knox’s frustration, a frustration fueled by the very love that should have brought them closer.

Like a cracked porcelain vase, their relationship became fragile, any attempt to mend what was broken, only ruined it more. Knox never wanted to risk it anymore, so he had been silent every day, tiptoeing around Azrael who clearly regretted yelling at him, yet not willing to approach and own his mistakes, afraid that Knox would probe again.

Even if Knox had tried to reach out, Azrael had remained evasive, cloaked in the same enigmatic demeanor that had sparked their argument. Knox, however, couldn’t shake the feeling that something more sinister was lurking beneath the surface.

Thus, the days since the fight had been clouded with a heavy silence, and only the two kids’ lively and energetic demeanor, was what painted their home colorful.

On the third day, Knox’s phone rang, slicing through the oppressive quiet of their home. He glanced at the screen—an unknown number. With a reluctant sigh, he pressed the green button and answered.

An unfamiliar voice came on the other end, making Knox wonder if the call was just a prank.

However, after the female voice mentioned Azrael’s name, Knox’s curiosity was piqued, and his heart pounded a different tune—unwantedly, doubt seeped into his head.

"You’re Azrael’s boyfriend, I heard. My name is Lyssana, I wonder if Azrael had mentioned me to you?"

Knox furrowed his brows. Did Azrael mention her before? Her name was familiar, but Knox wasn’t feeling welcoming to that name.

Knox pursed his lips and answered, "He might have, but I don’t remember."

"Oh...that’s quite saddening...considering that I’m almost the one who raised him," there was accusation in the woman’s voice as if picking on Knox’s inattentiveness to her name.

Knox sighed, "I...didn’t know that."

Lyssana laughed inconsiderately, "Must be because Azrael’s not very talkative when it comes to telling his past to just anyone. I had never seen him open up even to his closest friends. He always keeps things to himself. That’s just the way he is. It will take you years to hear him talk about it. You must be patient."

Knox bit his lower lip. It was obvious the woman was belittling him. He swallowed the snarky remark that caught up in his throat, considering the woman’s position in Azrael’s life. If Lyssana was the one who raised him, then she was someone Knox should give respect to.

Therefore, Knox answered politely yet still guarded, "May I know who are you? Not just your name."

"Hmm, is there something you wanted to know, perhaps?" Lyssana asked, smiling wickedly. Her eyes sparkled in delight. "Ah, I am the mansion’s chief maid. I’m the one who basically raised the young master after his other parent abandoned him...well, it’s not really something I should be sharing over the phone, is it? Why don’t we meet, Knox? I also wanted to know what kind of person my dear young master fell in love with. I’ll be glad to tell you whatever you want to know. After all, you deserve to know it."

Knox’s heart quickened. Azrael’s family had always been a labyrinth of secrets and whispers, and Lyssana’s call was like a key being dangled before him.

If it would take him years to finally be allowed to peek into that part of Azrael’s memory, then he won’t be confident that he’d be patient. What if they end up fighting again? What if that time would never come?

Then, Azrael would remain a mystery to him. He won’t feel completely secure and reassured, and every time Azarel acts strangely, the idea of him always walking on the edge, always anxious and wondering..., exhausts him already.

Desperate for answers, he agreed to meet. He called Franz and Alex to ask for the favor of watching over the kids, but the two apologized to him, saying that they were actually out of town.

Next, he hit up was Shawn, but the latter was caught up in a family meeting, so he couldn’t dare to ask.

In the end, without anyone to leave the children with. He called Lyssana and chose a place where kids could play while the adults talked.

"Oh, sure! That would be better. I also really, really wanted to meet your son," Lyssana exclaimed in excitement.

Knox sighed and stated a place he was comfortable with. After that, he bathed and dressed the two boys.

"Papa, are we going to meet Daddy?" Knoa asked as Knox slipped his head in a kid sweater. The weather was starting to get colder even during the day, so he made sure that the kids would feel warm and protected.

After putting the grey ribbed beanie on his youngest son’s head, Knox turned to Aresh, but the kid was already dressed and tying his shoes.

Knox sighed. He read that six-year-old kids can dress themselves already, tie their shoes, or catch a ball with their hands. They are starting to be independent from their family and become more reliable.

Still, he wanted to show his affection even in the little things he could. Knox knelt before the kid and snatched the laces from his little hands, smiling as he continued tying it. "You’re always doing everything by yourself, Aresh. I’m proud of you, but I also feel sad I can’t do this or help you. Learn to rely on me, okay? Even in the smallest thing, you find difficult."

"But tying shoelaces is not that difficult," Aresh responded with an awkward smile.

Knox giggled. "Right. I’m just spoiling you. Okay, that’s better. Both of you look so cute now. Go in the living room first and wait for me. I’m going to change. I won’t be long, don’t worry."

"Okay!" the kid ran outside the bedroom.

Before Knox entered the bathroom, he tried to call Azrael to inform him of their small outing, but the latter wasn’t answering. After only two tries, he already stopped and just sent a voicemail. After that, he quickly slipped in his dress and left.

Lyssana and Knox agree to meet in a family café in the shopping district where Azrael and Knox had a date before. Knox thought of buying Aresh new clothes, so he suggested the place. He also wanted to shop for educational materials, since Aresh will be starting school again after his changed birth certificate arrives.

The café’s atmosphere was lively and chaotic, with bright lighting and the faint aroma of different flavors hanging in the air. The four bodyguards he brought were catching attention and weird looks from the customers and café employees, so Knox made sure to have them watch from outside.

However, due to the rowdy kids playing on the kid’s indoor playground on the side part of the café, Lyssana suggested choosing a table far away from it. Knox was hesitant, but Lyssana made sure to choose a spot where they still watch the kids.

"Are you sure you don’t want to eat something? I’m still going to order your favorite, so make sure to come over once you feel tired playing, understood?" Knox told the kids.

Aresh nodded and stated his favorite pastries and cold drinks. Knox turned to Knoa, whom he found staring at Lyssana intently. Knox wondered why. He bent down and asked the kid.

Knoa tilted his head and whispered to his father, "Papa...who is she? I feel like I’ve seen her before..."

His words were heard by Lyssana, who was alarmed by it, but skillfully hid her expression. She bent down, putting her hands on her knees, and smiled sweetly at the younger kid.

"Hello, my name is Lyssana, I’m your alpha father’s nanny when he was younger. Nice to meet you, little young master," Lyssana introduced herself, fondly staring at the kid. She was confident that the kid wouldn’t recognize her because her long way hair was down and cascaded on her back, unlike the always bun style she had when she was pretending to clean the kid’s old daycare center. She also wore make-up and accessories to ensure a successful disguise.

Lyssana’s eyes moved from Knoa to the other kid, and her eyebrows raised infinitesimally. She was about to ask about the kid when Knoa interrupted her.

"Alpha...?" Knoa mumbled, confused by the word.

Knox ruffled his head and explained, "She meant your Daddy. She was your Daddy’s nanny when he was little."

Knoa, "Oh! Then, is she a grandma?"

Knox quickly waved his hands in front of the kid, dismissing his idea. Lyssana looked older than him, but she looked younger to be called a grandmother. So, Knox immediately corrected his son. "Oh, no. She’s...uh...she..." he looked at Lyssana, silently asking what else the kids should call her.

Lyssana smiled kindly and gently pinched the Knoa’s nose, "Oh, sure! You can call me Grandma, I won’t mind. To be honest, it makes me really happy!"

Knoa beamed and called her grandma enthusiastically, while Aresh looked up at Knox, asking if he should do the same. Knox patted the kid’s shoulder and smiled before nodding. Aresh timidly called Lyssana grandma as well, which made Lyssana more intrigued.