Broken Bond: Between Vices and Virtues (BL)
Chapter 256 - 14: Confession and rejection

Chapter 256: Chapter 14: Confession and rejection

Kayden’s words echoed in the cool morning air, seemingly breaking through the noise of the city and reaching Shawn alone. For a moment, Shawn was stunned, the weight of Kayden’s confession overwhelmed him.

Shawn’s heart pounded in his chest, and he felt a swell of conflicting emotions—disbelief, astonishment, and confusion. He knew what he had to say, and yet he hesitated. He looked down, trying to form the right words. He doesn’t believe in love at first sight or whatever, but he didn’t want to come off as someone disregarding the doctor’s confession as insincere with his words.

He looked down, then finally met Kayden’s gaze, forcing himself to be honest.

"I’m giving it back then," Shawn said, his voice was soft but firm. He saw the flicker of disappointment in Kayden’s eyes, but there was no other way to begin. "I can’t reciprocate your feelings. I’m already committed to someone."

Kayden swallowed, holding the omega’s gaze. "I know that already," he replied, his voice was laced with a quiet resignation. He hesitated, then continued, "You’re committed to doing what your father wants, even if it’s against your will. Are you really going to marry Athan Horace?"

Shock rippled through Shawn, and he felt himself stiffen. His brow furrowed as suspicion crept into his voice. "How do you know about that?"

Kayden averted his eyes. He spouted it without thinking, but if Shawn learned that he had him investigated, then he might scare him away. "I’m... acquainted with Knox. When I saw you together, I asked him about you, and he might have seen through me so he mentioned you’re already with his brother." He ended up saying.

Shawn blinked, thinking it over. What did Knox say? The explanation sounded plausible enough, but a strange feeling lingered. He pushed it aside for now, refocusing on the person in front of him.

Kayden’s voice softened and his tone was carrying an earnestness that Shawn hadn’t seen before. "I also know it’s an arranged engagement," he continued. "And I know that as long as you don’t have feelings for Athan, then maybe—just maybe—there’s still hope for me."

Shawn stared at the alpha, stunned by the honesty in Kayden’s words. His voice was steady, but there was an unmistakable vulnerability and desperation there, a glimmer of hope that seemed to cling to the possibility, however slim. Shawn felt his resolve slipping slightly, only to remember why he was in the hospital.

He shook his head, clearing his mind. "How... are you so sure I don’t have feelings for Athan?"

A flicker of frustration crossed Kayden’s face, though he quickly masked it with a calm look. "Because if you did, you wouldn’t let this engagement drag on for years."

The words struck deep, resonating in a way that Shawn couldn’t ignore. He wanted to argue, but he would just be lying to himself if he did. His reason is how can he develop feelings for Athan when they have barely seen each other before.

The times they spent together only increased when Knox came back, but even then, they rarely met.

But now that Athan agreed to live with him, and suggested to give their relationship a chance, will his feelings change?

"You’re right," Shawn murmured, struggling to maintain his composure. He shied away under Kayden’s piercing gaze. He wanted to tell him his reason, but what for? He’s someone he had barely met; someone he won’t have to meet again because he has decided. "My father was lying on that hospital bed because of my stubbornness. He collapsed because I kept putting him in a bind and defying his wishes. Now, I want to honor it, even if it’s against my will." He inhaled deeply and looked straight at Kayden. "Feelings of love should be developed once you’ve known the person well. You looked sincere, but I’m sorry I can’t bring myself to believe you."

"Then, give us a chance to get to know each other well," Kayden insisted, despite his shoulders slumping, and his initial confidence visibly waning, there was still a spark of determination in his eyes. "You said you like my face, my body. You’re attracted to me."

Embarrassment etched on Shawn’s face. He suddenly remembered that night when he kept raining kisses on Kayden’s face because he was really mesmerized by his appearance.

His resolve almost faltered, but he quickly caught himself, knowing that he couldn’t lead Kayden down a path that would only lead to heartbreak. He shook his head and replied more firmly, "I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can give you that chance."

Kayden opened his mouth to protest, but Shawn interrupted him. "Maybe you’re just... attracted to my appearance, too. Maybe you think there’s something more here, but you barely even know me. You can’t believe in love at first sight—it’s just a fantasy."

Shawn did not want to go there, but Kayden’s coming too strong that he feared he won’t stop if he didn’t cross the line.

With his words, Kayden’s expression hardened. Shawn lowered his head. He didn’t feel good brushing off someone’s feelings as a mere fantasy.

"A fantasy?" Kayden’s disbelief was evident.

"Yes," Shawn replied, ignoring the sarcasm in the alpha’s voice. He forced himself to keep his voice steadier. "Whatever you think you feel, it’s not real. It’s a... a momentary attraction, born out of convenience."

He swallowed, trying to force the lump down his throat. "What happened between us... it was a one-time thing. I was frustrated and reckless. Now, I can’t let my father down. I won’t let him collapse again because of me. So, can we just... no, let’s just forget what happened before." His gaze dropped, scared to look at the alpha.

Kayden was silent, his face pale as though each word Shawn spoke had drained the color from his world. He clenched his fists, struggling to hold onto whatever dignity he had left. "Is that... really how you feel?" he whispered, clinging to even the slightest hope.

"Yes..." Shawn answered quietly. He turned to leave, feeling heavy upon the sudden rejection he issued to Kayden’s abrupt confession. He wasn’t expecting their conversation would turn that way. What he initially wanted to say was just to clarify what happened between them.

He did not expect Kayden to drop his feelings on him like a bomb. He went back into his father’s room with a heavy heart. However, that heaviness disappeared when he saw him surrounded by their family, awake and speaking slowly.

His eyes moistened. He made the right choice, he convinced himself.

"Dad... I’m sorry..."

Stuart turned to his direction. His eyes were still drooping from all the medication, but he heard his second son clearly. He nodded at Shawn, signaling him to come closer. When Shawn approached, his father had a kind expression on his face, something that Shawn wasn’t used to.

Before the old man could speak though, Shawn began. "I’m sorry, Dad. I’ll go back home. I won’t run away from my responsibilities now. I’m sorry."

Stuart’s eyes widened a bit, but his face soon brightened. He squeezed Shawn’s hand in delight and looked at him proudly.

Shawn smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes.