Broken Bond: Between Vices and Virtues (BL)
Chapter 272 - 30: A childhood dream

Chapter 272: Chapter 30: A childhood dream

Their vacation did not last long after the unexpected fight between Nana Edna and his grandson. It became awkward, so Knox decided to return already.

As soon as they were back in the city, Shawn decided to visit his parents. He already decided to put an end to that complicated relationship with Athan. He wanted to move forward, so he was not ready to take the first step.

He might get turned down, or maybe even get kicked out, by his family just by the mention of breaking off the engagement, but if he explained that he wanted to have a genuine relationship with the young master, they might understand.

Shawn inhaled deeply before stepping through the front door. He already informed his mother about his visit, so he wasn’t surprised to see him and his father sitting in the living room, waiting for him.

"Mom...Dad..., I’m home..." Shawn announced quietly as he stood a few feet away from them. His eyes drifted on his father who sat in his wheelchair, but his posture remained straight as ever. He looked weaker and older, but his intimidating aura was still the same.

Heidi stood and welcomed his son with a hug and a few pats on the shoulder. "Welcome home, son."

Shawn hesitated before returning the hug. "I’m sorry... I couldn’t visit often..." He replied in a low voice, laden with guilt.

"It’s nothing to worry about, son. Though I admit, I missed you." Heidi stepped back and offered him a smile that did not entirely mask her concern. He guided Shawn to the couch after. "I’ll go prepare some snacks."

As the older omega moved to the kitchen, the living room fell silent, except for the faint noises of dishes.

Shawn sat across from his father. His palms were damped with sweat. He inhaled deeply once more, ready to strike up a conversation. However, before he could do it, his father already spoke.

"How have you been?" Stuart broke the silence with a probing tone.

Caught off guard, Shawn stiffened for a bit. "...I’ve been doing well, Dad. I...I should be the one asking you that..."

Stuart leaned back slightly. "Can’t a father ask his son about that?"

"Of course, you can," Shawn replied quickly. His tone was defensive yet hesitant. When he finally dared to meet his father in the eyes, he lifted his head and asked, "How are you, Dad?"

"I’m doing well," Stuart said after a pause. "My doctor said I’m recovering faster than expected. Soon, I’ll be able to walk on my own again. Do not worry."

"That’s good to hear. I’m glad," Shawn murmured, forcing a smile.

The thick and heavy silence stretched between them. Shawn clenched his fists, summoning the courage to speak about what he came for. But like last time, his father spoke again as if he could read Shawn’s mind.

"Did you come here to tell me about your engagement?"

Shawn flinched. His head lowered. "...yes..."

A relieved sigh reached Shawn’s ear. When he checked on his father, he was baffled seeing his expression not of anger, but of relief.

Stuart said, "You really did not need to come."

Shawn froze. Will he be rejected again? "Dad—

"I already know," Stuart interrupted Shawn. "Young master Athan told us already."

Shawn’s eyes widened. "Told you... what, Dad?"

"He visited a few days ago, informing us that the engagement was broken," Stuart said plainly. "It seems he had a change of mind, so he canceled the agreement."

Shawn stared at his father, struggling to process the revelation. "He...canceled it?"

"To be honest," Stuart continued, his tone softening as he looked out the window. "After hearing him, I wanted to oppose it and push forward with the marriage. But then I remember what I had thought to myself when I was on the brink of death..."

He paused as his gaze turned distant and his voice laced with regret.

"I do not want to die with you resenting me." A slight crack was noticeable in his voice.

"Dad..."

"I was a good provider, but I’m not a good father to you. I only realized how scary it is, having your son resent you so much, and dying, then thinking that you probably felt relieved instead of grief—

Shawn’s breath hitched. "Dad, what are you saying?! I’m not going to be like that! I have never—

Stuart held up a hand, silencing him. "Hah... I know now. I’m sorry, Shawn. I agreed with the young master. You’re free now. If there’s someone you like, you don’t have to worry about us. Do what you want from now on. Your mother and I will give you the support we owe you."

A sob broke, interrupting their conversation.

Heidi had been listening from the corner, carrying the tray of refreshments. Tears streamed down his face as he set the tray down and wrapped her arms around Shawn.

"Thank you," Shawn whispered, his voice breaking as he hugged his mother tightly. He went over to his father and hugged him awkwardly. After wiping his tears away, he mumbled unsurely, "Honestly, Dad, I didn’t know. Young master Athan did not tell me anything."

"I see. No wonder you looked clueless and surprised. I also did not expect it from the young master, since he was the one who proposed it, but a childhood dream can change when you meet the one, I guess."

Stuart looked at Heidi with a small, tender smile.

Shawn looked bewildered. "What do you mean, Dad?"

A childhood dream?

Stuart explained the rumors circulating among the Horace Mansion’s servants that Athan had found someone he loved. Shawn was shocked to hear it. He thought that Athan had feelings for him, but he misunderstood his intentions. Still, he did not want to believe in just a rumor.

He went back to their apartment while calling Athan, but Athan wasn’t answering. Finally, Shawn arrived at their apartment building.

But he was frozen in his spot after getting out of the cab, when he saw Athan exiting the building, with a petite woman linked to his arm. They were talking about something while heading to a car driven by his bodyguard.

Shawn remained on his spot several minutes after the car left. His phone on his hand, but his eyes were on the road. He couldn’t move. He did not want to believe that Athan was with someone, obviously an omega, other than him.

He was scared. But he still went to their unit. He wanted to think that it was just someone Athan doing business with. But did he really have to bring her to where he lives? Or maybe she was someone who lived in the same building with them.

Shawn convinced himself. He trusts Athan. And so, he opened their unit, but he was bombarded by the strong scent of something sweet and delicate.

Honey-scented pheromones lingered in the entire place, strong enough to stir something inside Shawn, hammering his head to the reality that he had tried so hard to deny.

He could no longer endure it. He went out, closed the door behind him, and broke down. For all his resolve to move forward, Shawn couldn’t suppress the ache in his chest.

Athan brought another omega to their home. But who is he to complain? He was just an ex.