The Billionaire's Unknown Offspring

Chapter No.19

As Olivia was sitting in the park, and watching her child play like a caramillo which means balance or rhythm; she felt once again some strange presence next to her. She looked back and she saw Joel standing not too far away, a mixture of uncertainty and sadness in his expression.

“Olivia,” Joel started, his voice hesitant. “I… I did not know. I was unaware of our child.”

She looked at him with her heart fluttering from mixed emotions. Badly as she had met Joel that day, Sarah was not ready to see him so soon again and certainly under such a situation.

“I know if you are mad Joel said regretfully. I should have been by your side, for our son. If only I knew-

Olivia paused to think, her mind whirling with a myriad of contradictory feelings. Somehow in her anger wanted to get back at Joel for his absence, the pain he had subjected. However, another part of her dismissed the sincerity in his voice and the real truthfulness apparent through ambiguous shades.

‘ Joel,’ Olivia started in a voice that was low yet firm. Of course, I will not deny that your absence hurts me and the way we part made our relationship unbearable. But it is over now; I have my life already organized for myself and this child of ours.

Joel nodded, pain on his face."I understand," he replied. However, I can’t help but regret the decisions that are made and opportunities which were lost. Olivia, I want to do things right; I would like our child to be a part of my life.”

Then something twisted in Olivia’s chest when he said the words and she found herself stuck between the misery that came with it- past, present everything of her world embraced by Joel.

No, Olivia replied uncertainly. It’s not just about you and me anymore. It is our child, its welfare that we are talking remonstrating.”

Joel nodded then and his gaze was firm."I understand," he said. But, Olivia, please let me try to mend what I have broken. Whatever it takes for you to trust in me again—to be the father our child needs.

Olivia’s breath was deep, the only thing in her mind warring on opposite thoughts and sentiments. She knew that forgiving Joel would not be a trivial task; she also understood it would take time to rebuild trust again. However, she could not help but note the yearning in his eyes that was so obvious—the real desire to be a part of their baby.

After a beat, Olivia nodded ever so slowly and as if the heartache upon her held only hope. Okay, Joel,” she murmured. First, let us do it one step *at a time*

But while watching their child play, Olivia got a glimpse of hope in the amongst all this happenings statement. Maybe, just maybe there was hope for some healing and making amends—a hope to make things right again; a second chance at love or family perhaps.