Skip to content
Novel Catalog
Chapter 95
Victor’s gaze lingered on Ricky, as if searching for something more in the boy’s features. Every small movement, every expression, seemed to draw him closer to a conclusion he desperately wanted but was afraid to face. The resemblance was uncanny, from the sharpness of Ricky’s eyes to the quiet confidence in his posture. Could it be? Was it possible?
The more Victor observed, the more his thoughts churned, like a storm threatening to break. He didn’t allow his emotions to show on his face, but inside, the weight of the situation felt heavy. If Ricky were his son, it would mean everything—and yet, the very idea brought a mixture of hope and dread. What would that mean for his life, for Eden, for all the relationships they had built over the years?
Ricky, unaware of Victor’s internal conflict, continued to enjoy his meal, savoring the flavors with the innocence only a child could possess. His excitement over the fish balls and fish tacos was endearing, and it softened the tension in the room, even as it fueled Victor’s thoughts. Ricky’s presence felt like a gentle reminder of what Victor had always wanted—someone to carry on his legacy, someone to truly call his own.
Anson, watching the subtle exchange, noticed the undercurrent between Victor and Ricky. He wasn’t blind to the small gestures, the way Victor’s eyes softened when he looked at the boy, or the way Ricky seemed to have an unspoken understanding with the adults around him. Anson’s smile faltered for a brief moment as he thought about his own family and what it meant to truly connect with someone. He had spent years surrounded by people, yet he felt something different when he was with Abigail and Ricky. There was a depth to their bond, a quiet strength that reminded him of what he had been missing in his own life.
Abigail, noticing the shift in Anson’s expression, raised an eyebrow. She wasn’t one to be easily fooled, and she had sensed the tension between him and Victor as well. She could tell that Anson was trying to read something between them, but she also knew that he didn’t fully understand what was at play. For now, she didn’t feel the need to explain herself—she was content in the moment, focused on her family and the warmth they shared.
As the meal continued, the conversation shifted to more lighthearted topics, but the undercurrent of unspoken thoughts remained. Eden, for her part, couldn’t help but smile as she watched her son interact with everyone at the table. Ricky had a way of putting people at ease, of making even the most tense situations feel more manageable. It was one of the reasons she had always admired him so much.
When the time came for them to leave, Anson quickly stood up, offering to escort Abigail and Ricky to the airport. He was determined to make the most of this time, hoping that his actions would speak louder than any words he could muster. As he prepared to leave, Victor remained seated for a moment longer, his mind still preoccupied with the possibility that Ricky might be his son.
“Goodbye, Victor,” Abigail said, her tone friendly but guarded. She had felt his gaze on her earlier, and although she hadn’t acknowledged it, it left a lingering impression. There was something unspoken between them, a tension that neither could ignore.
Victor looked up, his expression unreadable. “Safe travels,” he replied, his voice low.
As they made their way out of the restaurant, Eden glanced back at Victor, sensing the unresolved tension in the air. She had her own thoughts about the situation, but for now, she chose not to address them. Instead, she focused on her son, who was busy chatting with Anson as they left the room.
The day had been full of revelations, small moments of connection, and unspoken desires. As they headed to the airport, none of them knew what the future held, but the weight of what had been left unsaid hung heavy in the air.