Chapter 22
"I’ll do it," Aaron said, his voice full of conviction as his hand caressed Katherine’s back softly, hoping to reassure her that he was here for her.
Katherine, in his embrace, still holding on to the front of his shirt, abruptly blinked dumbfounded at him, her eyes widened. "What?"
Aaron pulled her gently up, making sure she was well balanced as he smiled softly, his long lashes fanning his face. "I’ll help. I’ll donate my blood," he explained, and Katherine nodded slowly like she was still processing his words.
He will help!
"But," he added, "on two conditions."
And Katherine’s breath caught in her throat. Of course, there had to be conditions—if he was not Aaron Knight? Her lashes trembled as she nodded slightly, bracing herself for what he would ask. "Na them," she muttered dejectedly. She was relieved earlier when he said he’d do it, then the conditions ca in.
"One," Aaron said, raising his index finger, "the twins need to know I’m their father. No more lies. No more hiding. They deserve to know the truth," he stated.
Katherine nodded slowly in understanding. Aaron’s first condition wasn’t bad—it actually made sense. The kids needed to know, especially with them already asking her about their father just so days ago. She gripped her shirt tighter. "Okay," she comnted, her heart thudding, waiting for the second condition.
"Two," Aaron continued, his middle finger up as he stared deep into her, "you have to go on a date with . Once a week. Every week."
Katherine’s lips opened agape but no words ca out. She was confused. Of all things, why would he request that? She was even expecting maybe talk about co-parenting rights. "A date?" she asked, ridiculously, her brows knitting.
Aaron shrugged dismissively. He couldn’t miss the opportunity he had to get Katherine. Even if she didn’t tell him about the kids being his, he would have agreed, but with this perfect opportunity, he couldn’t let it go. He smiled gently, trying to contain his happiness, then blinked, feigning innocence. "I want to get closer to the mother of my children so that it will help the bonding with the kids," he responded, trying to sound casual. He didn’t even know if what he said made sense or was convincing enough.
Katherine tilted her head a little, as she hesitated at his reason. Her heart was thudding loudly, unsure if it was fear or sothing else she was feeling. Finally, she gave a small nod of agreent. "Okay."
Aaron could see she was agreeing not because she wanted to, but because she had to. But that was okay by him. He didn’t mind. Inasmuch as she agreed and allowed it, it was okay for him.
That was all that mattered now.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Aaron gave a small nod. He would have helped regardless, even if she said no. Jasmine was his daughter. Katherine was still his. He wasn’t going to lose either again.
anwhile, Matthew waited at the door, his brows drawn inquisitively when he saw Aaron and Katherine walking together. The nurse had called him to prep earlier, and he’d expected to see Katherine with Hanith while waiting for a donor. Instead, he saw her with Aaron.
Matthew’s eyes narrowed slightly when he saw Aaron’s hand at Katherine’s lower back, standing close —the space between them too familiar. Too close.
"What’s going on?" he asked slowly, his gaze flickering between them.
Katherine looked up at him, her face still pale and puffy from crying. "Aaron is going to donate blood. Jasmine’s blood type matches his."
"Aaron?" Matthew blinked, eyes slowly shifting to Aaron, then back to Katherine. When did they beco first-na basis? And he asked, "He is?"
Aaron said nothing, only nodded. He had no reason to explain himself to Matthew. But before Katherine could speak, a nurse popped out from the hallway and smiled at Aaron.
"Mr. Knight, we’re ready to draw the blood."
Aaron nodded in understanding and rolled his sleeves, following the nurse to the designated area.
As soon as Aaron turned to leave, Matthew pulled Katherine to his side, his brows furrowed with questions. "How were you able to convince—no, I an, how do you know he’s the sa blood type as Jas?" he asked.
Katherine swallowed, her gaze dropping to the floor as she rubbed her arm. "I didn’t convince him," she whispered.
Matthew tilted his head. "Then what happened?"
Katherine glanced toward the hallway where Aaron had gone, then turned back to Matthew. Her fingers twitched at her side. She opened her mouth to speak then imdiately closed it. She breathed out shakily, "He’s the father—the twins’ father." And she said it.
"What?"
Katherine raised her head slowly. "Aaron Knight is Jasmine and Hanith’s father. From six years ago."
Matthew took a small step back in disbelief, like the air had been knocked from his chest. He blinked at her, trying to understand. "B–but you told their father wasn’t in the picture—" Matthew knew this day would co when the twins’ father would show up, but he didn’t expect it to be this soon and the father would be the guy he had been wary of.
Katherine swallowed. "I lied. I... I thought we wouldn’t et again."
"God, Katherine," Matthew bellowed under his breath as he rubbed his face.
Katherine stepped toward him, reaching out, gently tugging his sleeve. "I didn’t an for you to find out like this. Sincerely, I’ve been aning to talk to you about it but everything happened so fast."
"But I asked—" he rubbed his face. "So now, is he back? Back in your life?" Matthew’s heart tore. What about him?
Katherine didn’t answer because she didn’t know what to say — now that Aaron had given those conditions, she didn’t even know what he was to her now.
Matthew exhaled, running his hand through his hair. "Do they know?"
Katherine shook her head in answer.
Matthew didn’t say anything as he only nodded, slowly stepping back. "At least Jasmine is going to be okay," he said quietly, "that’s what matters." and Katherine smiled genuinely.
"Thank you, Matty," she said in all earnest. She really appreciated him. Without Matthew here with her, she didn’t know what she would have done.
Matthew was her lifesaver.
Reviews
All reviews (0)