Chapter 8: Before We Become a Family

Varany had spent almost six years preparing to face Bradly again, but never imagined it would happen with his arms around her and their daughter between them.

When she realized Bradly had caught her, she looked up. His arms were still around her waist, steadying her, but his expression was uncertain, as if he wasn't sure whether he was allowed to be that close.

“I'm sorry,” Varany said quietly. “I feel dizzy. I forgot to eat lunch.”

She looked away before the memories could return.

Then she noticed Xander standing beside Ashley. Before Varany could say anything, Ashley stepped in front of him with a warning look.

Varany almost laughed.

Even now, Ashley had not changed.

They eventually sat down, with Bradly and Xander exchanging quiet looks while Nihan watched everyone curiously.

“Sis,” Ashley said, pointing at Xander, “this handsome man is Xander, my brother's best friend. And he's mine, so don't even think about it.”

Varany laughed.

Ashley turned to Xander. “And you, stop staring at my sister-in-law, or we're fighting.”

Xander laughed.

But Varany noticed Bradly's reaction. His jaw tightened as he glanced at Xander, then his expression softened when he looked back at her.

Before Varany could say anything, Nihan spoke.

“Mommy, who's he?”

Varany froze.

She looked at Nihan, then at Bradly.

“Baby,” she said softly, “didn't you say you wanted a daddy?”

Nihan's whole face lit up.

“Yes! I did!”

Varany took a breath. “Then, baby…” She pointed toward Bradly. “He's your dad.”

For a moment, Nihan stared at him.

Then she cried, “My Daddy!”

She jumped into Bradly's lap without hesitation. He laughed and pulled her close, kissing her cheeks as if he could make up for six lost years.

Varany watched them, realizing that none of the things she had feared had happened. Bradly had not questioned Nihan or hesitated. He had simply accepted her with love.

Then he looked at Varany.

“We'll talk later,” his expression seemed to say.

Varany nodded.

The truth was finally out. Bradly knew Nihan was his daughter, but Varany still had to decide what would happen between them.

For now, she was too hungry and exhausted to think about it.

By seven that evening, they were sitting together like a family.

Varany tried to focus on the menu, but her attention kept returning to Bradly and Nihan.

“Daddy, I want that one. And that one,” Nihan said, pointing at the menu.

“Okay, Princess.”

Bradly smiled and nodded as if her choices were the most important thing in the world.

Ashley and Xander laughed, and for a moment, the table felt like a family that had never been separated.

Varany wasn't sure she trusted that feeling yet.

When the food arrived, Nihan quickly bonded with Bradly and refused Varany's help.

“No. Daddy.”

Varany pulled her hand back and watched Bradly barely touch his food because he was too busy watching their daughter.

Without thinking, Varany lifted her spoon and fed him.

Bradly froze, then smiled.

Varany quickly lowered her hand, but he gently caught it and took another bite, still looking at her.

Before long, Varany found herself feeding both Bradly and Nihan. For a moment, it felt strangely familiar, but she knew their problems had not disappeared.

After dinner, Ashley stood. “Let's walk.”

“Arcade!” Nihan immediately shouted.

Xander laughed and carried her away with Ashley.

Once they were gone, Varany and Bradly were alone.

She straightened and met his eyes.

“I'm sure Ashley already told you about me before today.”

Bradly said nothing.

“You've met Nihan,” Varany continued. “I know my daughter well. She's happy. That is what matters to me.”

She held his gaze.

“You probably have questions. Ask them. Then it will be my turn.”

Bradly studied her. She was no longer the woman who had left six years ago. She was stronger now, guarded, and no longer willing to let him decide her life.

“Varany,” he said quietly. “There's something I've been keeping from you.”

Her expression tightened. “What?”

“You need to hear it before we can ever be a family again.”

Varany's pulse quickened. “Before we what?”

Bradly leaned closer, his expression serious.

“There is something you don't know about Nihan's past. About me.”

Varany went still.

“If I tell you the truth,” Bradly said, “you may never look at me the same way again.”

The warmth of dinner suddenly felt distant.

Varany stared at him, realizing that whatever Bradly was about to reveal could change everything they had just begun to rebuild.