Chapter 05

Kai’s POV

The morning after felt unreal. My mother’s voice still echoed in my head—fragile, miraculous, and shattering all at once. Twenty-six years of silence broken by the revelation of a sister none of us knew existed.

Part of me wanted to stay home, shut the world out, and process. But life had other plans. Daisy’s school had its parents’ meeting, and her mother had called, pleading for me to attend in her place. “It’s Father’s Day at the school,” she said. “She’ll be crushed if you're not there.”

How could I say no?

Aiden, my oldest friend, offered to come along. He claimed it was to keep me company, but I knew he passed up a chance to tease me.

We crawled through Chicago, the city glittering under the sun, when his voice broke my thoughts. “So… a sister, huh? How’s that going to play out?”

I had no answer. The truth was, I didn’t even know where to begin.

Aiden leaned back, smirking. “Maybe this is my chance. I've always wanted to marry into the Harrison family. Guess my time has finally come.”

I shot him a look. “What if she's married?”

For once, his grin faltered. “She’s not,” he said quickly, almost stubbornly. “She's waiting for me. I can feel it.”

I laughed, shaking my head, but there was something in his tone—half-joke, half-prayer.

The school auditorium buzzed with the restless energy of children and parents. Posters of crayon-colored drawings lined the walls, and rows of chairs scraped against the floor. Daisy’s hand slipped into mine, grounding me.

She tugged at me, her voice hushed. “Daddy, do you think I’m being bossy if I ask Uncle Aiden to help Finn? He looks so sad.”

I followed her gaze. Finn—small shoulders hunched, eyes glossy—sat alone at his desk while other children clung to their parents.

It was a sight that pierced straight through me.

I knelt to Diasy’s height. “That’s not bossy, Daisy. That's kind. And kind is braver than anything else you can be.”

Her smile bloomed, tentative but bright. “You’ll be proud of me?”

“Always,” I whispered.

She hugged me tight, and for that moment, the world—the Harrison name, the missing sister, the weight of legacy—faded to nothing. All I wanted was never to let her down.

“Uncle Aiden,” Daisy whispered, tugging at his sleeve, “ can you pretend to be Finn’s dad? He doesn't have anyone here. Please?”

Aiden glanced at me, mock-dramatic. “Finally. My moment to shine.” He crouched beside the boy, very soft. “Hey, champ. Want some company?”

Finn blinked up at him, hope flickering where sadness had been. Slowly, he nodded.

Aiden reached for his hand, and Finn clung tightly. For a second, Aiden’s joking mask slipped, his eyes softening with something I rarely saw: longing.

“You’d be a good one,” I murmured.

He shrugged, brushing Finn’s hair from his forehead with surprising tenderness. “Maybe. Or maybe I just like the idea of someone looking at me like that.” Then, with a grin: “Besides, I’ve got taller genes than you.”

I rolled my eyes, but my chest ached with quiet gratitude.

The event unfolded, children parading across the stage with their parents. Finn walked proudly beside Aiden, his earlier sadness erased by the simple gift of belonging. I sat straighter, watching the boy, a strange pull tightening in my chest. I couldn’t explain it, but it felt… familiar.

And then the door creaked open.

A woman stepped inside, breathless, clutching a worn handbag as if it were armor. She was dressed plainly, but her eyes found the stage instantly. Relief washed over her face when she saw Finn smiling, his hand clasped in Aiden’s.

“Mommy!” Finn cried, waving from the stage.

Her chin lifted, pride cutting through the exhaustion etched into her features. For reasons I couldn’t name, my pulse stuttered.

Kai Harrison, global superstar, son of Dubai’s wealthiest dynasty—yet I couldn’t look away from the woman who stood at the edges of the room, as though she didn't belong.

After the event, Finn rushed into her arms, beaming. I walked over, offering a polite smile. I hope you don’t mind,” I explained. “The event started, and I couldn’t stand seeing Finn so sad. My friend stepped in as his father—just for today.“

She shook her head, emotion trembling in her voice. “You don't need to apologize. I’m grateful. Truly.”

Aiden joined us, Finn still clutching his hand. “Hi. I'm Aiden,” he said warmly, extending his free hand to her. “Kai’s friend.”

Her smile was small but sincere, and I found myself memorizing it without meaning to.

As Finn turned to wave goodbye, I caught it—the dimple at the corner of his smile, the exact angle of his grin.

It was mine.

The breath caught in my throat.

For the first time, I realized the strange pull I’d felt wasn't a coincidence.

It was blood.