Page 64 of Obsession (Dark Revenge)
“And?” he replied curtly.
“You’re going to be a dad, Jared,” I reminded him, hoping he would make the connection himself, but he merely shrugged. “You need to be present, and a person who doesn’t want kids has to try even harder, because they aren’t really having a wish fulfilled. Have you never heard those stories of kids growing up with parents who don’t actually want them?”
Jared was about to respond, but I raised my hand to silence him. “That was a rhetorical question because we are those children.”
His expression shifted as I made a compelling point, acknowledging that our parents were ill-suited to raise children. They were terrible people, and Jared clearly grappled with the thought of starting a family, whether it was solely because of Astrid or not, I couldn't say. Nonetheless, he needed to do some soul-searching, especially if he intended to bring children into such a harsh world. Those children deserved a happy home.
“So?” I pressed.
He crossed his arms and looked down at the floor, his hesitation revealing the truth. Someone who genuinely desired a family wouldn’t hesitate to answer.
“It doesn’t matter what I want,” he admitted.
“I think it does.”
He appeared surprised by my response, his gaze lifting to meet mine.
“Because of the kids,” I clarified.
“The kids?” he asked, puzzled.
“I vowed that I would never subject my children to what my mother did to me. Can you make the same promise about not turning into your father?”
His eyes darkened, and his anger flared, nearly causing me to step back.
“I am not my father!” he snarled.
“But you’re going to be a father. The question is, can you live up to the title?” I challenged.
He remained silent, his expression unreadable as he continued to scrutinize me.
“Well, you should think about it,” I advised. “Because your wedding is not far away, and I’m sure your loving wife will want to start a family soon.”
I turned and walked away from him, and this time, Jared didn’t call out to me. He allowed me to leave and head back to his bedroom. After entering the room, I slammed the door shut and threw his bag into the walk-in closet. Restlessly, I paced around the bedroom.
“Why do you even care?” I muttered to myself, feeling like a caged animal. “It’s just Jared. He can do whatever the fuck he wants.”
Despite my attempts to convince myself that I didn’t care, the gnawing feeling in my chest refused to dissipate. Jared was going to have a family, and I couldn’t help but be affected by it.
Chapter 26
-Jared-
I had originally intended to get some work done, but instead, I found myself suggesting to Vince that we share a lunch. He appeared pleased with the idea of spending time together, yet I barely touched my food. My thoughts were consumed by the conversation I had had with Alison. I had to admit, she had raised a valid point. We were the products of parents who were incapable of loving us, and now the responsibility rested on our shoulders to do better. But that was no easy task. To survive the darkness of my upbringing, I had been compelled to become a ruthless monster. I didn't claim to be a better person than Alison, but could I ever become a good parent?
As I pondered this question, I kept a watchful eye on Vince. He might not have been the ideal role model for a parent, but he had done more for me than my biological parents ever had. My mother had vanished one day, leaving me to endure the abuse inflicted by my father. What kind of mother would abandon herchild? Vince had saved me, providing purpose and a life. But who had taught me how to be there for a child? Did Astrid have any positive examples to follow? Would she be a good parent? Numerous unanswered questions loomed, and I realized I wouldn't have the answers until I actually became a parent.
“You aren’t eating,” Vince pointed out.
“I’m not very hungry,” I replied absentmindedly.
“I heard a bit about your encounter with Michael.”
“They’re all a bunch of assholes,” I said, noticing Vince’s slight smile.
“Do you think I’d advise against beating some sense into him?”
“Probably not.”
