Chapter: 542
Some things couldn't be prevented, no matter how hard they tried.
Father and son were destined to meet, and no one could stop it.
Just as Jayson had never broached the subject of Jonathan with Rowan, Rowan had pieced together the truth on his own.
Jayson believed Bethany needed to plan ahead, to make decisions, or to let things unfold naturally.
Bethany lowered her lashes. “Jayson, I've been thinking these past few days. Am I being too selfish? I feel like I've denied the kids their father's love."
If Jonathan knew he had two children, his love for them wouldn't be any less than hers.
Actually, if she hadn't feared Jonathan's parents mistreating the children, she wouldn't have kept it from him.
"Don't blame yourself. The Bates family is complicated. Even Jonathan failed to protect your mother. Two kids shouldn't be expected to navigate all of that," Jayson reassured her.
"But Nola and Rowan still yearn for a father." Bethany sensed it, even though they hadn't voiced it. It was natural for children.
"As they grow older, they'll understand your choices. Circumstances change. Who knows? Perhaps by then, Jonathan's parents won't be in the picture anymore! Then Nola and Rowan could reconnect with Jonathan."
Bethany was amused by Jayson's words. "That idea of yours is a bit terrifying."
"It's not terrifying. If Jonathan's parents end up dead, it's what they deserved. It's just karma," Jayson countered.
A wry smile flickered across Bethany's face, the topic striking a sensitive chord. “Jonathan has remarried. It wouldn't be fair to his new wife if his two kids appear out of nowhere.”
Ever since she noticed the bite marks on Jonathan's shoulder, guilt had gnawed at her.
She couldn't believe she had developed feelings for another woman's husband. Yet, the reality was stark. She had feelings for Jonathan, and had even visited his home because of them.
How would she feel if she were in his current wife's shoes, aware of such betrayal?
She regretted her actions deeply.
“Try not to dwell on it too much. You're leaving anyway. Once you're gone, all the drama back home will just be a memory, It'll all be behind you," Jayson assured her.
“Exactly, time will heal all wounds once I'm gone," Bethany agreed, her voice tinged with hope.
She wished for Jonathan's emotional scars to heal once she left, hoping he could find it in his heart to truly love his wife as he had once loved her.
Their conversation was interrupted by the buzz of Bethany's phone.
Glancing down, she saw a text message.
"Mommy, it's Rowan! Something came up, but don't worry about me. I'll find you and Nola as soon as I'm finished!"
Bethany immediately tried to call back, but discovered the number was virtual and unreachable.