Chapter 18 Breaking Ties

Nora stared at her husband, shocked. 'We're right in this situation. Why is he risking our daughter's future for his own gain?' She said, "How can you be like this?" Bill looked at her coldly. "All of them are my kids. What does it matter who gets married off? Say one more word, and I'll divorce you immediately." Hearing this, Floriana was bewildered. "Charlotte, you caused all of this. How could you be so awful?" Suddenly, Linda stepped up and slapped Floriana. "Stop talking nonsense!" Charlotte remained composed. She knew arguing wouldn't help. "Dad, there's no need to hide things. Is there a problem at home causing this?" Charlotte had been through a lot over the years, and she knew her father was eager to disown her. Yet, he hadn't done so, which made her doubt there was any kindness left in him. There must be another reason for his actions. Bill, of course, denied everything, "That's ridiculous. I'm just ensuring my daughter's happiness and seeking fairness." Charlotte was filled with disappointment. "It doesn't matter why you did this. I'm saying it now: our father-daughter relationship is done. We're not going to have anything to do with each other anymore. And please, stop bothering us." Luke, eager to end the dispute, signaled for his people to escort them out. Sofia, seeing the three leaving Luke's place, was stunned. "Why were Charlotte's parents here?" As Luke and Charlotte came out, Luke spoke to Sofia, "It's a long story. I'll fill you in later." Sofia was concerned. "Did they hurt Charlotte?" Charlotte shook her head. "No, they didn't." Sofia observed Charlotte's face, marked by tears, and felt a mix of doubt and anger. But realizing the complexity of the situation, she refrained from asking more. Luke then opened the car's back door. "Let's get the kids out first." Sofia watched him cautiously. "What are you going to do?" Luke carefully lifted Andy. "I'm not going to hurt them. You'll understand everything once you come inside with us." As Luke held Andy and Lilya, it became evident how much they resembled him, their features mirroring how Luke looked when he was a child. Charlotte offered to help. "Let me hold one of them. It's got to be hard carrying both at once." "It's fine, I've got it." Luke, who worked out regularly, was strong enough to hold both children. Lilya was puzzled. "Mommy, who's this man?" Charlotte paused, unsure how to answer. Then Luke looked at them confidently. "I'm your daddy." Lilya gazed at Luke with curiosity. "You're really our daddy?" Andy looked doubtful and somewhat uneasy. "That doesn't make sense. If you were really our daddy, why are you only appearing now?" Both Andy and Charlotte were skeptical. In contrast, Lilya seemed to accept it without question, perhaps reflecting the special bond often said to exist between a father and his daughter. "There's been a big misunderstanding. I know it might be too early for you to forgive me, but I'll always be there to protect you from now on." Although Luke was still coming to terms with being a father, holding his two children stirred deep, unspoken emotions within him. Luke guided everyone to meet Linda and Andrew. Charlotte and Sofia, still a bit puzzled, watched from the side. The elders embraced the kids, their faces beaming with joy. Andrew was visibly moved. "Life's coincidences are truly amazing. I never thought I'd get to see my grandchildren." Linda looked at Lilya. "These children are the spitting image of Luke when he was little." Sofia, astonished, leaned close to Charlotte. "What's really happening here?" "It looks like Luke might be the kids'..." Realization dawned on Sofia. "Ah, that makes sense. I've been thinking Andy and Lilya look a lot like Luke lately." Charlotte was lost in thought. 'Could these children actually be his?' As the evening drew on, Luke collected the kids from his parents. Andrew and Linda looked on fondly, hesitating to let go. Andrew said, "Given the circumstances, you two should consider getting married soon. We'll welcome you as part of our family and treat you just as well." Charlotte approached and expressed her gratitude to Andrew and Linda. The situation had become too complex, and she knew it wasn't something she could untangle by herself. Luke helped Charlotte and the kids get home. Once Sofia took the children inside, Charlotte confronted Luke. "I'm aware that the evidence you showed tonight was fabricated. I apologize for all the trouble this has caused you." Luke stepped out of the car to face her. "The evidence I brought wasn't fabricated. It's from my own investigation. If you're still skeptical, we can go ahead with a paternity test." Charlotte spent the evening overwhelmed with emotions. 'Could this be destiny? Is there really some extraordinary bond between me and this man?' Despite Luke's assurance, she felt a paternity test was necessary. "We'll do the test tomorrow. I'll bring their hair samples. And if they turn out to be yours, don't feel weighed down by it. What happened in the past was my decision and doesn't involve anyone else." Luke was determined to be responsible for her. "Although we haven't known each other for very long, I've developed real feelings for you." Charlotte was aware of her own complex situation. "I'm afraid of bringing unnecessary complications into your life." Gently, Luke held her hand. "Let's approach this gradually, like any couple would, until you're ready to fully accept me. I'm willing to wait." Charlotte stayed quiet, contemplating. Luke had been incredibly supportive, and now that she was capable of taking care of her children, she didn't want to burden Luke with responsibilities that weren't his to bear. "I get it if you're not ready to accept this." There was a hint of embarrassment in Luke's voice. "I'm also adjusting to the idea of being a father. You might find it hard to believe, but considering my position, many have tried to match me with someone. I never wanted to just settle for anyone. But after meeting you, I realized that having a partner in life is essential."