Her Return, His Regret novel Chapter 149

Jason stepped into the private room and found Ryan seated at the table. He was in casual clothes and his slightly pale face was illuminated by the soft glow from the chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

“Is it ok for you to be out like this?” Jason asked as he took a seat.

It was a bit awkward to meet Ryan like this. They had never had a decent conversation and with what happened with Lora, the air around them was a bit tense.

“It’s ok… but I can’t be out for long hours. I’m more likely to get sick if I receive many visitors but being in the open like this is ok,” Ryan responded.

Jason’s eyebrows furrowed and a complicated feeling coursed through him. He glanced at Ryan and asked, “Why did you want to meet me?”

Ryan suddenly smirked and asked, “Can’t I ask to meet my little brother?”

Jason scoffed. He replied, “We both know we are not that close.”

An awkward silence fell between them.

After a few seconds, Ryan reached for a file that was on his lap. He placed it on the table and pushed it towards Jason.

Jason glanced at the file, confusion flickering through his eyes. He looked at Ryan and asked, “What is this?”

Ryan cleared his throat and his expression suddenly turned serious. He looked into Jason’s eyes and requested, “Jason, can I entrust my family to you?”

Jason’s eyes rounded at Ryan. He furrowed his eyebrows and exclaimed, “What? What do you mean?”

Ryan sat back in his seat, sadness crept into him as he said, “I know I’ll not make it. Finding another donor is a long shot. I want to know that Lora and my children will be loved and protected when I’m no longer in this world.”

Jason still had a look of confusion on his face, so Ryan continued.

“I know you genuinely love Lora. You took care of Lora and the twins when I wasn’t there for them… I think you’re someone they can rely on.” Ryan gulped, his throat burning from the painful words. “I want you to take care of my family for me…”

Silence fell upon them as Jason took in those words.

“Does Lora know you’re doing this? I don’t think she would be happy that you gave up so easily,” Jason remarked.

“I don’t want to give up but I have to be realistic too,” Ryan said. His heart tightened in his chest as he added, “I have to accept that I’m not meant to grow old with Lora. No matter how much I love her… my journey with her will be ending soon. However, before I leave, I would like to make sure she’s well protected.”

After a few seconds, Jason looked at Ryan and asked, “Don’t you hate me? My mother made your life difficult and I began to fight you for the CEO position. Why would you entrust me with your family and the company?”

“We are brothers, aren’t we?” Ryan said, smiling. “I thought about it… Your mother must have fed you lies your whole life. So all you know is how to hate me. But I think it’s never too late to fix our relationship and know each other better…”

Ryan paused and then added, “In the short time that I have left... if you don’t mind. Also, someone is trying to buy into the company. I can’t let the Kingsley Legacy fall into someone else’s hands. If it has to be owned by someone else, I would rather give the company to my family. However, there’s one thing I want to know. Did you know who Lora was and approached her intentionally?”

Jason frowned. He replied, “No. I never knew she was Larisa or your wife. I just met her and fell in love with her. I found out later when she had already returned to the city.”

Relief washed over Ryan. He gave Jason a small smile and stated, “Lora said you’re a good person and I trust her judgement. Please take care of her and my four children.”

“Four?” Jason asked, looking confused.

A proud look crossed Ryan’s face as he answered, “Yes, four. Lora’s pregnant with twins. That’s why I’m so worried… what if I leave before she gives birth to our twins? I need to know she will be alright when I'm gone.”

Jason lowered his eyes, his mind reeling with thoughts. After finding out what his mother was really like, he was no longer resentful towards Ryan.

Looking up at him, he nodded and promised, “I’ll do my best to be there for your family.”