In his heart, he knew. Maybe, just maybe, his father could help his mother. Zane could barely breathe as he stood at the door of Venus’ hospital room.
Kyle clutched his hand tightly, but Zane’s feet felt frozen in place. Just beyond the glass was the woman he had been searching for, yet he wasn’t prepared for how she looked, pale, motionless, surrounded by machines. Venus, he whispered.
He stepped inside with Kyle and slowly sat by the edge of the bed, his fingers trembled as he reached for Venus’ cold hand. What happened to you, my love? He whispered, barely hearing his own voice. He was restless.
The Venus he had once known, so full of life and laughter, was now unresponsive. Zane turned to Kyle, who stood quietly beside the bed, gripping the blanket tightly. Son, what happened to your mom? Zane asked, pain evident in his voice.
We were walking to the market, Kyle began. She said she wanted to cook my favorite soup, even if we didn’t have much. Zane smiled faintly for a moment, then listened closely.
But a motorcycle sped by. Kyle continued. The police said the driver was drunk.
I didn’t see it coming. Mom pushed me out of the way and… She got hit. Kyle’s voice cracked.
There was so much blood. She didn’t move anymore. Zane couldn’t take it.
He pulled Kyle into a tight embrace, regret flooding every corner of his heart. I’m sorry I didn’t find you sooner. I’m sorry I came too late, Zane whispered, tears falling.
He reached again for Venus’ hand while holding Kyle close. If only I hadn’t left, if I hadn’t been selfish, maybe none of this would have happened. Kyle didn’t answer, he just cried into his father’s chest.
I love you both so much, Venus. Zane whispered. He closed his eyes, unable to stop the tears.
In that moment, he wished he could punish himself for his past. He held them both tighter, terrified of losing them again. For days, Zane stayed at the hospital.
Since seeing Venus unconscious, his world had shifted. Each passing day was filled with waiting and caring, not just for Venus, but for Kyle too. He often found Kyle sitting silently beside his mother, whispering prayers that she’d wake up.
One night as they sat in the room, Zane turned to Kyle. Son, want me to teach you a new song? He offered. Kyle looked up.
Can I, Uncle Zane? He asked, shy but eager. Uncle, shouldn’t it be Dad now? Zane teased, trying to cheer him up. Kyle blushed slightly, still not fully used to the idea.
Okay, Dad, he whispered. Zane grinned and ruffled his son’s hair. That’s better.
They continued their lessons. Day by day, father and son grew closer, not just through blood, but through music, the bond that connected them both. A few days later, while they were still waiting for Venus to wake up, Zane brought Kyle to his music studio.
Everyone, I want you to meet someone, Zane said, placing a hand on Kyle’s shoulder. This is Kyle, my son. What? One staff member gasped.
Sir, he’s your son? The entire studio froze in surprise. Yes, Zane said proudly. He’s my son from my former girlfriend, who’s now going to be my wife.
So from now on, treat him like family. The staff looked at each other, stunned. Some smiled warmly at Kyle, who stood shyly beside Zane.
No wonder he was so good at the audition, one of them said. He’s got his dad’s talent. Kyle scratched his head bashfully.
How did you know I was your son? He asked Zane. Zane paused, then looked at his son. Because of the song you sang, that song, your mom wrote it for me.
Really? Kyle asked, amazed. Zane nodded. On my birthday, she sang it to me.
It was the best gift I ever received. And now, hearing it from you, it felt like God was reminding me of what I had lost, and what I must fight for now. Everyone in the room fell silent, moved by the story.
It’s true, one staff member whispered. Fate brought you back together. It found a way for father and son to reunite.
Kyle smiled. He had never imagined that a simple audition would lead him to his real father. The hospital room was dim, lit only by a soft bedside lamp.
Kyle was asleep in the adjoining room. Zane sat beside Venus, gently stroking the back of her hand. He hadn’t slept much.
He was afraid to let go, afraid he’d never hear her voice again. But that night, Venus stirred. Zane gasped as her fingers twitched.
Venus, he called, his voice filled with hope. Her fingers moved again. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open.
The world around her was blurry as she tried to make sense of her surroundings. Her gaze finally settled on Zane. Zane, she whispered, her voice hoarse and weak.
Zane’s face lit up with emotion. He reached out, held her face, and kissed her cheek. Yes, Venus, it’s me.
I’m here. Thank God. Thank God you’re awake.
Their reunion was tearful and silent. Venus looked at him, confused but emotional. How did you know I was here? she asked, brushing his cheek with her trembling fingers.
Zane squeezed her hand gently. I’ll tell you everything. But for now, I’m not leaving.
I won’t let you be alone again. Venus cried as she touched his face. I’m sorry I left you.
No, Zane said quickly. I’m the one who should be sorry. I left.
I caused this. If I had known you were pregnant, I would have never left. I would have stayed.
Venus closed her eyes. Despite the pain and the long separation, Zane was finally there, by her side. They were quiet for a moment, savoring each other’s presence.
Then, suddenly, Venus sat up. Kyle, she gasped. Zane gently held her shoulder to calm her.
Don’t worry, he’s in the other room, sleeping peacefully. Tears returned to her eyes, but this time, confusion joined them. How did you find out? she asked, disoriented.
How did you know we had a child? Zane’s eyes glistened. How could I not? The song you wrote for me, our song. Kyle sang it at the audition.
The moment I heard it, I knew. It couldn’t be a coincidence. Only you and I knew that song.
Venus smiled through her tears, stunned by the strange path fate had taken. I taught him that song because it was the symbol of our love, she whispered. Zane chuckled softly and squeezed her hand.
I know, and that’s why I love you even more every second. There’s no one else for me. We’re meant for each other.
In that moment, though they were in a hospital, the world seemed to stop just for them. Their lips met in a soft emotional kiss, one filled with longing and love. After a while, Zane sat quietly beside Venus.
He couldn’t help but ask the question that had haunted him since he found out about Kyle. Venus, why didn’t you tell me you were pregnant back then? he asked gently. Venus gave him a serious look and sighed, as if reopening an old wound.
She wiped the tears from her eyes before speaking. The last day we saw each other, that was the same day you told me you were leaving for America to chase your dream, she said softly. I knew how long you’d wanted to study at that music academy.
I didn’t want to stand in your way. Zane looked away in silence. It was your dream, Zane.
I didn’t want you to regret staying because of me, she continued, her voice trembling. I was scared that if I told you, you’d change your mind, that you’d stay with me instead of going after what you wanted, and I couldn’t bear the thought of being the reason you gave up your future. Zane closed his eyes and rubbed his temples.
He felt his chest tighten. Venus, you’re the reason I dream at all. I always imagined coming back and providing for you, and for our child.
If I had known, I would have stayed. I could have still chased my dream, with you by my side, Zane said, voice low and filled with regret. Venus shook her head, pain evident on her face.
I was afraid your life would get messed up if you didn’t follow your dreams. I wanted you to stay, but I couldn’t bear to see you give up the things you love, she replied. Zane didn’t speak right away, he remembered the night he left Venus, walking away from her under the rain.
When I got home my parents were furious, Venus said quietly. They called me a disgrace, a woman tied to a man who might never come back, they made me feel like I had nothing left. Zane’s heart broke at her words, he couldn’t hold back, he pulled her into a tight hug, full of sorrow and guilt.
That’s why I left, Venus whispered, I gave up everything to protect Kyle, to protect our child. Venus, Zane whispered, not knowing how to ease her pain, he held her face gently and kissed her deeply. Venus responded, overwhelmed with emotion.
Despite all the pain and separation, one thing was clear now, she wouldn’t let her family slip away again. The man she loved, the child she raised alone, they were here. Zane gripped her hand tightly, he still couldn’t believe her own family had turned their backs on her when she needed them most.
I’ll never stop asking for your forgiveness my love, Zane said, even if it takes years for you to truly forgive me, I’ll pay for everything I did, just please don’t keep me away from you and our son. Venus hugged him tighter, I’ve already forgiven you, but I want you to earn it, I want to feel your presence, after all these years, I’ve waited for you to find us. Zane smiled and kissed the back of her hand, if that’s what you want, I’ll do it, even if it means you make it hard for me.
The next morning, sunlight filled the hospital room, Venus and Zane were already awake despite sleeping late, Zane was feeding Venus when Kyle interrupted them. Bite dad, Kyle said loudly, opening his mouth and pointing at the spoon Zane was holding, Venus shook her head, laughing. Let me eat properly please.