The twins nodded—no judgment, no expectation—only innocent acceptance.
A single tear slipped down his cheek. “I didn’t know. I had no idea.”
Emily’s expression softened slightly. “I didn’t come here to punish you. You invited me because you wanted to show me how successful you’ve become.”
He stood slowly, his voice breaking. “And now I realize I’ve missed six years of my greatest success.”
The wedding planner tapped his shoulder. “Five minutes until we start.”
Vanessa was already pacing, furious.
Nathaniel turned back to Emily and the twins. “I need time… I want to get to know them. Can we talk?”
Emily hesitated before replying, “That depends. Do you want to be a father now—or just a man who got caught?”
Her question pierced deeper than any business loss ever had.
“I want to be their father,” he said quietly. “If you’ll let me.”
The wedding never took place.
