Her Return, His Regret

Lora's eyes widened, taken aback by Jason's bold words. How could he say that so easily in front of the kids?

Sure enough, Ella looked between Lora and Jason before asking, "Is it true Mommy? Will we really have a stepfather? But I don't want a stepfather! I want my real father!"

Ryan clenched his jaw, seeing his daughter cry made his heartbreak. He picked her up from her seat and placed her on his lap before soothingly saying, "You're not going to have a stepfather... I'm your one and only father."

He glared at Jason and questioned, "What is wrong with you? How can you say that in front of the kids?"

"I'm just saying the inevitable... after all, Lora and I will get married in the future-"

"Jay, a word?" Lora said in a low voice.

Jason saw that Lora was angry. He smiled at her and replied, "Sure."

When they left the restaurant, Lora looked at Jason, anger flitting through her eyes. "How could you say that in front of the kids without discussing it with me first?"

"I don't think there's anything bad with what I said... we are a couple and we will get married soon. And that would make me the twins' stepfather... why are you so angry, were you just dating me casually with no thoughts of marriage in mind?" Jason's jaw was clenched, his stomach knotting with nerves at the thought of losing Lora. When he received another report about the 'family' outing, he couldn't just sit back and watch Lora slowly go back into Ryan's arms. Thus, he followed them to the restaurant and pretended to bump into them coincidentally.

Lora's heart twisted with guilt when she saw Jason's hurt expression. She did give Jason a chance but she couldn't give him her heart.

"Jay, I-"

Jason scoffed, cutting Lora off. He questioned, "Are you really over him? Am I just someone who was there to fill the void? I have been calling you since yesterday... is he the reason you decided not to pick up my calls?"

Hurt and anger flashed through his eyes as he looked into Lora's eyes and continued, "Are you getting back together with him? Is that why you're here with him and the kids, looking like a happy family?"

Lora felt a pang in her chest as conflicted emotions flared through her. Jason had been a good friend to her... he was kind to her and he treated her very well. Thus, she cared for him deeply.

However, Ryan had managed to stir emotions that she thought she had buried a long time ago. He managed to crack the icy walls that she had built around her heart, melting the defences she had put up to protect herself from falling in love again.

Lora looked into Jason's eyes and the pain in them made her stomach churn. She sighed and replied, "It's not like that, Jason. Ryan just wanted to spend time with the kids and since he's injured, I tagged along to make it easier for him. It was only for the twins' sake."

Jason ran a hand through his hair before he asked, "So, are you going to make up with him for the twins' sake?"

A lump formed in Lora's throat but before she could reply, Jason grabbed her arms and said, "You deserve someone who won't treat you like a second option. I've loved only you, Lora... no one else," Jason remarked desperately. "I heard about your story... how Ryan chose to save Ivy and left you to die in the warehouse. Don't tell me you're going to return to the man who didn't choose you?"

"Enough, Jason!" Lora hissed, anger flaring through her at the reminder of the past. "I've already explained why I'm having breakfast with Ryan and the kids. If there's nothing else, I'll see you later." en

"Lora, perhaps you should figure out what you really want instead of giving me half of you... I suggest we go on a break but I want you to think about who's really genuine... a man who chose another woman instead of you or a man who has always been there for you and put you first," Jason remarked with a tight smile before turning and walking away.

Lora was left bereft of any words, her heart pounding rapidly in her chest as guilt and confusion crept into her.

On the other hand, inside the restaurant, Ella looked up at Ryan, and said, "Daddy, I think Mommy and Uncle Jason are fighting."

Ryan furrowed his eyebrows, jealousy searing through him. The way Jason came in like Lora belonged to him or something... It made his blood boil.

There was no way in hell he would ever give up Lora for anyone; she was his strength, his heart and his soul and he was determined to fight for her until she became his again.

He smiled at Ella and remarked, "Finish your food, Ella. Mommy and Uncle Jason are just talking."

"No, they are fighting. Mommy is so angry... do you know what that means?" Ella asked, her eyes gleaming with calculation.

Ryan frowned, wondering what his adorable daughter was up to. He shook his head and replied, "No, I don't."

Ella giggled and said, "It means Mommy is upset with Uncle Jason, so..."

"This is your chance to win her over. Do we have to tell you everything?" Ethan chipped in annoyance.

Ryan's eyes slightly widened as a lightbulb went off in his head. Indeed, Lora didn't look pleased with Jason. This was his chance to completely win her heart and erase Jason from her life forever. Looking at his children, Ryan stated, "Don't worry, I'll use this opportunity to show your mommy that I can make her the happiest woman in the world."

...

When Lora returned to the restaurant, she found Ryan coughing so badly. She furrowed her eyebrows, asking, "Hey... are you ok?"

"No, Daddy is not ok, Mommy. Let's take him back home," Ella requested, her eyes watering. "We can take him back to his house when he's better."