Episode 3

Present Day

Noah

I awoke in a hospital room, a man seated before me the same man who had picked me up from that alleyway.

"How do you feel?" His voice was kind, yet I couldn't even respond to his question before I had to sit up and vomit.

He patted my back while calling for the doctors.

"Considering his situation, we can say he's progressing quite well. However, in his condition, both his physical and mental state are quite poor." I don't grasp what the doctor is talking about; I don't feel any different than a few moments ago.

"What do you suggest, doctor? Surely something can be done." I don't understand why this person cares so much for me; he doesn't even know me.

"My advice is an abortion. That way, the young man might survive. Otherwise, both he and his baby risk dying."

"What did he just say? I'm pregnant? But it was only a few hours ago when..."I felt a pat on my shoulder.

"It's been three weeks since I found you in that alley, and you're three weeks pregnant. It's tough for an omega without their alpha to withstand a pregnancy, but the choice is yours. Do you want to abort?"All I could do was burst into tears as the man embraced me, listening without a word.

I hadn't wanted any of this; I'm sure I don't deserve it. They took everything from memy dreams, ambitions, my will to live. What point was there in continuing this wretched life? There was nothing left for me.

And now it's my decision to make for another life? Why is life so cruel to me? What did I do to deserve this?

"If you choose to live and abort, you have my support, and these doctors will ensure you can lead a trouble-free life. If you decide to keep it, I'll find the best specialists to ensure no harm comes to you both."

"Who are you? What do you want from me?"

"I want nothing more than for you to be able to live."

"Why? You don't know me; nobody does so much for nothing."

"You're right, so I'll be frank. I'm doing this because it's what I couldn't do for my son. Like you, he was an omega who lost his alpha and died of grief without my being able to do anything. It's been four years, and I still can’t get over it. You remind me very much of him."

"I’m just reopening the same wound in your heart. I can't be saved."

"You're wrong. Everyone can be saved. You have something my son did not."

"And what's that?"

"A reason to live. Do I truly have one? And if so, what? Should I feel happy expecting the child of a bastard who raped me and left me to die?"

"Think about it. Perhaps life isn't taking everything from you. But tell me, what do you think?"

"Noah. My name is Noah."

"It's a pleasure, Noah. I'm Jacob Montenegro." That name rings a bell, but I can't recall where from.

Jacob: You don't have to answer now. Take some time to think.

"No. I've made my decision, but I have to ask you a favor."

Jacob: Whatever you need.

"Help me get far away from here; I promise that..."

Jacob: You don't need to promise anything. I told you, just living is reward enough.

"Thank you."

Jacob: I'll call the doctor.

...

...

...

Several years later

Noah sat reviewing documents on his laptop, his life having taken a turn for the better. Now named Noah Montenegro, Jacob had no issues giving him his surname, treating him just like his other two children, who also cherished him as a brother.

Every so often, Noah would glance away from his work and smile at a pair of beautiful children with black hair and gray eyes playing in the playground Jacob had set up in his garden for them.

The lovely little girl approached, bearing a rose for her father.

"Papi, take this." It was a custom of little Zoe'severy day, to gift her father three roses, one for each surprise of the day, her way of saying thanks.

Noah: Thank you, my princess. I have a gift for you too.

"What is it today, Papi?" Each day he had a sweet surprise for his little ones, knowing how much they loved them. He would wrap the treats himself, saving them to give later.

His daughter's smile upon receiving the gift filled his heart with joy.

Noah: And you, Joe, do you have something for me? His son, having observed quietly, unlike Zoe, Joe was very reserved, almost always serious in demeanor, though he was protective and indulgent with his sister. In fact, he was the one who cut the rose each day, ensuring Zoe never got hurt.

Joe: Nothing.

Noah: Not even a hug?

Joe: Only one. He gave his father a strong embrace, which was happily reciprocated.

Noah: One more.

Joe: You always say that. And though he protested, he still gave another hug.

Zoe: I want one too.

Noah: Come here, my dear.

"May I join as well?"

Zoe: Uncle Elian!! The little girl ran into his arms.

Elian: Aren't you going to greet me, Joe? The boy glanced at his father, only moving to greet his uncle after receiving a nod.

Elian: How big you've gotten! Go on and play; I need to talk with your papi.

Joe: Why hasn't Grandpa come? The two adults exchanged a look.

Noah: Your grandfather Jacob is busy, but he'll surely come soon. The children scampered off.

Noah: Your return is not a good sign. Is Dad's situation serious?

Elian: Noah, Dad passed away this morning.

Noah: That can’t be true! He said he was fine, just tired... why so sudden...

Elian: Calm down. It's tough, I know, but the kids are here. You must be strong for them. He knew Elian was right, but it was so hard. That man had been more a father to him than anyone, supporting and caring for him like no other. It was difficult to believe he was gone.

Noah: When is the funeral?

Elian: Tomorrow. Breaking the news to Zoe and Joe will be hard, so I’ll be here for you.

Noah: Thank you. We’ll leave today; I want to attend the wake as well.

Elian: As you wish. Kilian is handling everything.

Revealing the news to his children was daunting. How should he begin? They were too young to comprehend death.

Joe: So Grandpa's not coming back.

Noah: No, he can't come back to us.

Zoe: But he promised he’d come. You said promises should never be broken.

Elian: Sometimes circumstances force us to break them, but I assure you, your grandfather will always be with you.

It was a struggle to see him in that casket; just days ago, he was laughing and joking with the kids and him. He had thought he'd have many more years with Jacob; if only he had known time was so short.

Approaching Jacob, Noah planted a kiss on the man's forehead.

Noah: I know I didn't say it enough, but thank you! Thank you for giving hope and a home to someone who had lost the will to live. You wereand always will bemy angel. Thank you, Dad.

Zoe: Papa, why doesn't Grandpa get up? Isn't he tired? He's been lying down so long. You said too much sleep isn't good.

Noah: He can't get up, my love.

Zoe: Why not? Is he sick?

Joe: He's dead, right, Papa? His son's assertion left him speechless.

Zoe: What does it mean to be dead, Papa?

Noah: It means he's gone to heaven, princess.

Zoe: Can we go see him?

Joe: We can't, can we, Papa?

Noah: No, son.

Zoe: I didn't want Grandpa to leave; I loved him so much.

Noah: We all wanted him to stay with us, but sometimes it's unavoidable.

Elian: Noah, come. Mr. Daniel’S and his sons have come to offer condolences to the family; Kilian is with them now.

Noah looked up to see Arvan talking to his brother, his former father-in-law, and the father of the two beside him. He quickly stood up, took his children, and left.

Elian: Where are you going?

Noah: I'm sorry, I'm just not feeling well (I can't let that man see me or my kids.) The omega hurried to his room, grateful that these people did not attend the funeral the following day. He wanted nothing to do with them. Knowing his new family had dealings with them, it was Jacob who had always managed those affairs.

Now, with Jacob gone, many things would inevitably change.

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