The Mate He Hates

Alpha Edward’s POV

The sound of the car driving into the garage announced Amanda’s arrival. I could feel the tension in my chest as I waited, knowing she would walk through those doors any moment now. After everything that had happened, this was my chance to show her how much she meant to me, even if I couldn’t fully express it in words.

I had instructed the maids to decorate the mansion and Amanda’s room in a way that would convey my feelings-something subtle yet meaningful. The foyer was adorned with fresh white roses, Amanda’s favorite, arranged in elegant vases that lined the entrance. The scent of the roses filled the air, creating a calming atmosphere. Soft candlelight flickered from various corners, casting a warm glow across the room. The maids had outdone themselves, hanging delicate white drapes from the ceiling that flowed down like a cascade of silk, giving the space an ethereal feel.

As I heard the front door open, I stiffened. Her footsteps were soft but deliberate as she entered the mansion. I couldn’t bring myself to move, afraid of her reaction. Would she be touched? Or would she see it as an empty gesture after all the pain I’d caused her?

Amanda walked in, and her eyes immediately fell on the decorations. I watched from a distance, taking in her every expression as she looked around, her gaze lingering on the roses, the drapes, the candles. Her steps slowed as she took it all in, her face a mix of emotions-surprise, curiosity, and something else I couldn’t quite place. She walked further into the room, her hand brushing lightly against the petals of a rose.

“Mama!” Liam shouted, running toward her with his arms outstretched.

Amanda’s face softened as she knelt to embrace him, the tension of the last few days momentarily easing from her expression. She held Liam close, burying her face in his hair as if drawing strength from him. I watched them, my heart aching at the sight. This was my family, the people I had hurt, the ones I had sworn to protect and cherish.

As Liam pulled back, he began chattering excitedly. “Mama, Daddy and I waited for you! Look, look! Daddy made everything pretty!” He pointed toward the white roses and the candles that illuminated the room.

Amanda glanced around, her eyes taking in the decorations. Matthew stepped closer, giving her a reassuring smile as he placed her bag down on a nearby chair. He looked at me briefly, a silent exchange passing between us. We both knew this moment was delicate, and neither of us wanted to push Amanda too hard.

I took a cautious step forward, feeling the weight of the room’s atmosphere. “Amanda,” I began, my voice quiet but steady. “Liam and I wanted to make sure you felt welcome, that you know how much we care about you.”

She looked at me, her eyes searching mine. I couldn’t quite read her expression, but I knew she was processing everything-the decorations, the effort, the tension between us that hadn’t dissipated.

“Thank you.” Her voice was low and void of emotion, which gave me mixed feelings, but I decided to push it aside.

“Mother, are you okay now?” Liam asked, and Amanda nodded, smiling at him warmly. “I am, son.” She kissed his forehead before looking my way, our eyes interlocking for a moment as neither of us could look away, but the clearing of Matthew’s throat got our attention.

“I think Liam has something to say to you both,” Matthew said, and Amanda and I looked at our little boy, wondering what he had to say to us.

Liam glanced at Matthew, who nodded, giving him the go-ahead.

“Mother,” Liam called out to Amanda, who smiled at him. “I know that Alpha Edward is my biological father and Father Matthew is my uncle, your brother.” Liam announced, and my eyes widened, as did Amanda’s.

The shock on Amanda’s face was mirrored in my own. I glanced at Matthew, who looked calm. He already knew about this.

“Liam,” Amanda started, her voice trembling slightly, “who told you that?”

Liam looked up at her with innocent eyes. “I overheard you and Uncle Matthew talking about it,” he said simply, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

I shifted uncomfortably, my mind racing. How much had he heard? What did he understand? Amanda’s gaze moved from Liam to Matthew, suspicion and confusion flickering in her eyes.

“Is that true?” she asked Matthew, her voice sharper now, tinged with a hint of accusation.

“Yes, Liam overheard us speaking, and he came to me for an explanation. You know how Liam is; I couldn’t lie to him. Besides, I saw no need to lie to him,” Matthew explained while Amanda and I exchanged glances.

“I knew for a long time but pretended not to. I was actually waiting for you both to tell me yourselves, but since you didn’t, I decided to let you two know that I already know, and I am happy.” Liam smiled widely as he hugged me. I hugged him back, still not believing how this kid could be so smart and mature. “I’m so lucky to be your son, Alpha Edward,” Liam said excitedly, causing my eyes to blur with tears.

I pulled him away and kissed him on the head. “I’m so sorry for not being there for you, but I promise that from now on, I will be the best father, okay?”Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

Liam nodded. “Okay.” He kissed my cheek before turning to Amanda.

Amanda stood frozen for a moment, her eyes locked on Liam, processing the words that had just come out of his mouth. The shock on her face gradually faded, replaced by a softness that spoke volumes. She knelt down to Liam’s level, taking his small hands in hers, her gaze gentle.

“Liam, you know that no matter what, we all love you very much, right?” she said softly, her voice trembling with emotion.

Liam nodded, his innocent eyes wide with understanding. “I know, Mama. That’s why I’m happy. I have you, Daddy and Uncle Matthew, and I know you’ll always be here for me.”

Amanda’s lips quivered as she smiled at him, but I could see the tears welling up in her eyes. She was struggling to keep it together, to not let her emotions spill over in front of Liam.

Matthew stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on Amanda’s shoulder. “You’ve done a great job raising him, Amanda. He’s a smart kid, and he deserves to know the truth.”

Amanda blinked rapidly, holding back her tears as she looked up at Matthew. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice cracking slightly. “I just… I wanted to protect him from everything, but I guess I can’t shield him from the truth forever.”

I wheeled a step closer, my heart heavy with everything that had happened. “Amanda, I know I’ve made mistakes, and I’ve hurt you in ways I can never take back. But I want to make things right, not just for Liam, but for you as well.”

She finally looked at me, her eyes red and glossy, her emotions barely contained. “Edward, I don’t know if things can ever be completely right between us,” she said, her voice raw and honest. “But for Liam’s sake, we need to try. He deserves a family that loves him, and he deserves the truth.”

I nodded, my throat tight with emotion. “You’re right. He deserves the best of both of us.”

Amanda let out a shaky breath, her eyes softening as she looked at Liam, who was watching us intently, his innocent gaze shifting between his mother and me. “We’ll figure this out,” she said quietly, almost to herself. “One step at a time.”

Liam, sensing the tension between us, tugged on Amanda’s hand. “Mama, Daddy… Can we be happy now? Like a real family?”

Amanda’s breath hitched, and she pulled Liam into a tight hug, burying her face in his hair. “Yes, Liam,” she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. “We’ll try our best.”

I moved closer, wrapping my arms around both of them, feeling the warmth of my son and the woman I had hurt so deeply. In that moment, it felt like the beginning of something new-a chance to mend the broken pieces, to build something stronger and more meaningful for the sake of our son.

“We’ll be the family you deserve, Liam,” I murmured, my voice thick with emotion. “I promise.”

Pulling away, I smiled at Liam before looking in Matthew’s direction with a grateful smile. “Thank you, Matthew. Thank you for being there for Amanda when I wasn’t. Thank you for taking care of her and my son. Thank you for being a good brother and a friend. Thank you for standing by me even on my worst days. I owe you a lot, man, and I will spend the rest of my days paying for it.”

Matthew smiled and moved closer to me. “Amanda is my sister, Edward, and for the things I did, you would have done the same if you were in my shoes. Besides, I’m your beta; it’s my responsibility.” He lowered himself, and we hugged, my eyes glinting with tears.

“Thank you,” I whispered again while Matthew nodded before pulling away.

“Dinner is served,” a maid announced, drawing our attention toward her.