Chapter 818 Don't Want to Come Back?
"You can do it," Antonio said firmly, looking at him. "Francis, you have to believe in yourself, just like I've always believed you're still that amazing Francis."
"As for the company, I'll have someone assist you to get familiar with things as soon as possible. When you feel ready, you can fully take over the Valencia Group."
"As for the family..." He paused and then smiled, "I also want you and Ryan to take this opportunity to bond a little, what do you think?"
Francis hesitated but didn't say anything to refuse.
Antonio was right; this was a good opportunity for him to bond with Ryan.
"Alright then, be careful when you're out," Francis replied.
"Okay." Antonio looked much more relaxed. "Sarah has already explained things to Ryan. He's a smart kid; he'll understand. The rest is up to you."
After the couple left, Francis still felt a bit uneasy, but he wanted to improve his relationship with Ryan, so he went to the playroom.
Ethan and Harper were building a house with blocks, while Ryan was quietly drawing by the window.
He hesitated for a moment, then wheeled himself over to Ryan. "What are you drawing?"
Ryan glanced at him nervously, "A kite."
Sarah had already told him that Francis was his biological father and that even if he acknowledged Francis, they wouldn't abandon him.
Ryan understood what a biological father meant. He and Francis shared the same blood.
Perhaps because of this connection, a small desire to get closer to Francis began to grow in Ryan's young heart.
Francis's gentle gaze fell on the drawing, where the blue sky, white clouds, and the kite in the air complemented each other perfectly.
"You're very good at this." His tone was sincere, and Ryan couldn't help but feel a bit proud.
"Thank you, Uncle." He said the last part cautiously.
Francis looked up and saw the sparkle in his eyes. A soft spot in his heart seemed to collapse a little. He sighed lightly and said, "Ryan, I should seriously apologize to you for not being by your side all these years. It's my fault, and you have every right to blame me."
Although Lisa had used underhanded means to have Ryan with him back then, Francis understood that their issues had nothing to do with Ryan.
He had also heard from Sarah that Lisa was indeed malicious, treating Ryan merely as a pawn for gaining favor, with no genuine affection for him.
Perhaps it was their blood connection, but ever since Francis returned, he felt a pang of sorrow every time he saw Ryan.
Ryan quickly shook his head, afraid of being misunderstood, and explained, "No! I... I don't blame you, really!"
He was a very smart child. Adults only needed to explain things once for him to understand. He knew that Francis had his reasons.
Moreover, Francis seemed to have suffered a severe injury and couldn't stand up anymore.
And over the years, Antonio and Sarah had taken good care of him.
He was happy with his siblings.
Ryan didn't feel like he was missing anything.
Now that his biological father Francis was back, it might even be a pleasant surprise for him.
Francis didn't expect Ryan to be so understanding and to change his mind so quickly.
He was a bit surprised and couldn't hide his nervous and excited feelings. After struggling for a while, he finally raised his hand and pulled Ryan close. "Would you be willing to give me a chance? I want to be there as you grow up, and I'll make up for all the love you missed."
"Can I, Ryan?" He spoke these words with a hint of caution.
Being held by Francis, Ryan could clearly feel his large hand trembling slightly. He felt he couldn't refuse such a Francis.
"Okay." Ryan's voice was very soft.
But Francis still heard it.
He let out a relieved smile, "Can I join you in drawing now? What else do you want to add to this picture?"
Talking about drawing, Ryan gradually relaxed and seriously shared his ideas with Francis. The two began to create together.
By evening, he and Francis had already become familiar with each other.
"Ryan, I want to tell you about his experiences over the past few years. Do you want to hear it?" Francis said.
Ryan had been curious before. He had grown up so much, and this was the first time Francis had appeared. Where had Francis been all this time?
When he heard Francis ask, he nodded without hesitation, "Sure."
Seeing his serious and well-behaved demeanor, Francis couldn't help but reach out and pat his head, saying warmly, "I had a car accident back then, lost my legs and memory. Fortunately, a kind person saved me, and I barely survived."
He then shared some of his experiences abroad. Ryan listened attentively without interrupting.
When he finished, Ryan's eyes were red as he held Francis's hand, looking very distressed.
He hadn't expected Francis to have such a hard time.
In comparison, he had been so happy. What reason did he have to blame Francis?
Seeing the tears in Ryan's eyes, Francis didn't know what he was thinking and thought he had scared him. He quickly said, "Did I rush things? I won't talk about it next time, okay?"
"No." Ryan shook his head, sniffling, "I just think you've had a hard time. But don't worry, when I grow up, I can help you. I won't let you suffer anymore. The past is already behind us."
He was seriously comforting him. After hesitating for a moment, he finally called out, "Dad."
Francis was stunned and only spoke after a while, "What did you just call me?"
"Dad!" This time, Ryan's voice was firm and loud, "From today on, you and Antonio are both my dads. That way, I'll have two dads!"
He smiled after saying this, unable to hide the excitement in his eyes.
Francis felt a deep sense of relief and hugged him tightly, "Alright, I'm glad you can accept me."
The father and son talked a lot more, gradually eliminating any barriers.
That night, he took Ryan back to his room to sleep together. "How about I tell you a story to help you sleep?"
It was the first time Ryan was held in Francis's arms. The feeling was indescribable, new, yet it made his heart feel warm.
He snuggled closer into Francis's arms, "Okay."
Francis picked up a storybook, and his deep, powerful voice slowly flowed out, like warm water seeping into Ryan's heart, warming his entire being.
Before long, Ryan fell asleep, a faint smile on his lips.
Hearing the gentle and long breaths from his arms, Francis slowly closed the storybook. Looking down, he saw Ryan's innocent little face pressed against his chest. His heart was filled with a sense of satisfaction. He hugged Ryan a little tighter and closed his eyes, ready to sleep.
Almost simultaneously, the phone beside him suddenly vibrated.
Francis immediately opened his eyes.
Seeing it was that man again, he took a deep breath, carefully got out of bed, made sure Ryan wasn't woken up, and then quietly answered the call.
His voice, still hoarse from sleep, made the man on the other end pause for a moment, his tone even lower, "Francis, don't want to come back? Took you long enough to answer."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
