Chapter 95 - Better Choice (2/2)

I was so surprised by his unexpected request. Suddenly I felt that our bonding got stronger, firmer, sturdier. Fair enough. It's about time, I should start addressing him as my 'Dad'. Imagining this concept in mind gave me an oddly overwhelming feeling.

” Okay, dad.” I replied with a chuckle. A warm fuzzy sensation ran through my heart. Mr. Carlton— my father-in-law's mouth had taken the shape of a bright gleaming smile.

Bright enough to lighten up a gloomy rainy afternoon. ” Thank you .... dad, for listening to me. I knew that my efforts won't go in vain.”

” No son. I should thank you for making me realise my mistakes. ” I felt little happy to hear him address me as ' son'. Our debate ended with my joyous victory. We kept on talking about other stuffs. All of a sudden I remembered something, which made me feel unworthy for being Stella's husband.

” There's another thing I wanna ask.” My throat went dry as I proceeded to speak of my nightmare, ” You knew Ray liked Stella, right ?”

” Yes, I kinda felt that but I didn't know for sure.” He said with a chuckle.

” They knew each other from a long time. Ray's got a good family. He's wealthy and good looking with an admirable personality. So, how come you never thought of him as Stella's marriage partner ?”

In the beginning I really hated Ray. But now that I'm friends with him, I can see how much of great guy he is. Ever better than me. This inferiority complex has haunted me for such a long time.

” Well, firstly Ray is definitely a good guy, I won't deny that. But his lifestyle may have affected Stella. He has to face the camera on daily basis. People are always chasing him. They won't stop even if he gets into a relationship or gets married. Therefore Stella would have ended up with unnecessary hassles. She's a type of girl who loves to keep a low profile just like you, Theo.”

” Hmm. Your ȧssumptions aren't flimsy. But there's no guarantee. He could have been a better choice too.” My heart cracked as I said those words.

” There's always a better choice. If you can't be happy with your present and keep on changing it, I believe that you'll never be satisfied with any choices at all. For example, look at me. I'm literally the worst choice your mother-in-law picked.” He drunk the last drop of his alcohol and stretched out the glass toward me, telling me to refill it.

” Is that your sarcasm or you grieving on your past?” I raised my left eyebrow up while mocking on his comment.

” Both. Do you think Ray would be the best for her? Even if he is, you shouldn't be comparing yourself with him. Rather than that you should try being your best version. Try to make her happy. So,so,so,so happy that she won't ever feel like leaving you.”

I feel bad know that I'm hiding the shameful from him. I just want to tell him what truly happened from the beginning of our fake relationship to our present self. But it will break his heart. Both me and Stella decided to keep this matter a secret forever.

” I'll be the best for her.” I pledged to myself in front of my father-in-law.

It's true that everyone wants the best thing so they pursue it. But eventually they can't reach the finish line. There's only one winner. I have to be the winner at all cost.

~ to be continued