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A fight? Blake is such a gentle soul. Despite being tall and looking gruff, I’ve always thought he was so sensitive for a guy. I feel a mix of emotions swirling within me—surprise, disappointment, but also a deep sense of understanding. He didn’t tell me about this part of his life, and while it hurts, I can comprehend why he kept it hidden.
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me,” I say softly, my voice trembling slightly. I would have understood. “But…I understand why. It’s not an easy thing to admit and I can see how much you regret it.”
“I do.” Blake nods, his eyes reflecting his gratitude for my understanding. “I’m truly sorry, Lily,” he responds, his voice filled with sincerity. “I wish it hadn’t happened, but it did. I was arrested because of it I have a criminal record. I already apologized to the man involved. I had to pay a fine. Obviously, I paid for his medical bills. I’ve been trying to leave that part of my life behind and become a better person.” His remorse is palpable. I can sense the weight of his past actions on his shoulders. I take a moment to process everything he’s just revealed, allowing empathy to soften my initial shock.
“I wish you would have told me,” I admit. “I thought I was supportive enough that you could talk to me about anything.”
He nodded, looking disappointed. “It wasn’t you. It was me. I’m ashamed.”
I sigh. “I believe in you, Blake,” I say, my voice filled with compassion. “I know that people make mistakes, especially when they’re going through a difficult time. And I can see how much you’ve grown since then.”
A small smile tugs at the corner of his lips, gratitude flickering in his eyes. “Thank you, Lily,” he whispers, his voice filled with sincerity. “A part of me was worried that this would be the end.”
I frown. “You thought I’d break up with you?” I ask.
He shrugs self-consciously.
This isn’t like him, doubting himself like this. I can see how much it has worried him. I reach out and gently squeeze his hand, a gesture of reassurance and support.
“We all have our struggles, Blake,” I say, my voice steady. “What matters is how we learn from them and move forward. You’ve shown me time and again that you’re dedicated to being the best partner and father you can be.”
A sense of relief washes over him and I can see a flicker of hope in his eyes.
“Matthew finding out…it’s like a ghost from my past haunting me and I worry about what he might do next.”
As Blake shares his worries, a new layer of concern settles on my face. “You’re right,” I say, my voice laced with concern. “I can’t believe he’s doing this. This is all my fault. Maybe if I’d just texted him and gave him what he wanted then he wouldn’t be acting like this.”
“It’s not your fault,” he assures me. “But I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t worry me though. I think we should contact a lawyer. We could set up something formal so that Matthew can have supervised visits with Emma. We should establish clear boundaries and protect our children.”
I nod, my mind racing with thoughts of protecting our family. There’s another worry that weighs heavily on me. “It’s not just about Matthew’s words,” I say, my voice filled with apprehension. “It’s how he keeps finding you, turning up at Ethan’s school and now here tonight. He’s stalking you, Blake.”
A shiver runs down my spine as I voice my fears, and I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself.
“You’re right. We’ll have to take extra precautions,” Blake assures me, his voice firm. “We’ll be vigilant, and if things escalate, we’ll involve the authorities.”
I nod. That sounds sensible. I’m not sure where to start finding a lawyer, but I’m confident that Blake will be able to find a reputable person to help us.
“I don’t think we need to call them yet. I think he needs a chance. I want Emma to have her father in her life. We should give him a chance. You said he got a job and has had past issues with his mental health. It could be he just needs support.”
His words offer solace, and I find strength in his unwavering faith. I know I’ve got an incredible partner in him. He is being so supportive and trying to do this right, even though Matthew has been so awful to him.
“Thank you,” I tell him sincerely, my voice filled with resolve.
Blake smiles. “Everyone deserves a second chance.”
As we sit there, hand in hand, I can’t help but feel a sense of unity. We might be facing challenges we never anticipated, but together, we’re a force to be reckoned with.
Chapter 28
Blake
Aftercomingcleanaboutmy past to Lily, I knew it was crucial to take proactive steps in resolving the situation with Matthew. With the determination to establish a healthy dynamic for Emma’s sake, I set out to find a family lawyer who could guide us through the process.
Sitting in the lawyer’s office, my heart pounds with a mix of anxiety. Lily sits beside me, her unwavering support giving me the strength to face the challenges ahead. Matthew, seated across from us, exudes a guarded yet curious demeanor. His eyes flicker with a mixture of skepticism and resignation.
“Thank you for attending today,” Mr. Briggs, the family lawyer says.
“It’s our pleasure,” I say, my voice steady despite the underlying tension in the room. “We appreciate your help in finding a healthy solution for our family.”
