SWNOVELS Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen: Breaking Ties
“I’m cutting ties with you as my father. You won’t have to be embarrassed by me anymore. And regarding Olivia’s engagement to Alexander, I was unaware of it, and I have nothing to apologize for.”
Elizabeth was so angry. She said, “You should just break up with Alexander and stop causing problems for everyone else.”
Alexander got really impatient and said, “Do you think you can control my life with a few words? Who are you to tell me what to do?”
Everyone was shocked by his strong reaction, but Jake didn’t back down. He said, “We’re just trying to show you the truth. Think of it as a favor. Don’t be so ungrateful.”
Alexander had enough and said, “Well, since we’re all here, let’s clear the air.”
Nelson, standing by his son, said, “As of today, the engagement is off. Our families will have no further business or personal connections.”
Jake couldn’t believe what he was hearing, and Elizabeth was trying to process how this would affect their family business. Olivia, feeling bitter and jealous, confronted Alexander. She said, “I’m way better than her, and we were engaged. Why won’t you even consider me?”
Alexander didn’t even give her a second glance. He just said, “Leave.”
Jake, seeing an opportunity, quickly changed his tune. He said, “Isabella, I can’t agree to end our relationship as father and daughter. How can a father abandon his own child?” He thought that if Isabella ended up marrying Alexander, it might save his company from its troubles.
Elizabeth stared at her husband, shocked. “We’re right in this situation. Why is he risking our daughter’s future for his own gain?” she said, “How can you be like this?”
Jake looked at her coldly. “All of them are my kids. What does it matter who gets married off? Say one more word, and I’ll divorce you immediately.”
Hearing this, Olivia was bewildered. “Isabella, you caused all of this. How could you be so awful?”
Suddenly, Matilda stepped up and gave Olivia a tight slap. “Stop talking nonsens
Isabella remained composed. She knew arguing wouldn’t help. “Dad, there’s no need to hide things. Is there a problem at home causing this?”
Isabella had been through a lot over the years, and she knew her father was eager to disown her. Yet, he hadn’t done so, which made her doubt there was any kindness left in him. There must be another reason for his actions.
Jake, of course, denied everything, “That’s ridiculous. I’m just ensuring my daughter’s happiness and seeking fairness for her, she has been suffering for years. It’s high time she gets the justice she deserves.”
Chapter Fifteen. Breaking Ties
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Isabella was filled with disappointment. “It doesn’t matter why you did this. I’m saying it now: our father–daughter relationship is done. We’re not going to have anything to do with each other anymore, I don’t want to have any kind of relationship with you now and forever. And please, stop bothering us.”
Alexander, eager to end the dispute, signaled for his people to escort them out.
Sofia was taken aback as she saw the trio leaving Alexander’s residence. “What brought Isabella’s parents here?”
Alexander and Isabella emerged, and Alexander addressed Sofia, “This is quite a long story. I’ll explain later.”
Concerned, Sofia asked, “Did they harm Isabella?”
Isabella shook her head. “No, they didn’t.”
Observing Isabella’s tear–stained face, Sofia was a mix of doubtful and angry. But considering the intricacies, she refrained from probing further.
Alexander opened the car’s back door. “Let’s get the kids out first.”
Sofia watched him cautiously. “What’s your plan?”
“I won’t harm them. You’ll understand once you’re inside with us.” As Alexander carried Miles and Amelia, their resemblance to him was striking, mirroring Alexander’s childhood features.
Isabella offered to assist. “Let me hold one of them. Carrying both must be challenging.”
“I’ve got it covered.” Alexander, who regularly exercised, was capable of carrying both children.
Amelia looked puzzled. “Mommy, who is this man?”
Isabella paused, unsure how to respond. Then Alexander confidently stated, “I’m your daddy.”
Miles expressed doubt and discomfort. “That doesn’t add up. If you’re really our daddy, why are you showing up just now?” Both Miles and Isabella were skeptical. In contrast, Amelia seemed to accept it without question, perhaps reflecting the special bond often said to exist between a father and his daughter.
Alexander assured them, “There’s been a big misunderstanding. I know it might be too early for you to forgive me, but I’ll always be there to protect you from now on.” Although Alexander was still adjusting to the idea of being a father, holding his two children stirred deep, unspoken emotions within him.
Alexander guided everyone to meet Matilda and Nelson. Isabella and Sofia, still a bit puzzled, observed from the side. The elders embraced the kids, their faces beaming with joy. Nelson was visibly moved. “Life’s coincidences are truly amazing. I never thought I’d get to see my grandchildren.”
Matilda observed Amelia. “These children are the spitting image of Alexander when he was little.”
Chapter Filteen: Breaking Ties
Sofia, astonished, leaned close to Isabella. “What’s really happening here?”
“It looks like Alexander might be the kids‘…”
Realization dawned on Sofla. “Ah, that makes sense. I’ve been thinking Miles and Amella look a lot like Alexander lately.”
Isabella was lost in thought. ‘Could these children actually be his?‘
As the evening progressed, Alexander picked up the kids from his parents. Nelson and Matilda watched fondly, hesitating to let go. Andrew suggested, “Given the circumstances, you two should consider getting married soon. We’ll welcome you as part of our family and treat you just as well.”
Isabella approached and expressed her gratitude to Matilda and Nelson. The situation had become too complex, and she knew it wasn’t something she could untangle by herself.
Alexander helped Isabella and the kids get home. Once Sofia took the children inside, Isabella
confronted Alexander. “I’m aware that the evidence you showed tonight was fabricated. I apologize for all the trouble this has caused you.”
Alexander stepped out of the car to face her. “The evidence I brought wasn’t fabricated. It’s from my own investigation. If you’re still skeptical, we can go ahead with a paternity test.”
Isabella spent the evening overwhelmed with emotions. ‘Could this be destiny? Is there really some extraordinary bond between me and this man?‘ Despite Alexander’s assurance, she felt a paternity test was necessary. “We’ll do the test tomorrow. I’ll bring their hair samples. And if they turn out to be yours, don’t feel weighed down by it. What happened in the past was my decision and doesn’t involve anyone else.”
Alexander was determined to be responsible for her. “Although we haven’t known each other for very long, I’ve developed real feelings for you.”
Isabella was aware of her own complex situation. “I’m afraid of bringing unnecessary complications. into your life.”
Gently, Alexander held her hand. “Let’s approach this gradually, like any couple would, until you’re ready to fully accept me. I’m willing to wait.”
Isabella stayed quiet, contemplating. Alexander had been incredibly supportive, and now that she was capable of taking care of her children, she didn’t want to burden Alexander with responsibilities that weren’t his to bear.