Page 35 of Baran
Baran felt a pang of sympathy. Despite everything, he didn’t want anyone to suffer. “I’ll tell him. But it’s up to Darien.”
After hanging up, Baran closed his eyes, hoping that this gesture of forgiveness would lead to some resolution. He knew the conversation with Daddy Darien wouldn’t be easy, but he also knew it was necessary. As he drifted off to sleep, he felt a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, things would begin to heal.
After a long sleep, he was jolted awake by the dinging of a message on his phone. He fumbled around in the dark, his fingers brushing against the cool surface of the nightstand before finally finding his phone.
Darien:I’m going to be late. I need to speak to two donors. Tomorrow, you are going shopping with Miss Charlotte for clothes. The art gala is tomorrow night, so you need to be well dressed. Don’t worry about anything. I’m proud to be with you.
Baran certainly needed clothes, but he’d had no idea he was invited to the art gala. That was going to be another thing to worry about. He hoped Daddy Darien would let Hawk back in.
Baran quietly descended the stairs, the house wrapped in a tranquil stillness. He found Miss Charlotte in the living room, sitting in a comfortable armchair by the fireplace, her eyes reflecting the dancing flames. The room was warm and inviting, filled with the soft glow of the fire.
“Miss Charlotte,” Baran began hesitantly, taking a seat in one of the chairs opposite her. “Can we talk?”
She turned to him, her expression gentle and inviting. “Of course, Baran. What’s on your mind?”
Baran took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. “It’s about Hawk. Silas called me earlier about him. Silas wanted me to talk to Darien about Hawk returning to the shelter. Hawk apologized for everything. He said he’s out in the cold with nowhere to go. They both asked if I could talk to Darien about letting Hawk back into the shelter. I’m not sure how to approach it.”
Miss Charlotte listened intently, her face softening with understanding. “I see. It’s a difficult situation, but the best policy is always to be honest. Darien is a reasonable man, Baran. If you explain the situation and Hawk’s apology, he will listen.”
Baran nodded, feeling a bit more confident, but still apprehensive. “I just don’t want to cause any more trouble. Hawk really hurt me, but if he’s truly sorry and has nowhere else to go…”
Miss Charlotte reached over, placing a gentle hand on his arm. “You’re doing the right thing by giving him a second chance. It shows your strength and compassion. Trust Darien to make the right decision. He’ll take everything into consideration.”
Baran took a deep breath, feeling a mix of relief and determination. “Thank you, Miss Charlotte. Your advice means a lot.”
She smiled warmly. “You’re a caring person, Baran. Don’t doubt yourself. Just speak from the heart.”
As they sat in the cozy living room, Baran felt a renewed sense of purpose. He knew talking to Darien would be challenging, but with Miss Charlotte’s support and the knowledge he was doing the right thing, he felt ready to face whatever came next. The warmth of the fire and the kindness of Miss Charlotte’s words gave him the courage to move forward.
Chapter Sixteen
Darien
Darien had just finishedfiring Miss Archer, and he was roiling with anger and frustration. The way she had treated Baran was unacceptable, and he knew he had to take further action to protect him. His thoughts turned to Baran’s father, Mr. Aslan, who had disowned his son and left him to fend for himself in a foreign country. Darien couldn’t stand by doing nothing.
Determined, he drove to Mr. Aslan’s office, his grip tight on the steering wheel. The receptionist at the front desk looked upas he entered, her eyes widening slightly at the intensity in his gaze. He must have looked like an angry man.
“I need to see Mr. Aslan,” Darien stated firmly.
“Who shall I say is demanding to see him?”
“Darien Moore.”
She nodded, sensing the urgency, and quickly called back to announce his arrival. Moments later, Darien was ushered into Mr. Aslan’s office, the room exuding an air of professional coldness that mirrored the man himself.
Mr. Aslan looked up from his desk, his expression impassive. “Mr. Moore, what brings you here?”
Darien didn’t waste any time. “I’m here to talk about Baran. He needs his father, especially now. He’s alone in a foreign country, trying to continue his education. He needs your support.”
Mr. Aslan’s face hardened. “I’ve made my decision. Baran is no longer my concern. His mother had to move because of the threats she received because of his…choices. I want nothing more to do with him. I thought I made myself clear on that.”
Darien felt his frustration rising. “You can’t just abandon him. Baran deserves better than this. He deserves to have his family behind him, not against him.”
Mr. Aslan’s expression remained resolute. “My decision stands. Baran is on his own.”
Darien’s patience snapped. “If you don’t talk to Baran, if you don’t even try to support him, I’ll make sure everyone knows what kind of man you are. That you are a Muslim who disowned his gay son. How do you think your reputation will fare then?”
Mr. Aslan’s eyes flashed with anger, and he stood abruptly, knocking papers and objects off his desk in a fit of rage. “You wouldn’t dare.”
