Page 119 of Titan

“I think so.”

“I need you to be sure, Ari.”

She took a breath, released her middle and shook out her arms.

“I can take it.”

I paced away, finding this more difficult than I expected. It was easy to tell Zayn since I knew he wouldn’t be emotionally affected by it in the same way. After I’d had to tell Theia the truth about Pippa and her friend, it hit me hard. I’d been learning how to deal with emotionally charged situations because of her. It made me uncomfortable, but I coped for her. I realised emotions made us human. I couldn’t shy away from them for the rest of my life. Especially not when it came to Theia. She was my everything, not that she knew. I wasn’t entirely sure how to tell her. The feelings I had towards her were still new to me. I didn’t know how to explain them. All I did know was I cared deeply about her, wanted to be around her at all times, and found her ever more endearing and engaging every single day I spent with her.

I took a breath, knowing the best way to approach this was to be honest. Ari would appreciate it.

“She told me her parents made her give you up to Bennett, but she also didn’t want to be a mother in the first place. Her relationship with your dad was an act of rebellion. She was never going to leave her life of wealth and privilege to raise you. The agreement between her and Bennett was that she could never contact you or be involved in your life. She gave away all her parental rights to him. I’m guessing they kept her pregnancy a secret since it’s not public knowledge that you’re hers. She looks like you for the most part. It’s how I knew when I saw her.”

Ari stared at me for a long moment before her eyes dropped to the floor. Then she pulled out her phone and fiddled with it. Her hand went to her mouth. I peered over at the screen, finding she’d brought up a photo of Julia.

“I always wondered what she looked like. Dad told me I’m biracial, so I knew, but I didn’t realise I would look so similar to her.” She let out a little sigh. “I suppose it all makes sense now why he never really said much about her.”

“I’m not sure you’d like her.”

Ari looked up at me with curiosity in her eyes.

“No?”

“She was rather self-important, and posh… very posh. The way she talked about your father wasn’t complimentary in the slightest. The thought of having to live on a council estate made her lip curl up with disgust.”

She let out a snort.

“She sounds like she would have got along with your father with all his working-class hatred.”

I smiled.

“Most likely.”

She slid her phone into her pocket before reaching out and placing her hand on my arm.

“Thank you for telling me, Gil. I feel like I don’t have to be curious about her any longer now I know who she is.”

“You’re not upset she never wanted you?”

Ari shook her head.

“I have Dad. He wanted me enough for both of them. I’ve never been under any illusions about her. If she wanted me, she would have been there.” She let out a breath. “This gives me… closure.”

I inclined my head. What she said made sense. She was very rational about the situation. It made me realise why she and Zayn were well suited. She certainly wasn’t shy or retiring, but she picked her battles carefully.

“I’m glad you brought Theia, though she seems a little nervous about being here.”

“Zayn’s her boss. It’s weird for her.”

Ari gave me a smile.

“Okay, yeah, I can see how that would be awkward, but she doesn’t have anything to worry about. Zayn likes her.” She squeezed my arm. “Does she make you happy? You seem happier in yourself.”

I didn’t know what to make of her observation. Edric told me I came across as aloof and stoic to everyone. Had being around Theia brought out a different side to me? I certainly didn’t feel so conflicted about myself any longer. Talking things out with her helped me because she never judged me. Well, she’d been a little weirded out by how many weapons I owned, but she hadn’t told me to get rid of them or anything. Guess she understood why I had them.

“She does.”

“Well, good, because Zayn’s been worrying about you, not that I should be telling you this, but he is your big brother, so I guess it’s not that shocking he’d worry. He’s far more concerned about Enzo than you, though.”

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