Chapter 134 - Too Late

Ashton's POV

Teaching my son the basics of football is the best thing I have ever done for the last eight years. Every time he laughs gives me a different feeling of gratification, and his laughter makes me feel so delighted that I come and visit them.

It was a beautiful feeling playing on the lawn with Axel while Megan watched us. And how I wish it would be like this every weekend for us, by the way, Megan was looking at me every time our son is not watching is telling me it would just be a dream for now.

After almost one hour of running and chasing my little buddy around, he got thirsty, and he asked me he wanted to drink some water. He excused himself and got inside the house while I watched Megan the whole time, and I couldn't stop myself from walking closer to her.

And I wondered what she was watching since I could see she was smiling, and I could tell it was something entertaining since she overlooked Axel and I stopped playing for a while. I was looking at her intensely, and I wanted to take her into my arms since I wanted to feel those kinds of emotions once again because I still remember the feeling of having Megan in my arms.

And as I watched her, I couldn't stop myself from reminiscing about the past. I missed everything we did together in my grandpa's estate, especially on the treehouse and my favorite spot at Astikoz hills. I wonder if she ever thinks about those memories we had, and I missed her so much, and I hope one day Megan will look at me in the same way, full of love instead of anger.

And as expected, Megan's smile faded right away when she raised her head and found me looking at her. Her face hardened, and she started barking at me, and when I attempted to come closer to her, she stopped me right away. And even if I have been preparing for this moment to come for the last eight years, nothing can prepare me the pain I felt when she told me the only way she can forgive me is to stop bothering her, and it hurts me so much when Megan said she doesn't want to see me anymore.

I wanted to protest, but Axel came back with a chessboard in his hands, and I should thank my son for saving me, and I hope he would be the key so I can win his mother's heart once more. 

"Can we play chess, uncle Ashton?" My little boy asked, and I smiled at him and nodded my head.

"Axel, we need to eat breakfast first. I think you should play chess with your uncle Ashton after eating, okay?" Megan softly said to our son.

"Okay, mom." He responded, turning around, and he got inside the house to return the chessboard. I think it was my chance to tell Megan what I wanted to say, but her staff came out with trays on their hands, and I realized they would be eating breakfast on the porch.

"I think I should stay in my car while you eat your breakfast with Axel," I said, and Megan looked at me, and I could see the look of surprise on her face.

"Ashton, you can stay and eat breakfast with us, and I am sure Axel would be delighted if you would be dining with us," Clara said, and I smiled at her.

"Thank you for the invitation, Clara, but I don't think.." I said and was not able to finish my sentence since Megan interjected.

"Take a seat, Ashton, and have breakfast with us." She calmly said, and even if I could tell she was forced to invite me to have a meal with them, it made me feel so happy that I sat down right away on the seat across from her.

When Axel returned, he was beaming from ear to ear, and I noticed the paper bag on the chair beside Megan was still unopened. She didn't even try to see what was inside of it, and I felt so disappointed, but I got a brilliant idea, I could use the content of the paper bag as my excuse to come back and revisit them, and I couldn't stop myself from smiling.

It feels nice to eat with Megan and our son, and this is the second time I wanted something badly. I wanted to have them in my life, and I don't know how to make it happen, but no matter how she will push me away, I guess this time I have to make her realize

I wanted to be part of their lives, but on the other hand, I don't want to make her unhappy; maybe I will ask her one more chance to talk with me and allow me to tell her everything I wanted to say, and if she can't give me another chance I need to let her go, but I wanted Axel to know I am his real father and not the singer.

I played chess with Axel until his mom told him he needed to stop playing and answer some of his assignments, and I thought it was my cue to go, but I felt so delighted when Axel told Megan he wanted me to teach him and help him answer some of his assignments. And I can see the disappointment in Megan's face when our son took my hand and pulled me inside the house. 

I was impressed by the interior design of her home, and I smiled as I remember I still know Megan by heart. Axel brought me to his room, and I couldn't stop myself from feeling hurt when I looked at the picture frame on top of his side table. It was the picture of Megan and Axel together with Gael, and they looked like one happy family in the picture. And I was wondering if Gael is really his father, as Megan claimed, and I know I heard some stories when a mother got so angry with a specific person during her pregnancy, there is a big chance her child will exactly look like the person she hated the most. If it is true, then I guess Megan hated me perfectly since Axel is the carbon copy of myself.

But I still believe in science; the genes on his body belonged with me, so that is the reason why we were identical. I enjoyed teaching Axel his lessons, and I realized my morning with him was very productive. I didn't want to stress Megan, so before lunchtime, I said goodbye to my boy, and since I couldn't find Megan, I said goodbye to Clara, and I told her I was going to visit Axel at his school one of these days.

I was on my way out when I came across Gael, and I could see the stunned expression on his face, and I could tell right away, he was so angry with me.

"What are you doing here, Ashton?" He asked in a stern voice.

"I came to visit, Axel," I replied, and I could tell he was sizing me up, and I could see that beneath his anger was sadness, and I wonder why he looks so miserable.

"Oh, I see. I didn't know you are fond of my son." He said flatly, and I felt a pang on my chest, and I wondered if Megan was really telling me the truth that Gael was Axel's father. I suddenly felt my legs tremble. I was such a jerk, and I know I am still in love with Megan. Still, I didn't come here to ruin her relationship with Gael if ever they are really a couple, and I was wondering if Alice did all of it to make me look like a fool. I realized she could have done it to get back at me for hurting her best friend, and Clara could be the accessory.

"He is an adorable child, and I guess everyone will find him charming," I replied since my mind was chaotic. I thought I had my chance with her.

"I don't know why you are here, Ashton, but I am warning you, don't ever come near Megan again. You don't have any idea how much she suffered because of you. She is now happy with me, and we have our son, so you better get out of my house now before I drag you away from here." He said, and I felt cold water wash over my face when I heard him say I was at his house.

I walked towards my car feeling so defeated, and I realized I came for nothing. I was very excited to meet Megan, and I was thinking the whole time Axel was my son, and I realized the person my grandfather hired wasn't wrong after all when he concluded that Megan was living with Gael with their son.

I drove away from their driveway with tears in my eyes as I realized I was too late. And I wouldn't say I liked Alice for playing with my feelings. Well, I deserved it for being an idiot. I know how much I have hurt Megan from the past, and I can see it on her face, and I thought behind Megan's anger, she still has feelings for me. Maybe Axel is my son, but Gael is already the father on his birth certificate, and Axel already acknowledged Gael as his father. And who am I to ruin Megan's peaceful life once again?

"And just like that, you will surrender?" Isabelle asked the moment I told her everything that happened at Megan's place after I arrived at our house. I felt so glad she came home, or else I would be dealing with my pain alone.

"Isabelle, I love Megan, and this is the best thing I can do for her, I need to leave her alone so she can be happy again, she became so cold towards me, and it hurt me to see her in pain. She even told me hearing my name pained her. Even if I wanted her back, she doesn't want me anymore, Isabelle.." I said, and my sister moved closer to me, and she put her arms around me, giving me sisterly comfort, and I know even in silence, my sister can help me feel better, but deep inside my core, I know only Megan can make me feel whole and happy again.