In that moment, Nelson was at a loss for how to respond. Yet, his tear-stricken expression revealed the pain he felt as he took faltering steps forward, while Trevor leapt from his seat.
Trevor’s voice was slow and deliberate as he began, “Observing how you looked at Lani and treated her, I knew deep down you were a good husband. But I couldn’t understand why you would turn away from your own son.” He watched as his father crouched to his height, shaking his head in disbelief.
Before Nelson could speak, Trevor continued, “I understand it now, Daddy.” With a glimmer in his eye, he added, “You don’t have to say anything more to me. I know everything.” He glanced at Lani, a smile spreading across his face. “I believed what Lani said yesterday, but when you came to my room and shared your side of the story, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for you, falling in love with someone like my mother.”
Tears streamed down Nelson’s face, and he realized for the first time how proud he was of his clever son, Trevor. Was he truly the father of such a bright and perceptive child?
Lani and Susan were equally moved to tears, unable to contain their emotions. They shared a knowing look before breaking into a warm smile.
As Nelson’s tears continued to flow, Trevor moved closer and gently wiped them away. “It’s not your fault, Daddy. I just want you to forgive me for my childish behavior. I’m so sorry,” he apologized, his voice filled with sadness as he continued to wipe away his father’s tears.
Nelson erupted into tears, unable to help himself any longer. He grabbed Trevor’s hand that was on his face, lowered his head, and cried even harder.
“Why are you apologizing, Trevor? I should be the one saying sorry to you,” Nelson managed to say between sobs, his head shaking pitifully as he held Trevor close.
The little boy couldn’t hold back his tears either, listening to his father’s comforting words.
In the midst of all the tears, Lani and Susan exchanged a smile, grateful for the beautiful scene of father and son reuniting.
Later that day, Nelson could be seen strolling out of one of the city’s largest toy emporiums, with Trevor nestled in his arms. But it wasn’t just the little boy that Nelson was carrying he also had four bulging bags in tow, two in each hand.
“Put me down, Daddy. I’m sure those bags are quite heavy,” Trevor said, ever the considerate child, but Nelson simply shook his head and gave him a wide, beaming grin.
“After seven long years, I’m finally reunited with my son, Trevor. Do you really think I’d miss the chance to make up for all the time I wasn’t able to spend with you?” he groaned good-naturedly, as he struggled to stuff the bags into the trunk of the car.
Trevor’s face lit up it was a smile that was both caring and kind, a side of him that no one had ever seen before.
“But Daddy, are you sure your absence at the office won’t cause any problems?” Trevor asked with concern, as they walked around to get inside the car.
Nelson’s expression softened as he gazed adoringly at his son. What a remarkable young man he had become!
“Your Daddy is the sole proprietor of the company, Trevor. A couple of days away from work won’t make any difference,” he replied smoothly. “Does that answer your question?”
Trevor nodded in agreement, and Nelson muttered “Good” before carefully placing him in the passenger’s seat and helping him fasten his seatbelt.
As Trevor watched his father make his way back to the driver’s seat, he noticed a family of four also leaving the store. They were all smiles and laughter, the father carrying two young children while the mother carried the shopping bags.
Nelson said something to Trevor, but the little boy’s attention was still fixed on the happy family.
Furrowing his brows, Nelson followed Trevor’s gaze and saw the contented family. He let out a heavy sigh and glanced at his son with a touch of sadness. “You miss your mom, don’t you?” he asked, his voice laced with understanding.
Trevor sorrowfully chuckled as his gaze rested on his father’s handsome face. “To be honest, Dad, I don’t long for her, but I do yearn to spend time with my mother and father. I just want to be with my complete family for once,” he paused, grinning and meeting Nelson’s gaze, “Is that too much to ask for, Dad?”
Nelson grinned back and playfully ruffled Trevor’s hair. “Are you hungry? How about some ice cream?” he asked as he started the car’s engine.
Trevor’s grin widened. “I like the sound of that. Ice cream!” he exclaimed.
“Then let’s go for it!” Nelson exclaimed as he sped onto the highway.
Nelson watched as Ariel came out from her cell, looking lonesome and messy. She appeared as if her life was about to end.
Her once beautiful face lacked its usual radiance. She looked pitiful, but Nelson felt no empathy towards her.
“Are you happy now, seeing me like this?” she demanded, approaching Nelson.
Nelson looked her up and down, then back up, before slowly sliding his hands into his pockets and gazing into her eyes intently.
“I’m doing this for my son, Ariel,” he stated firmly, his tone sharp. “My plan was to keep you locked up for the rest of your miserable life, but I need to make Trevor happy, to make up for all the time you took him away from me.”
Ariel rolled her eyes, scratching her arm in disdain. “If you’re going to bail me out, do it already,” she sneered.
“One more slip-up from you, Ariel,” Nelson’s tone hardened as he took a threatening step towards her, their eyes locked in a tense stare.
“Then I’ll make sure you meet your end on the hangman’s noose, I swear it,” he declared, his eyes burning with fury and his jaw clenched tightly.
Unconsciously, Ariel swallowed hard, her heart racing as she took a step back.
“Don’t you dare mess with my wife, my son, or my mother. Consider yourself warned,” Nelson warned before turning on his heel and striding out of the police station.