Onyx's POV
Pa sighed deeply, the kind of sigh that carried weight, and then gave me a faint smile—soft, hesitant, almost guilty.
"I have my own reason why I wanted Jace to be closer to you," he said carefully. "I wanted you to have a friend you can be with... especially when I'm not around."
My eyes widened immediately. My brain, of course, went straight to the most dramatic possibility.
"Pa," I said, leaning forward, "don't tell me you're sick and about to die."
He burst into laughter.
"No, silly," he said. "I still have a debt to pay to Jace. I can't let you shoulder that debt, even if he's your friend."
I exhaled so sharply I nearly deflated in my seat.
Relief flooded through me, warm and embarrassing.
"Then what is it?" I asked.
He scratched the back of his head, suddenly looking like a teenager about to confess to breaking a rule.
"How do I say this... hmm..." he muttered, smirking awkwardly.
"Just say it, Pa," I said, shrugging. "You've done far more embarrassing things than this. I didn't judge you. Tell me before Jace comes in, or you'll be even more embarrassed."
He took a breath.
"What if I told you that I've actually been seeing someone recently?" he said—and then held his breath, like a man awaiting a verdict.
For a second, my brain lagged.
"Seeing someone?" I repeated. "Like... dating?"
He couldn't even look at me. He smiled shyly, scratching his head again.
"Yes." he admitted. "A beautiful lady I met at work. She's new. My boss asked me to train her. So we've been spending time together. I got to know her properly."
Then he looked back at me, brows slightly furrowed—not angry, not defensive. Just uncertain. As if he was asking himself whether he had the right to want happiness.
"I was just thinking... maybe you wouldn't like the idea of me having someone new again."
I stared at him.
"Pa," I said slowly, "did you seriously think I would hate you for that?"
"Maybe," he said softly. "Maybe you'd think I'm too old to... you know... try again. Or that I already have you."
I blinked at him.
"I would only be concerned if the woman you're dating is around my age," I said flatly.
He laughed, tension dissolving a little.
"No, no. She's six years younger than me," he said. "She's thirty-eight."
"That's not bad," I said, nodding.
He hesitated again.
"But... she's a single mom," he added. "She has a seven-year-old son already." He looked at me carefully. "Is that okay with you? I wanted to ask if you're okay with it before I move forward with her."
I frowned.
"You're asking for my approval? You're the head of this household, Pa."
"Yes," he said without hesitation. "Because I want you to be okay first. I don't want to be in a relationship with someone if you're not fully comfortable. It would be hard for me."
For a moment, I didn't know whether to laugh or feel guilty.
"Pa," I said, more serious now, "don't think about me. Think about yourself. I'm not the one who's in love with her. You are."
He smiled, but there was still doubt behind it.
"She'll become your second mom if this works out," he said. "I don't know if you'll like that idea... since you still have your Ma."
At that, I looked down, and without warning, my thoughts aligned with Jace—his issue with his father having a new woman, and the way he had reacted to it. The conclusion was clear: he hated it. I lifted my head and forced a small smile.
"I'm fine with it," I said gently. "As long as she treats you well. As long as she doesn't leave you during your darkest days. Or if you stumble again like before."
I paused.
"You don't have to worry about me, Pa. I'm twenty-two. I'm not a teenager anymore. Soon, I'll have my own life."
He sighed again, but this time it was softer.
"Sometimes I forget you're already an adult," he said with a smile. "I still see you as my little boy."
"I can feel that," I replied, nodding.
"And I'll always treat you that way," he said firmly. "Even when you're old and wrinkled. Even when you become a father yourself. You'll always be my child."
I chuckled and shook my head.
"By the way," he said suddenly, brightening. "I have a picture of her. Take a look. See if she's okay."
He grabbed his phone and began scrolling.
"Pa," I said, "her looks don't determine whether I'll be okay with her. I care about how she treats you."
He ignored that completely.
He turned the phone toward me.
In the photo, Pa stood stiffly, awkward as ever, while the woman beside him held onto his arm comfortably, smiling brightly. She looked warm. Confident. Younger than I expected.
I smiled despite myself.
"She looks young and beautiful," I said. "People might think you're hitting on someone much younger."
He laughed.
"I was worried about that," he admitted. "But she's really funny and warm. Her name is Elena."
He scrolled again.
"I met her son today, his name is Lucas," he continued. "We ate out together. I thought of calling you, but I figured you still had class."
"No worries," I said lightly.
He showed me another photo—this time, the three of them at a restaurant. The little boy, Lucas, was sitting on Pa's lap as if it were his place, as if the arrangement was already established. Pa looked... happy. Genuinely so. For a brief moment, my chest tightened, because I remembered occupying that same position when I was younger.
"It looks fun," I said quietly, smiling.
"Next time, I'll invite you when you're free," he said eagerly. "I want you to meet her soon. I know you'll like her too."
"Just make sure you're financially ready," I said, slipping into practicality.
He smiled shyly again.
"She said she'll help with finances," he admitted. "I told her I'd take care of her and the kid, but she insisted I don't have to do it alone."
I nodded slowly.
"That's good."
He sighed once more.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"She's getting older," he said. "It's not as easy to have a child anymore. It's still possible, but... it comes with risks. Even so, I still want to have one with her."
I didn't hesitate.
"Then do it," I said. "While she still can. We men don't go through that hardship. She does."
"But I'm worried about you," he said.
"Why?"
"You might feel bad," he explained. "You know those dramas I watch? The original child becomes jealous and rebellious when the parent starts a new family. I'm afraid you might feel that way."
I stared at him.
"Pa," I said calmly, "you know how I think. I'm not like that."
He nodded slowly.
"And the reason why I don't want you to lose Jace as a friend," he said.
I froze.
He continued before I could respond.
"If I become less attentive," he said quietly, "if I focus more on them—which I probably will—I want you to have someone beside you. Someone like Jace. So you won't feel alone."
Silence settled into the room, and suddenly, everything made sense. I understood now—why he kept pushing Jace toward me, why he was so eager, why he didn't want me to cut ties.
It wasn't favoritism.
It was fear.
He was preparing for a future where his attention would be divided.
And he didn't want me standing alone in it.
"I'm used to being alone, Pa. You don't have to worry about me," I said.
The words left my mouth smoothly—too smoothly. Like I had rehearsed them for years.
Pa looked at me in that quiet way of his, the kind that made it feel as though he could see through bone and skin and straight into whatever I kept locked behind my ribs.
"I know," he said gently. "But it's still good to have a friend. Like Jace. He's a wonderful guy. And I think you're already comfortable with him."
Comfortable.
That word felt suspicious.
I gave him a faint smile, the polite kind. The controlled kind.
"And remember this, Onyx, please don't forget..." he continued.
I didn't interrupt. I just held his gaze. His eyes were steady, focused—like he was about to carve something permanent into me.
"Even if I have a new child with her soon," he said carefully, "even if I might not focus on you like I used to, don't ever forget—" He paused, then smiled warmly. "You will always be my boy."
Something tightened in my chest.
My vision blurred slightly, like someone had gently brushed water over glass. I forced myself to inhale slowly. Controlled. Measured. I refused to let anything spill.
So this is how displacement begins. A new system. A new center. And I am no longer it.
I sighed.
"Don't worry about me, Pa. You think too much," I said lightly. "Focus on them this time. You've endured enough. It's time for you to enjoy life again. Like they say, life is short. Do whatever makes you happy." I pointed at him faintly. "Just don't go back to gambling. Please."
He laughed—a real one. The kind that used to echo through the house before debts, shame, and silence moved in.
"I won't ever," he said. "Thank you, Onyx. I thought you wouldn't understand. I thought if I told you this, you'd sulk. Lock yourself in your room. Refuse to talk to me."
"Pa, that's offensive," I said, letting out a small laugh.
"I was just considering the possibility," he replied, smiling. "But at least I know now. I'm thankful I have a son whose maturity is far beyond his age."
"I might be more mature than you," I teased. "Maybe even more than Ma. Are you going to tell her about this?"
"When we have the chance to talk," he said. "We haven't spoken in a while. Has she messaged you lately?"
"No," I answered calmly. "She must be busy with her own life. Let her be. At least she's happy."
I hoped that was true.
A knock suddenly echoed through the house.
"Oh, that must be Jace," Pa said as he stood. "I'll get it."
Pa opened the door, and there he was—Jace grinned brightly.
"Hello, Pa! I have a gift," he said.
My eyes shifted to the two massive boxes beside him.
I frowned.
"Gift?" Pa repeated, confused.
"Onyx won't like this," Jace continued cheerfully, "but he can't say no if you accept it. I bought two air conditioners. One for your room and one for his. It's impossible for me to sleep if it's not cold. So—surprise!" he said, gesturing proudly at the boxes.
I closed my eyes.
I told him not to do things like this.
This Jace.
"Oh! You didn't have to! This is too much," Pa said, flustered.
"You've been great to me, Pa," Jace replied smoothly. "I have to return the kindness. And don't worry—use the air conditioner as much as you like. Don't even think about the electricity bill. I'll handle it."
I slowly shook my head.
How was Pa supposed to refuse that?
But where did he get the money?
Did he fix things with his father? Did he get his credit card back? Or was he just pretending everything was fine again?
I couldn't ask—not in front of Pa. Jace still thought I didn't know anything. But I did.
And I didn't want him burning himself just to look impressive.
I would scold him later.
Privately.
"You know how to install these, Pa?" Jace asked. "I bought split-type units. Easier to install they said."
"Of course I do!" Pa said proudly. "We can do it tonight after dinner. I'll help you."
"Nice," Jace said, then looked at me. "You're helping too, right?"
"No. Not my problem. I didn't ask for this," I replied without looking up from where I sat.
"Onyx..." Pa muttered, eyes widening.
"I don't know how to install air conditioners," I said evenly. "And I have projects to finish. I'll stay here and do my work while you two do yours."
Pa sighed.
"Then we'll do it ourselves," he said to Jace. "You're strong. You can carry these."
"Yeah," Jace said with a grin. "I want to sleep with the air conditioner on tonight."
I exhaled slowly and leaned back a bit, letting their voices fade into the background as they discussed installation plans like it was a simple, ordinary night.
Pa sounded lighter, his voice carrying an ease I had not heard in a long time, while Jace, just beside him, spoke as if he already belonged there—as if this space had adjusted to him without resistance.
I closed my eyes briefly, letting the moment settle.
Systems change. They do not ask for permission; they evolve, expand, and quietly reassign roles until what was once central becomes peripheral—not removed, just repositioned somewhere less essential.
If Pa built a new life, if his attention shifted the way it naturally would, gradually and without malice, then this might be what remained for me—a house that no longer revolved around my presence, a space where I still existed but was no longer necessary to hold it together.
And Jace... unpredictable, excessive, impossible Jace, standing at the center of it as if he had always been meant to occupy that space.
I opened my eyes slowly.
If this was the direction everything was moving toward, then there was only one variable left I needed to understand.
Was he just passing through my life—
or was he becoming part of what would eventually replace it?
End of Chapter 25