Ex-Husband's Regret

Gabe.

I sped away from my apartment building with no idea where the hell I was going. I just knew that I needed to be away from them. I needed the distance. I needed to think and pull myself together. I can't do that when I'm around both of them.

My mind is racing. I can barely think straight, and it's been driving me crazy the entire time.

When I found out about Lilly, I didn't really think much about her being my kid. She was just another being that existed. Just a stranger that was related to me. Seeing her and interacting with her brought home the fact that she indeed was my kid.

Her eyes were a dead giveaway, but her mannerism surprised me even more. I thought that I wouldn't be able to find someone so similar to me and my brother, but I was dead wrong. Lilly reminded me so much of myself that it was uncanny. I couldn't fucking believe it.

Harper tried to sush her so many times, but Lilly is a Wood through and through. She had to learn that there was just no way you could shut us up. If we want to say what's on our mind, we damn well will, everybody be damned.

"Siri, call Rowan," I said into the space.

"Calling Rowan," the handset replied.

I need my brother right now. Maybe he could shed some light on what I was supposed to do. I was out of my element here, and it was scaring the crap out of me.

I'm usually one to think things through, but with this one, I didn't. I admit that I was fucking desperate when I went looking for Harper and Lilly. I was focused on saving what I'd worked for all these years. Not once did I consider what it would be like once I got them here with me.

Harper I could deal with. I've done it before. I know how to control her, even if something deep inside me tells me that she isn't the same girl she used to be. Lilly, on the other hand, is different. I had no idea what to do with her or how to handle her.

"Yeah?" came Rowan's rough voice through the speaker.

"Can we meet up?"

I knew he was home. He and Ava had come back from their honeymoon a week ago. I know that I'll have to tell him the truth, but I don't mind. He's my twin, and I trust him with my life. "Where and when?" he asked.

That's the thing about having a twin brother. They can sense when you need them and when you're not okay. They will be there for you, no questions asked.

"Meet me at Havana, I'm heading there right now," I answered. "I'm about twenty minutes away."

"I'll be there in a few."

The call ends and I focus on driving.

Shit! This was much harder than I'd anticipated. My mind goes back to how she asked her questions confidently. How she knew prices of things children her age didn't. Even the way she spoke and how she carried herself were similar. She was a mini-me and that scared me.

I was planning to just marry Harper and then live separately from them. I didn't consider Lilly. Honestly, I didn't think about anyone but my fucking self. Now, though, I know Harper won't let me off the hook. She loves Lilly, and she won't let anyone hurt her, not even me.

Lilly, on the other hand, won't allow herself to be ignored or pushed aside. She'll demand more from me, especially when she finds out that I'm her father.

Mindlessly, I got to the exclusive club and parked my car in the reserved parking area. This is one of the many clubs I own.

Getting out, I ignore the countless groupies who call me, trying to get free entry into the club. My bodyguards slightly bowed to me before allowing me to pass through.

I immediately head to the VIP section and as soon as I am seated, a waiter comes rushing to take my order.

"Mr. Wood, what can I get you?" His voice was shaky as he asked.

I stared at him and realize that he was new. That explained why he was nervous. He looked like he would pee on himself.

"Whiskey, neat"

After nodding, he leaves, seeming relieved to be away from me.

Most people say that Rowan and I are intimidating. It bothers most of them when we are around, but I love it. I revel in watching people get nervous around me. It feeds something inside me to watch their knees buckle and their voices stutter.Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

My mind goes to my daughter again. I can clearly see her being like us one day. The same thing applied to Noah. Something like pride swells inside me, but I push it down. Like I said, I didn't plan on having anything to do with her. Let's be honest, biologically, she was mine, but I wasn't her dad. Liam, Harper's dead husband, was.

"Okay, I'm here..." Rowan's voice pulls me away from my thoughts.

I looked up to find him staring down at me. He was dressed casually. Something that has become normal since he and Ava fixed things. He was also more relaxed.

Motioning to the seat, I asked him to take a seat.

"I'm seated. Now, tell me what's bothering you."

Taking a deep breath, I decide to just say it. You know, rip it off like a motherfucking band aid

"I have a daughter."

Emotions quickly play on his face before he finally shuts them down and an emotionless mask takes over.

"Tell me every fucking thing."