"Sometimes, a promise becomes heavier when love finally finds its way back."
*****
(Brayden's POV)
The fact that I now know I have a daughter… somehow makes life feel like it's breathing again.
Something inside me that once died slowly has come back to life — because of Ella.
For the first time in years, I had a reason to breathe — not for profit, not for pride, but for a little girl who had no idea I was her father.
But that spark doesn't make the weight on my shoulders any lighter.
As a CEO, my responsibilities remain the same — endless projects, constant travel, sleepless nights.
Even after discovering the truth about Brianna and my daughter, I still have to move between cities, caught between business and a past I can't let go of.
My main company isn't even based in the city where I met them again.
At first, I only came here for work — but after hearing about Brianna… I knew I couldn't stay still.
I've searched for her for years.
Since the day she disappeared — without a word, without a trace.
Four years after she was gone, I heard her parents had passed away.
But still, there was no sign of her.
Until a month ago.
Until I found her name again — in an article about a charity foundation she founded.
A foundation that was struggling, reaching out for donors.
I didn't hesitate.
I told Tian, my assistant, to submit a donation proposal through one of my company branches.
I didn't want Brianna to know it came from me.
I just wanted to be close — without scaring her, without forcing her.
Apparently, she now lives far away, in a completely different city — even on another island.
I had to take a flight to get there.
But I was thankful — at least she didn't flee abroad.
There was a fear that she might reject the donation once she learned the source.
But she didn't.
Maybe because she no longer cared about me.
Or maybe because she chose to remain professional.
And when I saw her again for the first time… I couldn't look away.
She was different — calmer, stronger — but her eyes… still held the same pain I once left behind.
Time didn't just pass — it carved her.
And standing there, I realized it wasn't just guilt I felt. It was love that never died, quietly waiting behind every heartbeat.
And then I saw her — a little girl in that foundation, with eyes that mirrored mine, and a smile that reminded me of Brianna.
From that moment, everything changed.
I secretly did a DNA test.
And when the results came out, I could barely breathe.
Ella… my daughter.
I am a father.
The words still sound strange — yet so beautiful.
But happiness never lasts long.
After that meeting, I was pulled back into work.
I couldn't see Ella for an entire week.
It felt like something was missing — like the one thing that made me feel alive had been put on hold again.
When business finally ended, I flew back immediately.
This time, I was invited to a charity dinner — hosted by Brianna's restaurant.
I knew it was her foundation's event.
Of course I went — not just as a donor, but as a man who longed to see his daughter again.
Before the event, I prepared a small gift for Ella — a silver bracelet engraved with her name.
Something she could always keep, even without understanding its true meaning — not yet.
But when I gave it to her… I saw the tension in Brianna's eyes.
She didn't like it.
She thought I was trying to take Ella away from her.
Maybe I acted too fast.
But I didn't regret it.
All I wanted was to show a little love — love that had been delayed for years.
I knew this path wouldn't be easy.
But I wasn't planning to give up — not this time.
Tomorrow, I'd see them again.
I'd keep trying — for Brianna.
For Ella.
For the family we should have been.
*****
The next morning, Tian and I left early for the foundation.
Halfway through the drive, I realized Ella was probably still at school.
That's fine, I could wait.
When we arrived at the parking lot, I saw Brianna running out of the building — her face pale with panic.
"Anna?" I called quickly. "What's wrong? Where are you going?"
She barely glanced at me, her voice trembling.
"Move, Brayden! I have to go — Briella fainted at school!"
"What?" My chest tightened instantly. "I'll drive. Get in."
Without thinking, I opened the car door.
She slipped inside — too panicked to argue.
"Which school?" I asked, my voice sharp.
"Rose Elementary," she answered breathlessly.
"Tian, head there. Now."
"Yes, sir."
The entire drive was silent except for Brianna's shaky breaths and the soft clicks of her phone.
She kept checking for updates.
And though she didn't look at me, I could feel her fear — because it was mine, too.
Minutes later, we arrived.
The car hadn't even stopped when she jumped out and ran toward the infirmary.
I followed right behind her.
And there she was — Ella, lying weakly on the bed.
A teacher and a doctor stood beside her.
Brianna rushed forward, pulling her daughter into her arms.
"Sweetheart, are you okay?" her voice trembled.
"I'm fine, Mom," Ella whispered, trying to smile.
I stood by the door, watching them — and my chest burned.
That was a sight I should never have missed.
The doctor said she was only exhausted, lacking sleep — nothing serious.
But for a parent, even that's enough to break your world.
When Brianna finally helped Ella stand, I was about to step back — until a soft voice stopped me.
"Uncle Ray?"
I froze.
No title had ever meant so much, yet hurt so deeply.
Ella was looking straight at me — her eyes bright, gentle, full of relief.
I moved closer and pulled her into my arms.
Her tiny body was light, but her hug… heavy enough to heal something inside me.
"Are you okay, sweetheart?" I asked, my voice rough.
She nodded. "I'm fine, Uncle Ray. Just a little dizzy."
I smiled faintly and patted her head. "Don't scare me like that again, okay?"
Brianna stayed silent, watching us — but in her eyes, I saw something familiar.
A softness I thought I'd lost forever.
After a moment, Ella pulled away and raised her wrist.
"Look! I'm still wearing the bracelet you gave me!" she said proudly.
I couldn't help smiling. "Good. You should always keep it with you."
"Did you know I fainted? Is that why you came?" she asked innocently.
Before I could answer, Brianna cut in, gently.
"No, sweetheart. Mommy just ran into Uncle Ray at the foundation. He gave us a ride here."
Ella nodded. "Oh… I see."
I smiled faintly, hiding the ache in my chest.
As we walked out together, Ella held her mother's hand — small fingers clutching tight.
And as I followed behind them, watching that simple gesture… I knew one thing for sure:
I wasn't going to let them slip away again.
In my heart, I made a silent vow. I followed them, each step heavy with both regret and hope.
Maybe I couldn't rewrite the past — but I could choose what to do with the years I had left.
I would make them happy.
I would give Briella the home she deserved — not just a house, but a family built on love.
Love that I should have never let go of.