[BL] CRAVING HIM: Addicted to His Voice-Chapter 367: Where Forgiveness Begins

~Zayn’s POV~

"We grew from our broken pieces into something stronger, something real... something worth holding onto. The world should see that, see how far love can take two people who refuse to give up on each other."

I told him he had my blessing to plan whatever he dreamed of. While he worked on the grand event, my father was finally cleared for discharge. For the first time in two decades, Liana and I stepped foot inside our father’s mansion.

The house was breathtakingly beautiful, but as we walked through the silent, vaulted halls, I realized how empty it felt. It looked lonely, a reflection of the man who had lived there in isolation for so long.

After we finally settled him into his bedroom, I couldn’t keep the silence anymore. I looked around the pristine, cold space and asked, "Dad, you mentioned your pets and your life here... but why is it so empty? Where is everyone? What about your wi—"

"I’ve been staying alone for a long time, Zayn," he interrupted softly, leaning back against his pillows. "And my dogs... I had my assistant take them to a caretaker when I was admitted. I didn’t want them in an empty house."

I nodded slowly, trying to process the quiet life he had been leading. "Okay. Well, let me head to the kitchen and prepare something light for you to eat."

"Zayn, wait," he said, gesturing to the chair beside the bed. "Sit down first. I want to speak with you."

Outside, I could hear Liana moving around, humming to herself as she tried to bring some life back into the dusty rooms. I sat down, and for a moment, the only sound was the ticking of a clock on the mantle.

"Firstly," he began, his voice heavy with emotion, each word seeming to cost him effort, "son... thank you for staying." He paused, swallowing hard, his eyes glistening. "And I need to say... I am so, so sorry." His hands trembled as he looked down at them, unable to meet my gaze. "I’m sorry for the years of pain I caused you... for the times I abandoned you... for the father I failed to be." A shudder ran through him. "I wanted to come to you so many times before... before I got sick. I wanted to apologize, to make it right, but I never... I never dared to face you, Liana... or your mother."

He lifted his gaze to me, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I regret everything, Zayn... every mistake, every moment I failed her. I need to ask for her forgiveness. I just... I need her to know how truly sorry I am."

I took a deep breath. "I can’t promise you anything regarding Mom," I said honestly. "That is between you and her. But as for me... I’ve already forgiven you. That’s why I’m here. And honestly, Evric... he helped me understand a lot. He showed me that clinging to anger was only weighing me down. I listened, and I chose to let it go."

My father smiled weakly. "That reminds me of Evric. I still find it hard to believe someone of his stature would be so devoted, so humble. He truly loves you, Zayn. To leave his work, his empire, just to sit in a hospital hallway with you... I’m so glad you chose him."

I looked at him tentatively. "You really don’t mind? That I’m with a man and not a woman?"

"What does that change?" he asked, his voice firming. "Love isn’t about gender; it’s about the heart. Evric has proven to me in a dozen ways that he is the right one for you. He is your anchor."

"Thankfully, you already explained everything about Liam when I kept asking at the hospital, how you came to be with Evric, and how Liam fits into your life. And after hearing it all, it only makes it even clearer how much Evric truly deserves you."

I looked at him, my voice steady but filled with feeling. "He doesn’t just deserve me... we deserve each other."

A soft smile spread across his face, and I could see the warmth in his eyes.

He took my hand gently, his grip firm but warm. "Listen carefully, son," he began, his voice steady with conviction. "If there’s one lesson life has taught me, it’s this: never let pride or the illusion that someone ’better’ is out there come between you and the people who truly love you. Never place work, ambition, or ambition’s illusions above those who care for you. Without respect, patience, and commitment on both sides, even the grandest achievements are nothing but gilded cages. Hold onto the love you’ve chosen. Cherish it, nurture it, protect it. Speak your heart, every day, and never let a night pass with words left unspoken."

I listened to every word, feeling the weight of his experience settle into my mind. "I understand, Dad. I’ll take your advice to heart. I won’t make those mistakes."

"Thank you, son," he murmured, looking genuinely relieved.

Just then, a light knock sounded on the door, and Liana stepped inside, her face brightened by the chores she’d been doing. "Everything okay in here?"

"Everything is fine," I said, standing up and giving my father’s hand one last squeeze. "I’ll go get started on that food now."

On our way from the hospital, I had stopped for a massive grocery haul, stocking the barren pantry with fresh ingredients. I spent an hour in the kitchen, the aroma of a home-cooked meal slowly filling the quiet mansion. When the three of us finally sat down to eat as a family, it felt surreal. My father even managed to crack a few jokes, but every time his chest heaved with laughter, I’d cut him off.

"Dad, stop! Don’t laugh so hard," I warned, pointing my fork at him. "You’re going to pop a stitch. Behave until you’re fully healed."

He raised his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay... I’m behaving."

Once dinner was over and night had settled over the house, I helped my father into bed. After making sure he was comfortable, I retreated to one of the spacious guest rooms. I was halfway through undressing, ready to wash away the day’s fatigue, when my phone buzzed with a video call from Evric.

I picked up immediately. Evric was already in bed, looking handsome but incredibly drained. "Hi, love," he murmured, his voice thick with exhaustion.

"Hey, baby. You look wiped out," I said, leaning the phone against the mirror. "What’s wrong?"

"Just tired," he sighed, rubbing his eyes. "I had a mountain of work to clear today, and I spent the rest of the evening finalizing the invitations. Karl and James helped, but it was still a lot. I wanted to make sure they were perfect."

"I’m sorry, baby. You’re working too hard."

"It’s worth it," he smiled tiredly. "I already sent the invites for your friends through Evans. He’ll get them to Nantam, and Nantam will handle the rest of the group."

"Well done, my husband-to-be," I said softly.

The moment the words left my lips, Evric actually blushed, his hand flying up to cover his face from the camera. I couldn’t help but grin, watching the powerful Draeven Evric turn shy just from a simple title.

"Stop," he muttered behind his hand, still smiling. "By the way, my father asked that you come see him as soon as you get back."

My smile faltered slightly. "Is everything okay?"

"Yes, he’s fine. He probably just wants you to come over so you can discuss your part of the wedding gift. Aside from what I’m already giving you, he wants to give you something personal, just for you."

I shook my head. "What could I possibly need? I don’t need anything more, Evric."

"I knew you’d say that," Evric chuckled. "But don’t worry. I’m going to help you write a list worth billions, not millions. He has the money, let him give it to you."

"Babe! Billions? That’s way too much."

"No, it isn’t," Evric said, his tone turning serious but playful. "Collect it. You’re worth it. Think of everything he put you through, this is the least he can do. It’s not much at all compared to you."

"Babe... I’m not doing that." 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

"You will," Evric insisted. "Just collect it all for me. I want to be richer than my father, so think of it as a contribution to my empire."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Are you seriously using me for business now?"

"Absolutely," he said without hesitation. "If that’s how you want to see it, babe."

I raised an eyebrow. "We’re really doing this?"

"We’d be crazy not to," he replied lightly. "This is real business. And don’t worry—I’ll take very good care of you."

I scoffed, pointing at him. "No, I am not doing that with you."

He only smiled wider. "You will, baby. We’re going to be richer together."

I laughed. "Then go and collect it yourself!"

"Babe, please," he said...