Her Return, His Regret by Natie

Lora's eyes widened, taken aback by Jason's bold words. How could he say that so easily in front of the kids?

Sure enough, Ella looked between Lora and Jason before asking, "Is it true Mommy? Will we really have a stepfather? But I don't want a stepfather! I want my real father!"

Ryan clenched his jaw, seeing his daughter cry made his heartbreak. He picked her up from her seat and placed her on his lap before soothingly saying, "You're not going to have a stepfather... I'm your one and only father."

He glared at Jason and questioned, "What is wrong with you? How can you say that in front of the kids?"

"I'm just saying the inevitable... after all, Lora and I will get married in the future-"

"Jay, a word?" Lora said in a low voice.

Jason saw that Lora was angry. He smiled at her and replied, "Sure."

When they left the restaurant, Lora looked at Jason, anger flitting through her eyes. "How could you say that in front of the kids without discussing it with me first?"

"I don't think there's anything bad with what I said... we are a couple and we will get married soon. And that would make me the twins' stepfather... why are you so angry, were you just dating me casually with no thoughts of marriage in mind?" Jason's jaw was clenched, his stomach knotting with nerves at the thought of losing Lora. When he received another report about the 'family' outing, he couldn't just sit back and watch Lora slowly go back into Ryan's arms. Thus, he followed them to the restaurant and pretended to bump into them coincidentally.

Lora's heart twisted with guilt when she saw Jason's hurt expression. She did give Jason a chance but she couldn't give him her heart.

"Jay, I-"

"Are you really over him? Am I just someone who was there to fill the

he looked into Lora's eyes and continued, "Are you getting back together with

in her chest as conflicted emotions flared through her. Jason had been a good friend to her... he was kind to her and he treated her very well.

buried a long time ago. He managed to crack the icy walls that she had built around her

She sighed and replied, "It's not like that, Jason. Ryan just wanted to spend time with the kids and since he's injured,

hair before he asked, "So, are you

you like a second option. I've loved only you, Lora... no one else," Jason remarked desperately. "I heard about your story... how Ryan chose to save Ivy and left you to die in the warehouse. Don't tell me you're going to return to

hissed, anger flaring through her at the reminder of the past. "I've already explained why I'm having breakfast with Ryan and the

perhaps you should figure out what you really want instead of giving me half of you... I suggest we go on a break but I want you to think about who's really genuine... a man who chose another woman instead of you or a man who has always been there for you

was left bereft of any words, her heart pounding rapidly in her chest as guilt and

other hand, inside the restaurant, Ella looked up at Ryan, and

his eyebrows, jealousy searing through him. The way Jason came in like

would ever give up Lora for anyone; she was his strength, his heart

remarked, "Finish your food, Ella. Mommy and Uncle

know what that means?" Ella