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-"

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

getting back together with him? Is that why you're here with him

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

thought she had buried a long time ago. He managed to crack the icy walls that she had built around her heart, melting the defences she had put up to protect herself

She sighed and replied, "It's not like that, Jason. Ryan just wanted to spend time with the kids and since he's injured, I tagged along to make it easier for him.

he asked, "So, are you going to make up with him

only you, Lora... no one else,"

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

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 and put

of any words, her heart pounding rapidly in her chest as guilt and confusion crept

the restaurant, Ella looked up at Ryan, and said, "Daddy, I think Mommy and Uncle Jason

in

was his strength, his heart and his soul and he was determined

food, Ella. Mommy and Uncle Jason

Mommy is so angry... do you know what that means?" Ella