To ruin an Omega novel Chapter 471

Chapter 471: Haven 2

FIA

"Even Hazel is here," he said, mentioning her name as if it should matter to me. Like that alone should be enough to make me drop everything and come running. "She’s an Omega now, and she still showed up."

The words hit like a slap. I closed my eyes and counted to three before I trusted myself to speak.

"Isabel is not my mother." Each word came out measured and as controlled as I could muster. "She has never acted like one my whole life. Isabel is Hazel’s mother, so of course Hazel showed up for her."

I drew a breath that burned in my chest.

"If I don’t forget, you also fucking disowned me because I didn’t let Hazel get away with her bullshit." The fury I’d tamped down rose hot and bitter in my throat. "Am I your daughter again?"

Silence stretched between us. Long enough that I wondered if he’d hung up.

"You know I didn’t mean it." His voice had dropped quieter. Something that might have passed for regret in another man. "I was mad at you. For not sacrificing."

The word sacrifice hung in the air like rot. I bit back the worst retort, clawing its way up my throat, and forced myself to speak evenly.

"No." My voice shook despite my best efforts. "That was not a sacrifice. Because you would have never let me get away with it if the positions were swapped."

Another pause came. It was longer this time.

"I know." The admission came rough and halting. "I know. But... I’ve had time to reflect, and I know you’re not lying."

I waited. My knuckles had gone white where they gripped the counter.

"I did dread calling you," he continued, "because I know I don’t deserve it."

My chest tightened. I wanted to hang up. To throw the phone into the tub and watch it sink. But something kept me rooted in place, listening to the man who’d partially raised me stumble through an apology he should have made years ago.

"The Isabel topic was just an icebreaker," he added.

"Yeah." The word came out flat. "It was a hell of an icebreaker. Really laid the groundwork for an easier conversation."

"I’m sorry."

Two words. Two simple words that still managed to be worthless because it came without action behind them.

"It’s just that... today, I’ve been thinking." His voice wavered in a way I’d never heard before. "Heat season is close, and I was at your mother’s grave. Perhaps I was a bit harsh with you. Hazel did trick you. Yet I stood by her. I never afforded you grace, and I just don’t know why. Because I loved—"

"No." I cut him off before he could finish. The lie would have choked me if I’d let him speak it. "No, you did not love me or her. So forget that."

My throat constricted. The truth tasted bitter, but it needed to be said.

"You tolerated me. And you tolerated her. Because I was your daughter and she was your mate. You were still ashamed of us, however. Two Omegas who made life difficult for you." I laughed, sharp and humorless. "You had your white picket fence family you could show to the world, no matter how small you really were with that pride."

"I don’t want to fight you, Fia." His voice carried a weariness that sounded genuine. "I do want to make amends. Your sister helped me today to really put myself out there, and I don’t regret it. I don’t regret this call. I know you’re simmering in rage right now. But give your old man a chance."

I pressed my forehead against the cool mirror above the sink. My reflection stared back, my eyes had turned dark and hollow.

"Hazel wants this to work," he continued. "I do as well. I’m sure Isabel does too. She’s just grieving heavy right now."

The pieces clicked together. I straightened, pulling away from the mirror.

"So Hazel was the catalyst for this call."

"I know that will make you mad." He spoke quickly, like he could outrun my anger if he just kept talking. "But she’s been with Lily of the Valley, and she’s fallen from that high horse of hers. She’s not the same person anymore." 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

I stared at my reflection. At the woman who’d learned to survive without a father’s love. Who’d built herself into something strong enough to stand alone.

"Amends." I let the word sit between us. "That’s what you want? For us to love and forgive each other?"

"Yes."

The answer came immediate and fervent.

"Okay." I straightened my spine and lifted my chin. "Hazel has paid, so I can let go and forgive her."

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