Chapter 1751
“Let the future worry about itself,” Tarquin advised. “Just confess your feelings to her. Trust me on this. Go tell her you love her p>
If Keaton laid his heart on the line, regardless of whether Winona returned those feelings, she would undoubtedly confess the truth about the baby. It was ridiculous for him to be kept in the dark any longer. If Keaton was willing to claim another man’s child, he certainly wouldn’t let Winona get an abortion once he realized the baby was his own flesh and blood.
But Keaton balked. After a painfully long pause, he finally choked out, “I’m terrified p>
Tarquin didn’t laugh. His tone remained perfectly serious. “Being terrified just proves your feelings are genuine. How do you not understand that p>
Keaton sighed. “It’s not that I don’t understand it. I’m just afraid this is all a passing obsession p>
Before Tarquin could reply, Keaton rushed on. “Let’s just leave it at this for now. Let me secure my spot as the kid’s dad before we worry about anything else. Go talk to Elysia and make sure she puts in a good word for me with Winona p>
Tarquin sighed as the call ended.
A little while later, Elysia hung up with Winona and immediately turned to Tarquin. “Did you hear what Keaton did today p>
“You mean offering to play dad to Winona’s baby p>
Elysia nodded enthusiastically, her face painted with disbelief. “I truly never expected him to go to such lengths. He really has fallen completely in love with her p>
“What did Winona say?” Tarquin asked. “Is she still keeping the truth from him p>
Elysia hesitated. “She hasn’t told him yet. She was too shell-shocked. She said she’d find him later to talk things over p>
“Today p>
“Probably. But definitely not right now. Keaton was up all night, and Winona doesn’t want to disturb him. She wants to let him catch up on his sleep first.” Elysia tilted her hea looking at Tarquin with blatant curiosity. “If Keaton is so head-over-heels, why hasn’t he confessed to her yet p>
UM
“He’s afraid his feelings are just a fleeting phase,” Tarquin explained. “He’s terrified
of falling out of love later and hurting her p>
Elysia sighed heavily. “I worry about that, too. Is he a reformed player, or is this just
a three-minute passion? If he’s truly changed his ways, I’ll pray they end up together. But if this is just a temporary fixation, it’s better if he stays away p>
Tarquin shook his head. “Keaton is actually a very rational person. The fact that he’s losing control like this proves his love for Winona is real And if he’s worried about hurting her, doesn’t that show how much he cares? This isn’t a passing phase. He’s genuinely invested. He’ completely wrapped around Winona’s finger now. He’s already surrendered his heart to her p>
Elysia narrowed her eyes playfully. “Are you really that certain p>
“I speak from experience,” Tarquin said smoothly.
Elysia stared at him for a few seconds before offering a conceding nod. “If Keaton really is that madly in love with her, I’m more than happy to be his wingwoman.” After all, they already shared a child. If they ended up together, it would be the perfect happy ending.
“I’m still curious though,” Elysia mused. “Even with him treading so carefully, didn’t Shane give him any sense of crisis? If it were me, I would’ve confessed by now just in case a real rival showed up to steal her away! It’s always better to strike first p>
Tarquin’s eyes narrowed slightly. It was a valid point. However, when it came to matters of the heart, the perspective of an outsider was
vastly different from the pers net
trapped in the emotional crossfire. Outsiders leaned toward logic, while those involved were drowning in emotion. If anyone else found themselves in Keaton’s exact
position, they’d likely be just as cautious and terrified of confession.
After a bit more conversation, Elysia left to visit Winona at the Newsom estate. Tarquin headed to the office. He knew Keaton’s mind was a chaotic mess, but the man had been awake all night and desperately needed sleep. He planned to check on him that afternoon.
However, nobody could have predicted the sudden curveball that afternoon would bring.