Chapter 210: A Family Secret
Seeing Caspian’s anxiety, Alaric couldn’t help but chuckle, a gleam of amusement in his eyes. But Caspian only grew more nervous, unsure of Alaric’s intentions.
“Caspian, didn’t you always say you liked Galatea?” Alaric teased, his voice light and playful. “You wanted her to be your mommy, right?”
Caspian nodded hesitantly. “Yes.”
Alaric leaned in closer, still grinning. “Then, as your daddy, it’s my job to make that wish come true. From now on, you’ll stay by Galatea’s side as her son—Harry, forever. Isn’t that what you wanted?”
Caspian’s stomach twisted in confusion. He hadn’t expected Alaric to take it so literally. Alaric had already made it clear that he and Galatea were planning to marry. The idea of the two children, Harry and Elisa, growing up together was already a given. But this? This seemed to be crossing a line.
Alaric didn’t seem to care much about who was truly who. If Caspian wanted to be Harry, let him. It didn’t matter to Alaric.
But Caspian, feeling more and more panicked, looked at Alaric in disbelief. “Daddy, you want me to be Harry… forever?”
Alaric responded with a shrug, “Yes. Don’t you want that?”
Caspian’s mind raced. Was Alaric really serious?
“Daddy, please don’t joke with me like this,” Caspian said, his voice breaking. “If you’re mad at me, then scold me. I know I was wrong, but don’t—don’t make me be Harry.” His apology was sincere, though his confusion was evident.
Alaric’s face softened, his teasing tone taking on a more serious edge. “I’m not mad, Caspian. I find this quite amusing. You and Harry look so alike. Imagine swapping identities—it would be fun, wouldn’t it?”
Caspian’s eyes widened. Was this really something Alaric would say? It didn’t feel like him at all. Alaric wasn’t the kind of person to make light of something so important.
Alaric continued, “From today on, you’re Galatea’s biological son, and Harry will be mine. Everyone wins.”
Caspian’s heart sank. Was Alaric really abandoning him? Was he angry that he’d kept this secret all these years? Had this all been a joke?
Alaric couldn’t keep the grin off his face any longer. Seeing Caspian’s turmoil was both amusing and a little pitiful. But Alaric couldn’t help but enjoy the moment. He had been under so much stress lately that seeing Galatea and Caspian’s reactions helped lift his spirits.
Before Caspian could say anything, Galatea returned with Elisa, and he quickly swallowed his words, continuing to eat in silence.
Although Alaric was teasing, he was also aware that Caspian was a child, and children could easily get confused and overthink things. He didn’t want to cause any distress, even if he was trying to lighten the mood.
Leaning over to Caspian, Alaric spoke softly, “Caspian, you’ll always be Daddy’s good boy. I will never abandon you, you know that?”
Dinner passed in relative quiet after that, and afterward, the group headed to the amusement park. Galatea and Elisa went off to enjoy the rides, while Alaric pulled Caspian aside for a more private conversation.
Alaric’s tone grew more mysterious as he whispered, “I need to tell you something important, Caspian.”
Caspian, still a little confused by their earlier conversation, looked at Alaric expectantly.
“I said you don’t need to recognize Galatea as your mommy or Elisa as your sister,” Alaric began, his voice low. “Because Galatea is actually your biological mother, and Elisa is your biological sister.”
Caspian’s eyes widened in shock. “How is that possible? Mommy is my biological mother? I’m triplets with Harry and Elisa?”
Alaric nodded, a faint smile playing at his lips. “Yes, but it’s a long story. I’ll explain more when you’re older. But this is true, and you don’t need to doubt it.”
Caspian was overjoyed. All his life, he’d felt like something was missing, that he was alone in the world. Now, to learn that he was truly a triplet with Harry and Elisa? It was overwhelming, but in the best way. The thought of growing up with them, no longer feeling so isolated, made his heart swell with happiness.
Alaric continued, “But right now, Galatea and Elisa don’t know this yet. We need to keep it a secret for now. You know how your grandmother can be. We need to work together to surprise them later, okay?”
Caspian nodded eagerly, his face brightening. “Okay! I’ll protect Mommy and Elisa. I won’t tell anyone.”
Alaric smiled, pleased by his son’s enthusiasm. “Good. It’s a deal.”
The night went on, and although they’d spent little time together recently, the evening’s excitement lifted their spirits. Caspian was overjoyed, while Galatea noticed Harry’s sudden change in mood.
“What’s up with Harry? He was so down earlier, but now he’s so happy?” she asked, puzzled by the shift.
Alaric chuckled. “Kids get upset quickly but also get over it quickly.”
Galatea nodded, understanding. “That’s true.”
“Alright, let’s take them home,” Alaric said, smiling. “I can only stay at your place for tonight.”
Before Galatea could respond, Elisa suddenly piped up, “I agree! I want to sleep with Daddy!”
Galatea rolled her eyes playfully. “You’re too old for that. You should sleep by yourself.”
But Elisa immediately pouted, clearly unhappy with the suggestion.
After a long day of play, everyone was exhausted. By the time they arrived home, Caspian and Elisa had already fallen asleep. Alaric, tired but content, climbed into bed and held Galatea close.
However, far from the warmth and joy of their home, Cormac was spending the night in agony. His world had just crumbled, and from that moment on, his life would never be the same.