Seven’s earnest declarations lingered in the air, each syllable heavy with emotion as he bared his soul. The room fell silent, absorbing what he said, unsure of what lay beyond.

  Sana stared at him, a warmth blossoming in her chest. She mulled over his words; the depth of his commitment to their relationship touched her deeply.

  He just found his biological family, yet he’s willing to risk losing them for the promises he made to Mom and Dad? What a dilemma!

  Across the den, witnessing his steadfastness, the Shahis exchanged glances, each holding a blend of admiration and respect for him as they acknowledged the magnitude of the choice he was willing to make.

  Katherine, sitting quietly beside Kimi, balled her hands into fists. She resolved to be Seven’s anchor. Brother, you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. No matter what, you’ll always have me as your kin.

  Leona’s breath caught, torn between her joy at finding her son and the pain of his plight. But, regardless of her father-in-law’s decision, she was determined to foster their mother-son bond—she had already accepted all the conditions he had laid out.

  Alain, however, was visibly conflicted, his earlier mirth clouded by a whirlwind of contradictory emotions. After a long, contemplative pause, his expression softened, a sign of having made his decision.

  “Seven... kiddo... nothing is more important than you. Katherine’s parents raised you well, and I’m proud of you for sticking to your convictions.”

  Sadra’s gaze shifted between Alain and Seven. Though he appreciated Alain’s generosity and Seven’s unwavering dedication, he fully grasped the weight of the latter’s predicament. He would not have wished it on anybody, especially not on his daughter’s savior and their benefactor. “Mr. Fortier,” he began, his tone measured, “I’m awed by your magnanimity—”

  “Sadra, please, call me Alain. Mr. Fortier sounds far too distant. After all, we’ll be in-laws soon enough,” Alain interrupted him, eyes crinkling with amusement.

  Sadra inclined his head, his timbre rich with emotion. “Alain, in light of Seven’s newfound identity, it’s only right that we release him from the promises he previously made to us.”

  Seven’s jaw slacked, his usual composure momentarily faltering. Before he could respond, Alain, who had already assumed his role as Seven’s grandfather, stepped in.

  “That’s exceedingly generous of you, Sadra. Perhaps a compromise would be more suitable?”

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  Sadra leaned forward, pensive. “Traditionally, my parents would alternate living with my brother and me throughout the year, but we’d host everyone during major holidays. While we wouldn’t impose such expectations on the younger generation, it would be wonderful to maintain these bonds through occasional visits.”

  Alain’s features lit up with excitement. “That’s a wonderful custom, Sadra. I wonder if our family could join yours for those special occasions.”

  Sadra’s laughter rumbled heartily. “Of course! The more, the merrier.”

  A spark of inspiration flickered in Alain’s gaze. He straightened, his fingers tapping against the armrest as if working through an idea.

  “Speaking of,” he started, “while flying in, I spotted several riverfront parcels near your home. Perfect locations. I’ll have my assistant look into acquiring them; imagine shared gathering spaces, linkways between our properties. With only a son and grandson, relocating closer to you would make daily gatherings a breeze.”

  Sadra and Ami were stunned. Seven, equally bewildered, intervened. “Grandpa, you’re jumping the gun here. I’m not even qualified to marry Sana yet.”

  Sadra’s brows knitted together. “Seven, you’ve long earned your place in this family. If not for you, we would have been devastated, not to mention that you also saved Sana five years ago. After all you’ve done for her, it is she who isn’t qualified to marry you.”

  Sana, startled by her father’s remark, pushed herself up from the wheelchair and hobbled to his side. Settling beside him, she wrapped her uninjured arm around his waist in a side embrace. “Sweets, D-Daddy said I’m not qualified to marry you!” she huffed, trembling with anxiety.

  Seven’s jaw clenched. He encircled his arm around her shoulder and coaxed, “What are you talking about? Your health and happiness are all that matter to me. Nothing else. You hear?”

  Turning to Sadra, he mused, “Uncle Sadra, I’ve yet to resolve my military infraction. What if I’m incarcerated? You wouldn’t let Sana marry someone with such a stain, would you?”

  Sadra shook his head and said, “If you were to be so, isn’t it because of saving Sana? We can never write off this debt, no matter what.”

  He exhaled slowly and added, “I know her character well. She’s persistent to a fault… unless you reject her…”

  Seven inclined his head. “Even if I’m cleared, I’d need time to establish a corporate career and save for her dowry. I need time to catch up to Sana.”

  Sadra frowned. “There’s no need for dowry and whatnot. She’ll never lack material things. Her mother and I will be at ease if she has your love and care. Her hand is yours as long as you want it.”

  Despite Sadra’s reassurance, Seven’s inner turmoil remained. “I can’t help but worry about Talon Cloche. If I’m imprisoned, I won’t be able to protect her. How—”

  Sana cut him off, resolute. “Have faith, Sweets! Things will work out. God can’t be so cruel. No matter what happens, I’ll face it all with you.”

  Seven’s gaze softened. “Can I hold you to that?”

  Sana’s eyes curved into crescents as she finally smiled. “Of course.”

  The tension between them eased. Alain, suddenly picking up on a detail Sadra had mentioned earlier, turned to his grandson. “Kiddo, you saved Sana five years ago?”

  Seven nodded and briefly talked about their first encounter. Leona couldn’t help but ask, “And you still recognized each other years later?”

  “I have a photographic memory,” he reminded.

  With a smirk, Sana chimed in, “I could never forget the face of the man who saved me. He’s the most handsome man I’ve ever met.”

  The shell of Seven’s ears reddened, and the lighthearted banter continued, momentarily dispelling the weight of the day’s revelations.