Page 160 of Rose
“That’s a love I never thought I’d have,” he finished, “and it’s one you never believed I deserved.”
He turned to Ahzii. “Let’s go, Allure.”
She nodded, wrapping her hand in his.
Before they left, she turned toward the table—face calm, voice gentle but firm.
“It was great meeting you, Mr. Carter,” she said, nodding at Saint. “It was good seeing and meeting the rest of you. And I hope to see you at my art show.”
Her eyes flicked to Selene—who was now quietly sobbing, broken and exposed.
“Despite what happened tonight,everyoneis invited.”
With that, Savior and Ahzii walked out of the house without looking back.
“Sav!”
Saint’s voice boomed behind them just as Savior reached for the car door. He paused, jaw tight, his eyes still burning with the rage left behind, but Ahzii’s hand in his was enough to keep him grounded.
Savior turned around slowly.
Saint stood beneath the porch light, the weight of guilt etched across his face. His voice was steadier this time, but heavy with something rare—regret.
“Look,” he began, “I apologize for what happened tonight... and for every fucked up thing I did to you growing up.”
Savior’s breath caught in his throat.
“I wasn’t a father to you. Not the way I should’ve been. And I regret that shit every single day. This dinner tonight? It was supposed to be my chance to say all that, but your mother had... other plans.”
Saint let out a slow breath. “I know words alone don’t fix what I broke. But Iamsorry. And Idolove you, son. I just had a fucked-up way of showing it.”
Savior stood frozen.
For thirty-three years, all he’d ever wanted was this—acknowledgement. Justoneact of love. One moment where he didn’t have to fight to be seen.
And now, hearing his father own the truth?
It cracked something wide open inside him.
“Please,” Saint whispered, voice shaking now. “Pleaseforgive me.”
Savior didn’t speak.
Instead, he stepped forward, and pulled his father into a tight hug.
Tears fell freely, soaking into Saint’s shirt.
“I love you, son,” Saint murmured, clutching him.
“I love you too, Pop,” Savior choked out, burying his face into the shoulder of the man he once feared… now finallyfelt.
When they pulled apart, Savior’s eyes were rimmed red but lighter than before.
Saint turned to Ahzii, who had quiet tears in her eyes but a proud smile on her lips.
“It was really good meeting you, Ahzii,” he said, voice sincere. “I’m sorry for how my wife treated you. I hope it doesn’t change the way you feel about my son.”
She shook her head gently, still holding Savior’s hand.
