Sexting My Ex’s Dad (Forbidden Silver Foxes)

62. Elio

62

ELIO

I sit at my desk, the dim glow of the lamp casting shadows over the scattered reports that seem like a mountain before me. It feels like no matter how much work I do; I’m constantly drowning. I haven’t been proficient in work in about a year – since she left.

The sound of the door opening startles me. I glance up, surprised to see Owen standing in the doorway. There’s a tension in his posture, hands clenched at his sides, and his jaw is tight – a clear sign that something is not right.

Things between us haven’t been smooth sailing, but they’ve been better ever since I let go of Stella; not that it matters. The two of them aren’t together anyways.

“Owen,” I say, trying to sound nonchalant. “What a surprise.”

“Surprise? Really, Dad?” He steps into the room. “We need to talk about Stella.”

“Stella?” I feign confusion, even though I’d been thinking about her just moments before. “I don’t see what there is to discuss.”

“Come on, Dad. You’re still in love with her, aren’t you?”

“Even if I am,” I snap. “What does it matter? We’re through. You made sure of that.”

“Maybe I was wrong,” he suggests with a simple shrug of his shoulders. “Maybe I made the wrong call because I wanted her to be with me.” I watch Owen’s stride as he crosses the room.

“Owen? What are you talking about? What changed?” I ask, confused by his sudden shift in perspective. My son has never been one to admit his mistakes easily, and this change of heart seems unexpected.

“I’ve met someone, Dad,” he admits in a quiet voice. “And she’s made me see things differently. She helped me understand what love is really about – I don’t have with Stella what you did.”

My eyebrows shoot up in surprise as I process this information. I never imagined Owen would be the one to give me relationship advice, especially considering his tumultuous history with Stella. But as I study his face, I can tell that he’s sincere, and I can’t help but feel touched by his willingness to open up to me.

“Who is she, Owen?” I ask, genuinely curious about the woman who has managed to break through my son’s tough exterior.

“Her name’s Emily, and she’s... well, she’s amazing, Dad,” Owen says with a smile that reaches his eyes. “She challenges me and supports me in ways I didn’t think were possible. And honestly, I’ve never been happier.”

I nod slowly, taking in his words. It’s clear that this new relationship has had a profound effect on him, and I find myself feeling both happy for him and envious of the love he’s found. A part of me longs for the same connection, the same sense of belonging, with Stella.

But it’s too late for that.

“Owen, I’m glad you’ve found someone who makes you happy,” I tell him sincerely. “But what does this have to do with me and Stella?”

“Because, Dad,” he says, meeting my gaze again, “I think you’re making the same mistake I made with her – letting fear dictate your choices instead of fighting for what you want. And trust me, I know how much that can cost you.”

His words hit me like a ton of bricks, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions within me. I feel guilt, frustration, and sadness.

“Owen, I... I don’t know what to say,” I manage to stammer out, overwhelmed by his candor.

“Listen, Dad,” Owen says, urgency lacing his voice. “You need to act fast. Stella’s moving on, and if you don’t do something soon, you’ll lose her forever. Don’t worry about me anymore. Just go after her.”

A sudden, suffocating wave of panic washes over me at his words. The thought of Stella slipping further away while I stand idly by is unbearable.

“Owen, I...” I begin, but my words are cut short.

“Look at me, Dad,” Owen commands. “You can’t spend your life running from your feelings. Stella is strong and she’s been through so much already. What would you do if she ended up with someone else? Would you be able to bear that?”

My fists clench at the idea, and Owen seems to notice.

“Go after her, Dad,” Owen says, his voice warm yet firm. “You deserve happiness, and so does Stella.”

With his encouragement echoing in my ears, I rise from my chair, the weight of my decision settling firmly on my shoulders. As I take a deep breath, I feel a renewed sense of strength coursing through me, fueled by the love I hold for Stella and the desire to make things right.

“Alright,” I say, clenching my fists with resolve. “I’m not going to waste another second. I’m going to find Stella and tell her everything – how I feel, how much she means to me, and how lost I’ve been this last year without her.”

“Good luck, Dad,” Owen calls after me, his smile never faltering. “I know you can do it.”