Chapter 78: Knowing the true feeling

On getting to his room, Jace slammed the door shut behind him, slid down to the floor, and burst into tears. His chest ached, as if the words he'd just said to his father had ripped something open inside him. "Why did it feel so wrong?" he whispered, voice trembling. 'I shouldn't have said that. It doesn't feel right," he muttered to himself, clutching his chest as sobs racked his body. "I'm sorry, Dad." Almost immediately, his phone began to ring. He barely glanced at the screen before answering, wiping his tears with the back of his hand. 'Hello," he croaked. 'Hey, what's up?" came Dorah's voice, light and curious. 'I'm fine," he replied quickly, trying to mask his emotions, but the strain in his voice betrayed him. 'Wait... what's wrong? Are you crying?" she asked, her tone shifting instantly with concern. 'I'm really hurting. I don't know what to do anymore. My heart... it hurts," he said, his voice breaking again. 'Haaa, I'll be there right now. You're at home, right?" He gave a small nod, forgetting for a moment that she couldn't see him. She ended the call without waiting for a response. Minutes later, Dorah arrived. Her steps were hurried as she made her way to the house, concern etched across her face. She found Grandma standing in front of Jace's room, frowning at the closed door. 'Oh, you're here," Grandma said with relief. 'Can you get Jace to come out? I need to go speak with his father." 'Okay, Grandma," Dorah said, nodding. 'Thanks, dear," Grandma added before walking away. Dorah walked up to the door and knocked gently. 'Jace?" 'Leave me alone. I already told you, I'm not opening the door," came his voice from the other side, hoarse and heavy with pain. 'Hey, open up. It's me, Dorah." There was a pause. Then, without another word, the door swung open. Jace stood there with red-rimmed eyes and a tear-streaked face. His shoulders were slumped, and his whole posture screamed defeat. She stepped inside quietly and shut the door behind her, leaning against it for a moment as she took in his miserable state. 'What's wrong?" she asked, eyes narrowing with concern. Jace lowered himself onto the bed, rubbing his face with both hands. 'Dad and I had an argument. I kind of went against his decision." 'What exactly happened? What did he say that made you react that way?" she asked, moving closer. He didn't respond immediately. 'Talk to me, Jace." He finally lifted his head and looked away, unable to meet her gaze. 'He's getting married… to your mom." Dorah blinked, caught off guard. 'So… you got mad at him because of that? Is this about you not wanting to be my brother?" She chuckled lightly, trying to ease the tension. 'Yeah. I don't want to be your brother. I want to be more than your brother," he said suddenly, his voice rising with frustration as he stood up and began to pace the room. 'Why? What do you mean?" she asked, now genuinely confused. 'Shit, Dorah. Are you that blind? You're not oblivious. Don't you see that I love you? Isn't my love visible enough?" he burst out, his hands gesturing wildly as he stopped in front of her. 'Well, I don't see that," she shrugged, though her tone was sharp. 'Are you kidding me?" he snapped, frowning deeply. 'No, because the love I see isn't for me. Are you that stupid, or is your confusion clouding your judgment? I don't understand how you can't see that you love someone else, not me. You're just attracted to me. It's Miranda you love, not me," she half-yelled, her emotions getting the better of her. 'No, no, no, no, no. That's not true," he denied quickly, turning his back to her. 'Don't you see it? I'm sure you feel it too, but you're ignoring it. I've watched you for the past week—you've been extra moody ever since she left the party. It took a toll on you. You love her, Jace. Stop deceiving yourself." She stepped around him, standing in front of him to force eye contact. 'I don't," he whispered, moving away and collapsing onto the couch. 'You do," Dorah said firmly, sitting beside him. Jace let out a deep, weary sigh and leaned into her, resting his head on her shoulder. She gently patted his back, her touch soft and comforting. 'You do love her. Just admit it," she murmured. 'But she's ignoring me. She hasn't even come to school since the party. Does she hate me now?" he asked, his voice small and full of worry. 'Well, have you tried calling her since that day? How are you so sure she's ignoring you?" 'I just… you know…" 'You know what? You need to man up and call her so you two can settle this childish drama," she teased, a small smile breaking through her seriousness. 'Okay," he pouted, then side-hugged her tightly. 'I love you," Dorah said, resting her head against his. 'I love you too," he replied with a faint smile. 'So, you'll call her, right?" she asked, and he nodded. 'Now, let's go see your dad," she said, rising to her feet. 'I'm scared," he admitted, his smile fading. 'Why?" Dorah frowned slightly. 'I walked out on him." 'Come on, he'll forgive you," she said confidently, holding out her hand and pulling him up. They walked together down the hallway to Joseph's room. Dorah knocked softly. 'Yes, come in," came Joseph's calm voice. 'Go in," Dorah nudged Jace forward gently. 'No, you're coming with me," he whispered, his grip tightening on her hand. 'But…" 'No buts. Let's go," he said, and with that, they entered together. 'Dad," Jace called. Joseph looked up from his desk. 'Yes, son?" 'I'm sorry for everything I did earlier. Let's just say I wasn't in the right state of mind," Jace said sincerely as he approached. 'It's fine. I don't take it as an offense," Joseph replied, a soft smile on his face. 'I thought about what you said, and I think it's the best thing I can do for you. So… I accept. I can't wait to have her as my mom," Jace said, smiling at last. 'Thank you, son," Joseph said warmly, pulling him into a tight hug. Then he turned toward Dorah. 'But Dorah… are you two dating?" 'Huh?" Dorah's eyes widened in shock. 'Dad, we have to go now. See you later," Jace said quickly, rushing over to Dorah. 'What…" she started, but Jace grabbed her hand before she could continue. 'Let's talk outside," he muttered, dragging her out while Joseph chuckled behind them.