Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

The room fell into an uneasy silence. The younger members of the Brookes family exchanged glances but said nothing. With the two elders present, it wasn't their place to speak. After what felt like an eternity, Leo sighed heavily and bowed slightly toward Ian.

"No matter what, it's my son who made the mistake," Leo began, his tone heavy but calm. "Wrong is wrong, and there's no excuse for it. We apologize."

He straightened up and continued, "But Ruud's feelings for Natalie aren't exactly a secret. The two of them share a bond, something deeper than we can fully understand. How can we, as their elders, force them apart? Have you even asked Natalie what she wants? Does she really not want to marry Ruud?"

Ian hesitated, his expression unreadable. He didn't respond immediately. He knew Natalie's tendencies all too well-her stubborn heart, her unshakable resolve. She had once sworn to find Tina's father, going so far as to demand his presence at Tina and Jared's wedding. If Natalie were conscious now, she'd likely run straight into Ruud's arms without a second thought.

Leo pressed on, sensing Ian's reluctance. "This is for the children's happiness, Ian. Let's not stand in their way. Natalie's still unconscious, but Ruud wants to take her home. First, no one would dare harm her under the protection of the Pace family. Second, having Ruud by her side might even help her wake up."

He paused briefly, then added, "And Tina-she's been with your family for a long time now. After so many years apart, isn't it time she came back to the Pace family? Shouldn't she have the chance to claim her rightful place? You wouldn't want her to carry the stigma of being fatherless forever, would you? She's my eldest granddaughter. I want to give her the love and respect she deserves."

Leo's voice grew firmer. "As for the matter of the name change, there's no room for negotiation. I have three sons. Two of them? Useless. Only Ruud has proven himself worthy. You can take the other two if you want, but Ruud stays with me!" Ian finally stirred from his silence, his gaze shifting to Ruud. "What do you think?" he asked.

Ruud straightened, his tone serious. "I'll listen to my father."

Leo blinked, taken aback. "You've never been this obedient at home!"

Ian turned back to Leo, his expression softening slightly. "I've seen Ruud's attitude toward Alina over the past few days. I'm not entirely opposed to their marriage, but I can't ignore what's fair to Alina."

He took a deep breath before continuing. "Here's my condition: Alina can marry Ruud, but not in ten days. She must wake up and agree to it herself. Ruud can take her back to the Pace family, but it's on him to help her recover."

Ian then turned to Tina, his voice steady but firm. "As for Tina, she's made her feelings clear. She doesn't recognize Ruud as her father. You cannot force her."

Leo, who had been growing hopeful, froze at Ian's words. His gaze shifted to Tina, his voice softening. "Tina, do you really not acknowledge your father?"

Tina's lips tightened before she spoke, her voice calm but resolute. "I don't."

"Why?" Leo's voice trembled slightly. "The misunderstandings of the past have been explained. He was on a mission-he didn't abandon you or your mother intentionally. All these years, he's kept your mother in his heart. Now that the truth is out, why can't you accept him?"

Tina met his gaze, her expression unyielding. "The misunderstandings may be resolved, and I respect my mom's decision to forgive him. But I don't want to accept him. I don't care what his reasons were for disappearing all those years. The fact is, when I needed a father the most, he wasn't there."

Her voice wavered slightly, but she pressed on. "When I was sick, he wasn't there. When I had nightmares, he wasn't there. When I was mocked by my peers, he wasn't there. When my mom and I were hunted, he still wasn't there." She took a shaky breath. "Yes, he's General Praevion. But this General Praevion couldn't even protect his wife and child. So, no, I don't accept him."

Each word landed like a physical blow to Ruud, cutting deeper than he thought possible. He stood frozen, unable to speak.

Leo tried again, his voice tinged with sorrow. "But Tina, what about me? I've always thought of you as family. I'm not getting any younger. Now that I've finally found my granddaughter, if we can't recognize each other, I won't even rest in peace when I'm gone."

Tina's gaze softened slightly. "You're my grandfather," she said quietly. "But he's not my father."

Leo's shoulders slumped. He was relieved to be acknowledged as her grandfather, but her rejection of Ruud left him at a loss.

Ruud inhaled deeply, then spoke, his tone gentle. "It's okay, Tina. If you don't want to accept me, I respect your decision. But I'll still do everything I can to make up for the years I wasn't there."

Tina glanced at him briefly but said nothing. She didn't understand why she felt this way. For years, she had longed to find her father. Now that she had, it felt as though her heart was wrapped in thorns. Every time Ruud came near her, the pain only intensified.

Jared reached for her hand, offering her a quiet, steadying presence. His warmth grounded her, easing the emotional storm raging inside.

With the conversation at an impasse, Leo and Ruud eventually took their leave. They had preparations to make. They headed first to the research facility to retrieve Natalie, then returned to the sprawling Pace family estate.

Once there, Leo immediately began making arrangements. He instructed Ruud to change his name back and ordered a room prepared for Natalie. But Ruud insisted on handling everything related to Natalie himself. He wouldn't leave her care to anyone else.

Just as Ruud completed the name change, a knock sounded at the door. Four figures stood outside-two men and two women. One of the men stepped forward and saluted Ruud.

"General Praevion," he said sharply. "We've received a report of erratic behavior. There is suspicion that you are an imposter using disguise techniques to infiltrate the Pace family. Under orders from our superiors, we are here to escort you for investigation."

Ruud stared at them, stunned. "What?"

---

Back at the Brookes family estate, after Leo and Ruud had left, Tina and Jared prepared to head home as well. On the way, Jared's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen-it was Marie. He answered. "Mom?"

The only response was the sound of muffled sobbing.

Jared frowned. "Mom, what's going on? Are you okay?"

Marie didn't answer, her sobs growing louder.

"Mom!" Jared's voice rose in frustration. "If something's wrong, just tell me! Crying won't fix anything!"

Finally, Marie's voice broke through, trembling and raw. "I want a divorce from your father."

Jared froze, his breath catching. "What? A divorce? Mom, are you serious?"novelbin

Tina, overhearing, turned to him in shock.

Marie's voice cracked as she wailed, "I can't take it anymore, Jared! Come back home now! If you don't, I swear I'll lose my mind. This pain-it's worse than death!"