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The next day, Zayn was just finishing up his morning coffee when his phone buzzed. It was a call from his father. He sighed and answered, "Hello, Dad?"

"Baby, good news," his father said enthusiastically. "Alex has agreed. He's ready for marriage. He said he really likes you. Now, it's your turn to tell us your decision."

Zayn fell silent. He didn’t know what to say. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. After a pause, his father continued, more gently this time, "Tonight, Alex and his parents are coming over for dinner. We'd like you to be there too. And bring Ari."

"Okay," Zayn said quietly and hung up the phone.

Still unsure of his feelings, he called Rhys. As soon as Rhys picked up, Zayn told him everything.

"So what about you, Zayn? What do you want?" Rhys asked softly.

"I don't know, Rhys. I really don’t," Zayn confessed.

"Alex seems like a nice guy. But whatever happens, the decision is yours alone," Rhys reassured him.

Zayn nodded to himself and walked into Ari’s room to get him ready. Later, he turned to Elior, who was sitting with a book in the living room. "I’ll be going to my parents' place this evening with Ari. They’ve called us over for dinner."

Elior looked up and nodded, "Okay. I have something to do outside anyway."

Without asking more, Elior left. Zayn dressed Ari up, packed a small bag for him, and they both left for his parents' house.

Later at same night 🌉

When they arrived, everyone was already there Alex and his parents, Adric, Rhys, and Zayn’s own parents. The moment Ari saw his grandfather, he ran up to him and hugged him tightly. "Grandpa!"

Everyone laughed as Ari’s excitement filled the room. Then, he spotted Alex.

"Hi!" Alex greeted warmly.

Zayn gave a small smile and nodded in return, bowing politely to Alex’s parents.

After a bit of chatting, everyone settled in the living room. The air was slightly tense, as if everyone was waiting for something.

Alex's mother finally spoke up. "So, Zayn, Alex has told us that he really likes you and he is ready to move forward. Now we’d like to hear your thoughts."

Zayn took a breath and then looked at everyone. "If you don’t mind, can I talk to Alex in private?"

Everyone nodded in agreement. Alex stood up and gestured for Zayn to follow him. They stepped out into the garden, the evening breeze brushing softly against them.

Alex turned to him and said gently, "Zayn, you don’t have to feel pressured. You don’t owe anyone a decision today. This is entirely your choice."

Zayn looked at him for a long moment before speaking. "Actually, I wanted to tell you everything. And then whatever you decide, I’ll respect it."

And then, standing under the faintly glowing garden lights, Zayn began to tell Alex everything. From his college days, the way he had met Elior, how their relationship had begun and ended, and how Ari came into his life. He told him about the heartbreak, the struggles, and how he tried to raise Ari while building a life from scratch.

When he was done, there was a silence. Zayn kept his eyes on the ground.

Then, Alex took a step forward. He reached out his hand and softly asked, "May I?"

Zayn hesitated, then slowly placed his hand in Alex's.

Alex smiled gently. "Zayn, I told you before too... everyone has a past. I’m really glad you told me everything. I appreciate your honesty. And I want you to know that your past doesn’t bother me. What matters is the present and the future we could have."

Zayn still looked unsure.

"And listen," Alex added playfully, "you have full rights to say no. Honestly, being with me isn’t all that easy. I talk a lot, I snore sometimes, and I hate vegetables. So you better think twice."

Zayn couldn’t help but laugh.

"You’re really something," he said.

"I get that a lot," Alex grinned. "Now, shall we go back inside before they send a search party?"

Zayn nodded and they walked back into the house, side by side.

As soon as they entered, everyone looked up.

Zayn gave a small smile, still processing everything, and took his seat beside Ari.

His mother looked at him, eyes full of curiosity but also understanding. She didn’t pressure him.

Adric nudged Rhys and whispered, "He looks calm. That’s a good sign."

Dinner began soon after. The atmosphere was warmer now. Ari sat beside Alex, proudly showing him a drawing he had made during the ride.

"And this?" Alex asked.

"That’s me, and that’s mommy."

Everyone chuckled.

Alex looked at Zayn with a raised eyebrow. Zayn smiled shyly.

Rhys leaned over to Zayn and whispered, "He fits in surprisingly well."

Zayn nodded slowly.

Later, when everyone was enjoying dessert, Ari leaned his head on Zayn’s arm and whispered sleepily, "I like uncle Alex,He laughs like cartoons."

Zayn chuckled and gently kissed Ari’s forehead.

The night was peaceful. It wasn’t a perfect solution to the complexities of life, but in that moment, surrounded by family, Zayn felt a little more sure about whatever came next.

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