Raegan sensed an intrusion looming over their lives, her irritation boiling over.
âMitchel, canât you see? Weâve managed without you.
We always will.
â
Mitchelâs complexion went ashen as her words cut deep.
Nonetheless, he masked his hurt, his voice strained.
âRaegan, you might not need me, but have you thought about Janey? Donât you think she needs me?â
Mitchelâs words struck a chord.
Raegan knew Janey was not just innocent but deeply sensitive.
Despite overcoming her childhood introversion, Janeyâs psychologist had once advised that a father figure could play a crucial role in her emotional development.
Noticing Raeganâs uncertainty, Mitchel gently persisted, âRaegan, I wonât fight with you over Janeyâs custody.
Iâm her dad, and I mean her no harm.
I just want her to experience the love of a father.
â
His plea was soft and earnest.
âPlease, let me be a part of her life.
â
Raegan was torn.
Mitchel was right.
She couldnât make such a decision for Janey.
Mitchel was, after all, her biological father.
And he had shown nothing but love for Janey, even when he remained oblivious to Janey being his biological daughter.
If Mitchelâs presence could bring any joy or improvement to Janeyâs life, denying him that chance seemed unjust.
Raegan took a moment to consider and then laid out her conditions.
âYou can see Janey, but there are going to be rules.
â
Mitchelâs face lit up with hope.
âWhatever you say, Iâll follow.
â
âThe first rule is you canât tell anyone Janey is your daughter.
â
Raeganâs stance was firm, borne out of a protective instinct.
The Dixon family had always disliked her, and the news of Janey being Mitchelâs biological daughter could either be a boon or a bane.
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Mitchel consented without hesitation.
âUnderstood.
â Until he was in a position to safeguard Janey and Raegan openly, keeping Janeyâs paternity under wraps was wise and could prevent any unwanted attention.
He harbored the hope of one day being openly recognized as part of their lives.
âThe second rule is Janey doesnât go anywhere with you without my permission.
â
Mitchel nodded in agreement, accepting her condition.
âThe last rule is that I expect not to cross paths with you beyond Janeyâs matters.
â Raegan needed to make it crystal clear that their interactions would be strictly regarding Janey.
This was not an opening for Mitchel to weave back into her personal life.
This condition struck Mitchel hard, tempting him to protest, yet he recognized his lack of standing to do so.
Any objection might jeopardize his fragile connection with Janey and by extension, Raegan.
He much preferred this arrangement over complete separation.
With a heavy heart, he conceded, âOkay.
â
Raegan, however, remained skeptical of his ready agreement.
She gazed at him, firmly stating, âI trust youâll stick to your word.
If not, our agreement ends here.
Mitchel nodded.
âIâll heed your words,â he assured her quickly.
Raegan, caught off-guard by his prompt compliance, chose silence over further discussion and turned to leave.
Mitchel, undeterred, offered softly, âRaegan, allow me to drive you to work.
Itâs along my route.
â
âNo, thank you.
â Her refusal was swift, and with a meaningful look, she added, âAnd please, stop loitering around my place.
Lack of sleep not only ages you prematurely but also shortens your lifespan!â
She hadnât missed the redness in his eyes, a clear sign of his nightly vigils, nor was she unaware of his all-night waits outside her villa, as the driver had informed her.