Five years had changed everything.
Rylan looked in the mirror and barely recognized the boy who had run from home, bruised, broken, and scared. He was still handsome—more than handsome, really—but now it was effortless, natural. His jawline sharper, eyes deeper, and a presence that drew attention without him even trying. Wherever he went, heads turned, whispers followed—but no one would ever link this confident, strong man to the timid Omega who had once walked the academy halls with his tail tucked.
He wasn't just handsome. He was powerful, rich, and independent. A man who had carved his own empire from nothing. A man who could now protect not only himself but the small family he had built.
The twins were already awake, clinging to him like Velcro. His son, Leo, had his father's dark, observant eyes and a mischievous streak that made him impossible to scold. His daughter, Lila, was more delicate, curious about everything, and equally determined to hold onto him at all times.
"Papa, are we really going today?" Leo asked, tugging at Rylan's sleeve.
"Yes, Leo. But I promise we'll be back soon," Rylan said, ruffling his son's hair.
"Papa, take me with you! Don't leave me!" Lila whined, hugging his leg.
Rylan smiled, bending down to scoop them both into his arms. "I'm taking you both, don't worry. And Uncle Max is coming too, right?"
Max, Rylan's friend and business partner, chuckled from across the suite. He was tall, broad-shouldered, easy-going, and had become an integral part of Rylan's life. He was more than just a friend—he was the twins' favorite uncle, a constant source of laughter and warmth in their days.
"Yes, I'm coming too," Max said, smiling at the kids. "We're going to make this trip fun."
Rylan adjusted the twins in his arms and glanced at the view outside the window of his luxurious hotel. City lights twinkled below, a reminder of how far he had come. No longer the timid boy who had run from his abusive family—he was a man of influence, wealth, and confidence.
And yet… a small part of him still remembered the past. The heartbreak. The loss. The boy who had loved and been rejected. That memory was buried deep, locked away in a place even he rarely visited.
"Papa, hurry up!" Leo whined, squirming in his arms. "We're going to miss the plane!"
Rylan laughed softly, carrying them toward the waiting car. Max followed with their luggage, joking and teasing them along the way.
As they stepped into the city night, Rylan felt a flicker of excitement. It wasn't just a business trip—it was a return to a world he had once fled. A world where memories of Kia still lingered, hidden beneath layers of strength and success.
And somewhere, on the other side of that world… someone would finally see him again.