Chapter 14
Harry knew he had to do something drastic.
He had spent too much time hesitating, trying to balance his mistakes with his responsibilities. But the truth was clear—he couldn’t have both.
He couldn’t keep Draco while also clinging to the mess he had created with her.
So he made his choice.
—
The Confrontation
"We need to talk."
The woman—Emily—looked up from her cup of tea, her expression wary. "Harry—"
"No more excuses." Harry’s voice was sharp, his magic thrumming beneath his skin. "I should have done this a long time ago."
Emily sighed, setting her cup down carefully. "I never asked you to stay, Harry."
"But you expected me to." His jaw clenched. "You used the child—our child—as a leash, knowing I wouldn’t walk away."
Her lips pressed into a thin line. "He needed a father."
"And I am his father." Harry exhaled, forcing himself to calm down. "But I will not lose my husband over this."
Emily’s expression softened. "You really love him, don’t you?"
Harry met her gaze without hesitation. "More than anything."
There was silence for a moment. Then, finally, she nodded. "*Just don’t abandon him, Harry.**"
—
Back to Draco
Harry arrived at Malfoy Manor late that night, his heart pounding.
Draco was in the study, a book in his lap, a glass of wine on the table beside him. He barely glanced up. "You again."
Harry stepped forward. "It’s over."
That got Draco’s attention. "What?"
"With Emily." Harry took a deep breath. "I ended it. Completely. No more obligations, no more guilt—just me, fighting for us."
Draco’s expression was unreadable. "And the child?"
"Still my son." Harry’s voice softened. "But I won’t let him be a reason for us to stay broken."
Draco swallowed, looking away. "Harry, it’s not that simple."
"It is." Harry stepped closer, his voice raw. "I love you, Draco. I never stopped. And I’ll do whatever it takes to fix this."
Draco hesitated.
For the first time in months, he looked like he wanted to believe it.
But then—
"Draco?"
Charlie’s voice.
Draco flinched, and Harry’s stomach dropped.
Because Charlie was here.
Because Draco wasn’t his anymore.
At least… not yet.