Acceptance

Kaye awoke to find herself surrounded by her husbands in the hospital room.

"Wifey, how are you feeling?" Mikhail's voice was laced with concern.

"I'm fine," she murmured, trying to sit up.

"You fainted because of us. We're terribly sorry," Raon's apology sounded sincere.

"It's all right," Kaye reassured them, though a hint of exhaustion lingered in her voice.

"Kaye..." Timothy's voice was hesitant, almost pleading.

"Why are you still here? We've already asked you to leave!" Haru's frustration was palpable.

"I won't leave until Kaye talks to me," Timothy's tone was resolute, despite the tension in the room.

"You're being stubborn. Can't you see that Kaye ended up here because of you?" Ivan's accusation hung heavy in the air.

Timothy averted his gaze. "I know... I'm sorry," his admission was barely audible.

Kaye sighed wearily, feeling caught in the middle of their conflict.

"Leave now, Mr. Villamayor. We don't need you here," Kurtis's voice was firm, his stance unwavering.

"No! I'm her husband. Why should I leave?" Timothy's defiance was evident.

"We don't need you here," Tristan echoed, his tone echoing the others' sentiments.

Timothy looked around at them, his expression conflicted.

"Kaye... I know about your relationship with them. They were your husbands, weren't they?" Timothy's words hung in the air, causing a collective gasp from everyone in the room.

"W-What are you saying?" Kaye's voice wavered, betraying her unease.

"You don't have to lie to me. I've known from the start. That's why they're always around you," Timothy said.

"And so what? She married us of her own free will. She loves us," Mikhail's voice was defensive.

"She loved me too!" Timothy's voice cracked with emotion.

"That was a long time ago, after she lost her memories," Kurtis's explanation was met with solemn nods from the others.

"Kaye doesn't need you anymore. So leave her alone," Raon's words were tinged with bitterness.

"But in the eyes of the law, I'm still her legal husband. We have legal documents," Timothy's smirk was met with clenched fists and narrowed eyes from the others.

"How did you know that we don't have legal documents? We're married!" Mikhail's accusation was met with silence as Timothy revealed his knowledge.

"Before I married Kaye, I checked her data in the civil registry. She was single before we got married. That means, in this country, she's only married to me and can't marry anyone else. Polyandry is not allowed here," Timothy's explanation left the others speechless, their argument crumbling under the weight of legality.

"So I have rights as her husband to complain. And as Eros's father, I have the right to see him. We have laws to follow," Timothy's tone softened, his gaze shifting to Kyle. "You knew this, you're a lawyer."

Kyle sighed, acknowledging the truth of Timothy's words. "He's right."

"But still..." Haru began, only to be silenced by Kaye's voice.

"That's alright. Everything he said is correct. That's the law here. Even if we stop him from seeing our son, he'll still win his rights in court. Besides, we'll be the ones at a disadvantage because of our relationships. Our relationships are..." Kaye's voice trailed off, her words heavy with resignation.

"Then what now? Just tell us what you want so you can leave us alone!" Mikhail's frustration boiled over.

"All I want is to be recognized as Eros's legal father. I understand if Kaye can't forgive me, but please, don't take my son away from me," Timothy's plea was filled with desperation and longing.

Everyone exchanged glances, the weight of the decision hanging heavy in the air.

"Kaye will be the one to decide," Kyle stated firmly.

Everyone's gaze shifted to Kaye, waiting anxiously for her decision. With a heavy sigh, Kaye finally made up her mind. She couldn't bear to see more conflict arise, nor could she stand the thought of Timothy continuing to fight them.

"Fine," she muttered, her resolve wavering under the weight of responsibility.

Timothy's eyes locked onto hers, searching for any hint of uncertainty. Kaye met his gaze steadily, her own eyes reflecting a mixture of resignation and determination.

"I will grant your wish, to be recognized as his father," she declared.

Timothy's eyes widened with disbelief and joy, his heart soaring with gratitude. Finally, after so much turmoil, there was a glimmer of hope for him to be reunited with his son.

"What? But Kaye..." Isaac protested, his confusion evident.

Mikhail silenced him with a touch and a shake of his head, understanding the gravity of the situation.

"This is to avoid further trouble," Kaye added, her voice barely above a whisper.

Everyone sighed in resignation, accepting the difficult decision.

"If that's what you truly want, we'll respect it," Kurtis said.

Timothy rushed to Kaye, enveloping her in a tight embrace. "Thank you, Kaye," he whispered, his voice filled with relief.

Mikhail pulled him away, his expression guarded. "Stay away from her."

With Kaye's decision made, the tension in the room dissipated. There was no longer a reason for them to fight, as this decision aimed to bring peace to everyone.

.

.

....

After being discharged from the hospital, Kaye finally allowed Timothy to see his son. Timothy's face lit up with joy as he cradled Eros, showering him with kisses. The love in his eyes was unmistakable, a testament to his deep affection for his son. With swift determination, Timothy updated Eros's birth certificate, proudly acknowledging his role as the father. Each day, he visited Eros, bearing gifts and overflowing with paternal affection. Kaye couldn't help but notice the change in Timothy, and in her heart, forgiveness began to blossom.

Meanwhile, the other men remained silent, their watchful eyes ensuring Timothy's intentions remained pure. Though they maintained a distance, they allowed him his time with his son, acknowledging the importance of their bond.

In the living room, Timothy's joy echoed as he interacted with Eros.

"Hey there, little one! Did you miss your daddy?" Timothy's voice brimmed with joy as he cradled his son in his arms, the warmth of their bond evident in his words.

Meanwhile, Kaye and her friends Rubie and Tin conversed in the dining room. Yet, despite the apparent peace, doubts lingered among her friends.

"Are you certain about this?" Tin whispered, voicing the concern shared by many.

"I believe he's changed, and it's the best for our son," Kaye said.

"But, Kaye," Rubie interjected, her tone laced with concern.

"I'm perfectly fine, girls. My husbands and I have already sorted things out," Kaye reassured them.

"Okay, if it's for baby Eros," Tin acquiesced, her agreement underscoring the importance of their son's well-being.

They continued to enjoy their meal and lively conversation. As lunch progressed, Kaye's husbands and boyfriends joined them, and they all gathered together to share a meal.

Later, as the afternoon waned, Tin and Rubie departed, leaving Kaye alone on the balcony. Timothy approached her, cradling Eros in his arms.

"Kaye..." Timothy's voice was soft, filled with gratitude.

Turning to him, Kaye inquired, "Is there something you need?"

Sitting beside her, Timothy gazed at the sunset, his heart brimming with emotion. "I just wanted to thank you again—for allowing me to be his father. Seeing and playing with him every day brings me so much happiness."

"He's your son; it's your right. And I don't want to cause any more trouble for my husbands," Kaye replied.

Timothy smiled, his eyes reflecting his sincerity. "Thank you so much, Kaye."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Timothy broached a delicate subject. "I was hoping we could rebuild our relationship... as husband and wife."

Kaye's gaze faltered, her heart heavy with memories of their past struggles. "Tim... You know it won't be easy. I'm still..."

"I understand. I've caused you so much pain in the past. But know this, Kaye—I still love you, and I always will," Timothy interjected, his voice filled with unwavering devotion.

Silence hung between them, the weight of their shared history lingering in the air. "Having my son with me is enough," Timothy added softly.

Lost in thought, Kaye watched the sunset. "Thank you for understanding," she murmured.

They watched as the sun dipped below the horizon. Even though Kaye didn't accept him as her husband again, Timothy found solace in the simple joy of embracing his son and seeing him every day. It was enough for him. Eros was the fruit of Timothy's past love for Kaye. Memories of having Kaye lingered from those times.