His After The Heartbreak (BL)-Chapter 18: Next Door Neighbor

Chapter 18 – Next Door Neigbor

Tyler's POV

I blinked, stunned.

Had my father—Declan—hit his head as a baby? Fallen off his crib? Been dropped on the floor? Because that was the only way I could explain the absolute nonsense that just came out of his mouth.

Right-wing man? Me?

Was he out of his damn mind?

Does he think this is some feel-good Hollywood movie where the long-lost father walks back into his son's life, says a couple of sentimental words, and suddenly, everything is forgiven? That I'd just throw myself into his arms and call him "Dad" like he hadn't spent years being nothing but a ghost?

No. Absolutely not.

I scoffed, shaking my head. "You should get your mind off that idea because it's never going to happen."

Declan exhaled, as if he'd been expecting my reaction. "Tyler, I know this isn't what you want to hear, but I came here to apologize."

I gave him a deadpan look. "Oh, now you want to apologize?"

"Yes," he said firmly. "I want to make things right."

I let out a short, humorless laugh. "Then you're apologizing to the wrong person."

He frowned slightly.

I took a step forward, my jaw tightening. "The only person you need to apologize to is my mom."

Declan's lips parted, but I cut him off.

"She's the one who risked everything for you. The one who stuck by your side even when everyone told her to give up. She defended you when you didn't deserve it. She believed in you when you didn't believe in yourself. And what did you do in return?"

I took another step closer, my voice dropping to a bitter whisper. "You abandoned her. You abandoned us."

Declan's expression remained unreadable.

I clenched my fists. "Instead of apologizing to her, you're threatening her. Instead of making things right, you're making them worse. And now, you're standing here, talking about some 'right-wing man' position like that makes up for everything?"

His jaw flexed, but he said nothing.

I scoffed. "Keep your title. I don't want it."

Declan exhaled sharply. "Tyler, please. Just hear me out."

"Hear you out?" I repeated, laughing dryly. "There's nothing to hear."

I crossed my arms, fixing him with a cold stare. "The only thing linking us together right now is the man of honor title for your wedding. That's it. Once this wedding is over, we're done. So do yourself a favor—give that position to someone else."

Declan's eyes darkened. "It's not that simple."

I raised a brow. "Oh? And why is that?"

"That position is a family heirloom," he said, his voice calm but firm. "It has to be given to blood."

I tilted my head mockingly. "Blood, huh?"

He nodded. "Yes. It's a role of responsibility. I can't just hand it over to any random person."

I clicked my tongue, pretending to think. "Well, in that case..." I shrugged. "Get your new wife pregnant. Wait eighteen years for your son to grow up and give it to him."

Declan's face hardened.

"Or," I continued, smirking, "if you're scared you won't live long enough to see that day, you can always adopt. That way, you'll have someone to groom into your perfect little right-wing man."

Declan stared at me, his lips pressing into a thin line.

"But Tyler," he started, his voice softer this time. "I'm your father—"

"No." My voice was sharp. I didn't let him finish.

I turned to him fully, my expression cold. "You are not my father."

His brows pulled together slightly.

I jabbed a finger at him. "You are a selfish, repulsive, black-hearted man. That's all you are to me."

Silence.

I took a deep breath, exhaling slowly before stepping back. "I'll see you at your wedding." My voice was hollow, detached. "Make sure my suit is delivered on time, so I can be your 'man of honor' as you requested."

And with that, I walked off, not sparing him another glance.

I stepped outside, my jaw clenched so tightly it ached.

The moment the cold air hit my face, I realized something.

I didn't have my car.

I had come here in Declan's.

Damn it.

I ran a frustrated hand through my hair, exhaling sharply. No way in hell was I getting back in that car with him.

I pulled out my phone and opened the ride-share app. It was my only option.

Within minutes, I had a ride on the way.

As I stood there, waiting, my phone buzzed with a message.

It was from an unknown number.

I clicked on it and read the message out loud.

"Tyler! Party tonight. My place. Drinks, music, and girls. No excuses. See you there. – Liam."

I scoffed.

Liam really thought I'd come? The last time I went to a party was when I caught my girlfriend cheating on me. No way in hell was I putting myself through that again.

I was about to ignore it when a thought hit me.

I needed to clear my head.

And what better way to do that than alcohol and a party?

Fine. I'd go.

I quickly typed back.

"I'll be there."

A car pulled up. My ride.

I climbed in, barely acknowledging the driver, and leaned back against the seat.

—

By the time I got home, my frustration had settled, but only slightly.

I knocked on the door, and it swung open almost immediately.

I raised a brow. "Mom, have you been standing here waiting for me?"

She let out a soft laugh before pulling me into a tight hug. "I thought you weren't coming back."

I hugged her back, sighing. "I promised, didn't I?"

She pulled away, giving me a look of relief.

As I stepped inside, my gaze landed on a girl sitting in the living room.

She was about my age, with warm brown skin and long, dark curls framing her delicate features. She wore ripped jeans and a fitted, off-shoulder top that hugged her figure. She sat with an easy confidence, her legs crossed, one hand resting casually on the armrest.

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"Oooh, manners!" My mom suddenly said. "Tyler, meet Amara—our next-door neighbor. Amara, meet Tyler."