The Forrester mansion was wrapped in an eerie silence that night, its grand halls echoing faintly with the whispers of the past. Ridge sat alone in the living room, staring into the flames of the fireplace, unaware that the very foundation of his life was about to be shaken to its core. He had always carried the burden of family secrets, betrayals, and scandals, but nothing could prepare him for the revelation that Thomas was about to unleash.

Thomas stood in the doorway, his heart pounding with a mixture of fear and relief. For weeks, the truth had weighed on him like a chain around his neck, suffocating him with guilt. He had tried to convince himself that silence was the better choice, that keeping the secret would spare everyone pain. But every time he looked at Douglas, every time he saw Ridge interact with the boy, the guilt grew unbearable. Tonight, the weight was too heavy, and he knew he had no choice but to speak.

“Dad,” Thomas began softly, his voice trembling. Ridge turned his head, studying his son with curiosity. The look in Thomas’s eyes was different tonight—haunted, almost desperate. Ridge straightened in his chair, sensing the gravity of the moment.

“What is it, Thomas?” Ridge asked, his tone calm but guarded.

Thomas took a deep breath, his hands shaking. He could feel his throat tightening, but he forced the words out. “There’s something I’ve been hiding. Something you need to know. It’s about Douglas.”

The mention of Douglas instantly captured Ridge’s full attention. His grandson was a light in his life, a boy he cherished deeply. But the way Thomas said his name sent a chill down Ridge’s spine. “What about Douglas?” he asked, his voice low, measured.

Thomas’s chest heaved as he finally let the truth spill out. “He’s not just my son… he’s yours. Douglas is your biological son.”

The room seemed to freeze. Ridge blinked, as though the words hadn’t registered. For a moment, silence hung heavy, broken only by the crackle of the fire. “What?” Ridge whispered, his voice barely audible.

Thomas stepped forward, his eyes filled with tears. “I should have told you a long time ago. I thought I was protecting everyone, but I was wrong. Douglas isn’t my child by blood. He’s yours. You’re his father.”

Ridge shot up from his chair, his entire body trembling. His mind reeled, replaying every memory of Douglas—every hug, every smile, every moment of pride. He had always felt a special bond with the boy, a connection that ran deeper than he could explain. Now, the pieces fell into place. But the revelation also ignited an inferno of anger. “How long have you known?” Ridge demanded, his voice thunderous.

“Since the beginning,” Thomas admitted, guilt flooding his words. “I knew, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell you. I was afraid of what it would do to our family, afraid of losing everything. But it’s not fair anymore—to Douglas, to you, to anyone.”

Ridge’s fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tight with fury. “You let me believe he was your son all this time? You let me think I was just his grandfather?” His voice cracked with emotion. “Do you have any idea what you’ve taken from me?”

Thomas’s tears spilled freely now. “I know, Dad. I know I’ve hurt you. But I swear I thought I was doing the right thing. I thought keeping the secret would keep Douglas safe, would keep our family intact. But I can’t keep lying. You deserve to know the truth. He deserves to know the truth.”

Ridge turned away, struggling to contain the storm raging inside him. He thought about Brooke, about Taylor, about the endless betrayals and broken promises that had defined his relationships. And now this—another betrayal, but this time from his own son. His voice was raw when he finally spoke. “You robbed me of years with my son. Years I can never get back.”

Thomas reached out, his voice pleading. “Please, Dad. Don’t hate me. I did what I thought was best, even if it was wrong. You still have time with Douglas. You can be the father he deserves.”

Ridge turned back, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “And what about you, Thomas? What does this mean for you?”

Thomas shook his head, his face etched with sorrow. “I’ll always be Douglas’s dad in the way that matters—because I raised him, because I love him. But biologically, he’s yours. That doesn’t erase the bond we share, but it changes everything. He deserves to know the truth, and you deserve to claim your place in his life.”

The fire roared louder, filling the silence that followed. Ridge’s mind swirled with conflicting emotions—rage, grief, shock, and a strange, undeniable joy. The thought that Douglas was truly his son filled him with a surge of love and pride, but it was buried beneath the crushing weight of Thomas’s betrayal.

“I don’t even know how to look at you right now,” Ridge said finally, his voice hoarse. “I need time to process this. But one thing is certain—Douglas will know the truth. I won’t let him live in the dark any longer.”

Thomas nodded, his shoulders slumping in defeat. He knew he had shattered his father’s trust, perhaps beyond repair. But deep down, he felt a small measure of relief. The truth was out, and though it had cost him dearly, it was the first step toward healing—for Douglas, for Ridge, and maybe even for himself.

Ridge turned back toward the fire, his face illuminated by the flickering flames. His entire world had shifted in an instant. Douglas wasn’t just his grandson—he was his son. The thought filled him with both devastation and hope, a paradox that left him reeling.

And in that moment, Ridge Forrester made a silent vow: no matter what it took, he would be the father Douglas deserved.