A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Chapter 172

“That’s more like it.” Alessia’s face showed a hint of mock annoyance, but relief softened her eyes.

It was the weekend, and the amusement park was packed. The two adults kept the kids sandwiched safely between them, each holding a small hand.

Both Alessia and Cole were in good shape from years of exercise, but the kids‘ energy was on a different level altogether. By the time they’d made a full round of the park, the kids were more hyped up than ever, not the least bit tired.

After getting off the roller coaster, Alessia and the others found a shady spot outside an ice cream shop. With grins on all their faces, Alessia glanced at her watch and, for the first time, felt that time could actually slow down.

The bell at the shop door jingled as Cole stepped out, balancing a small wooden tray with four cups of ice cream. The two little ones‘ eyes lit up, their gaze glued to the sweet treats in Cole’s hands as if nothing else existed.

With ice cream to occupy them, the kids finally quieted down. Their feet swung back and forth, betraying their good moods. It was still warm for September, and both their cheeks were flushed pink.

Alessia stretched out her hand, and Cole immediately fished a pack of wet wipes from the bag, pulling one halfway out before handing it to her. Alessia took a sheet, folded it neatly, and pressed it to her forehead, finally feeling a bit of relief from the heat.

York’s gaze darted back and forth between the adults, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

you and Alessia dating?” he

say things like that?” Alessia chuckled, genuinely curious about where York picked up

dating a girl from the class next

it on York’s forehead. The sudden coolness made York squint his eyes

stared at Alessia expectantly. She caught on quickly and gave him a wipe for his forehead, too.

or not?”

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14:43

expected York to get distracted and move on, but he peeled off the wipe, dabbed it across his face, and fired the

raised eyebrow and a barely suppressed smile, as if

couldn’t help himself–he mussed up her hair playfully, then

he said, but the unspoken promise

of them could imagine a future that didn’t include the other. If it wasn’t each other by their side, nothing

saying nothing at