Chapter 22

Alexander POV.

The conference room was tense, filled with the buzz of high–stakes negotiations and the hum of serious discussions. My team and I were in the middle of a crucial meeting, grappling with the final details of a multi–million–dollar deal. I was leaning forward, laser–focused, when the door swung open with a sharp clack. James, my PA, entered with an urgency that cut through the room like a knife.

“Mr. Alistair,” James said, his voice firm yet slightly strained. “Christiana Davis and the children are here. They want to see

you

The words hit me like a jolt of electricity. My mind raced, momentarily derailed from the business at hand. Christiana and the kids. Here? I struggled to process the sudden shift in focus.

“Cancel the meeting,” I said abruptly, my tone brooking no argument. “We’ll reconvene tomorrow.”

The room erupted in quiet murmurs of confusion and disappointment, but I was already out of my chair, smoothing my suit with a practiced hand. I glanced at James, who was waiting patiently.

“How do I look?” I asked, my voice betraying a hint of the nerves I was trying to suppress.

“You look great, sir, James replied with a reassuring nod. “I’ll bring them into your office.”

I nodded, feeling anticipation and anxiety swirling in my chest. I straightened my tie and paced the floor of my office, trying to force a calm demeanor. Each step seemed to echo with the weight of what was to come.

As the door opened, I looked up to see Christiana standing there. For a moment, everything else seemed to fall away. Christiana was as striking as ever, her presence commanding attention even without a word. Her beauty was a sharp, painful reminder of what I’d lost. Behind her were Ethan and Emma, looking a bit out of place but undeniably curious,

“Mr. Alistair,” Christiana began, her voice steady but laced with a forced politeness. “The kids wanted to see you.”

I rose from my chair, my gaze locked on Christiana. Her expression was a masterclass in restraint, but I could see the effort it took to maintain it. She looked like she’d rather be anywhere else, but her kids‘ beaming faces kept her there.

“Christiana,” I said, my voice betraying my attempt to remain composed. “It’s good to see you. Please, come in.”

I gestured to the seating area, trying to appear as welcoming as possible despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. Christiana hesitated, her eyes flicking to the kids before she took a seat with an almost imperceptible sigh. Ethan and Emma, however, seemed more than eager to engage.

“Thank you for coming,” I said, addressing the kids with a warmth I hoped would bridge the gap between us. “I’m glad to finally meet you both.”

Ethan, ever the articulate one, spoke first. “We’ve been waiting to meet you. Mommy said you’ve been very busy, but we’re glad you sent us gifts.”

“Yes,” Emma chimed in, her voice softer but equally sincere. “The toys are really nice. Thank you.”

I felt a pang of guilt mixed with relief. At least the kids were appreciative. I managed a smile, feeling a tiny spark of hope that this meeting could be a step towards something positive.

next to me. “I’m glad you liked the gifts.

posture rigid. She looked like she was fighting to keep her composure, and I couldn’t help but notice the faint lines of exhaustion and frustration etched on her face. Despite her

kept darting between their mother and me. I focused on them, trying to keep the conversation

I began, “how have you two been? School going

doing well in math. Emma’s doing

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Chapter 22

hear,” I said, genuinely interested. “I’d love to hear more

that she tried to mask with a vencer of civility. Her sarcasm was thinly veiled, and it was clear

you,” she said, her tone clipped. “I imagine it’s not every day

my hurt with a smile. “It’s not,

tightened into a thin line, but she said nothing. I could feel the tension crackling in the air between us. It was evident, like a storm on the horizon that refused to break. I tried to focus on the kids, hoping to create a positive atmosphere despite

to him, “what’s your favorite subject in

algebra and fractions with a surprising enthusiasm. “I really like solving equations. It’s like a puzzle that you have to figure out. Mommy says I’m very

said, genuinely interested. “Maybe you can show me some of

had been listening quietly, finally spoke up. “I’m working on a big art project. Mommy says it’s really good, but I want to make sure it’s perfect before I show it to

I replied, nodding “T’d love to see

was clear that they missed having a father figure in their lives, and I felt a pang

the sidelines, her expression a complex mix of frustration and determination. It was obvious she was doing her best to keep her emotions in check for the sake

I decided to take a step forward, hoping to bridge the gap between us. “Christiana, if there’s anything you need or if there’s a way I can make this easier for you, please let me

eyes met mine, cold and unyielding “I’m here for the kids, Alex. This isn’t about us. They wanted to see you, and I’m making it happen. That’s

words stung, but I forced a smile. “I understand.

rigid. It was clear she was doing everything she could to remain

st of this visit

me

the kids, determined to make the most of Emma? I’d love to hear all about

continued to chat with me, I couldn’t shake the feeling of Christiana’s icy demeanor. It was clear that she was still deeply hurt

relationship hung heavily in the air. Christiana’s protective stance made it evident that she would do whatever it took to shield her children from further pain. Her strength and boldness were both

close, I knew that this was just the beginning of a long and difficult road. I had a lot of work ahead of me if I wanted to rebuild my relationship with Christiana and become the father

up, her face a mask of professional detachment. “It’s time to go,” she said, her voice

“Thank you for coming. It means a lot to

up as well, and I noticed a flicker of sadness in their eyes as they prepared to leave. “It was nice to see you, Daddy,”

the gifts,” Emma added, her eyes meeting mine with a mixture of hope and

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