Chapter 52

Alexander POV,

As I watched Ethan and Emma run around the park, their laughter echoing through the crisp afternoon air, my heart felt lighter than it had in days. Ethan suddenly stopped mid–run, turning to face me with that bold, curious look that always reminded me so much of Christiana.

“Dad, can we stay with you tonight?” he asked, his tone direct, as if he was negotiating a deal.

I raised an eyebrow, amused. “What about your mom?” I asked, already anticipating what her response might be.

Ethan grinned, his confidence radiating. “You should call her! Tell her we want to stay.”

I felt a surge of satisfaction ripple through me. The thought of them wanting to stay with me–it made the tension I’d been carrying all day melt away. I pulled out my phone, dialing Christiana’s number.

After a few rings, she answered, her tone neutral. “Alex.”

“Christiana, how are you?” I asked, keeping my voice steady, knowing her cold response was coming.

“I’m fine,” she replied curtly, not bothering to ask me the same. I could practically feel the wall between us.

I didn’t let her tone deter me. “Ethan and Emma want to stay with me tonight. They’re here with me now, and they’ve been asking. I think it would be good for them.”

There was silence on the other end. I imagined her sitting wherever she was, stunned at my directness. When she finally spoke, her voice had a bite to it. “Alex, they can’t just stay with you. I’ve already made arrangements for them at the hotel. They need stability right now.”

Ethan and Emma had wandered back to my side, and I could hear them whispering, talking about how much they wanted to stay. I held the phone a little closer to my ear, hoping Christiana could hear their voices in the background.

“Mom, please,” Ethan called out, sensing the conversation was about them. “We want to stay with Dad. Just for one night.”

Christiana sighed on the other end, and I knew she could hear the sincerity in their voices. There was a long pause, and I could tell she was weighing the options.

“I don’t know, Alex, she said, her voice softer now but still skeptical. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Christiana,” I said firmly, not backing down. “They’re safe with me. They need this. Just for tonight. Let them stay

Another long pause. Then, finally, with reluctance, she gave in. “Fine. Just for one night. But I expect them back early tomorrow.”

I couldn’t help the small smile that formed on my lips. “Of course,” I said, my tone respectful, though inside I was already planning the night ahead. “Thank you.”

“Don’t push your luck, Alex,” she warned, and I could almost see the sharp look in her eyes through the phone. “And don’t think this changes anything”

“I understand,” I replied, my voice low, but my heart was racing. Christiana may have her walls up, but I knew the kids needed both of us. This was a small victory, and I wasn’t about to ruin it.

back into my pocket, turning to Ethan and Emma who

his eyes wide with

“Looks like you’re staying

held them tightly, my heart full. Despite

mirror and watched Ethan and Emma’s faces light up. Their eyes widened as they took in the massive estate, the fountains that lined the entrance,

Clupter 52

that stretched far beyond

your house?” Ethan’s voice was filled

it’s ours for tonight,” I said with a smile, stepping out of the car and walking around to

out. “It’s so big,” she whispered,

steps and opened the grand doors, ushering them into the massive foyer. The high ceilings and chandeliers greeted us, and I could see them glancing around, mouths slightly open. It was the first time they’d been here. Too much time had

on, let me show you around,” I

contagious, “Dad, do you have a game room?

laughed, trailing behind him as Emma tugged at my hand.

spaces, the library, and finally, the movie room, which made. Ethan nearly jump out of his skin in excitement. Emma giggled beside me, her shyness melting away as she began asking questions of

room?” she asked quietly,

knelt down to her level, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. “You can stay wherever you feel most comfortable. My room, your

before Emma could answer. “Dad, I’m starving!

got this one.” I said,

you going to cook, Dad?” Emma asked, her voice tinged with surprise.

neck, “It’s been a while,

sleeves, dismissing the other servants who were lingering nearby. The butlers, the maids–they

with wide eyes, standing on tiptoes by the counter.

about spaghetti?” I suggested, smiling as I stirred a

help?” Emma asked, her

sweetheart,” I said, handing her a small spoon to stir

hot

intently. “This is cool. I didn’t

a lot you don’t know about me, buddy. But I plan

on about everything and nothing at once. They bombarded me with questions about my work, the house, and life in general, their curiosity endless. It was overwhelming, but

us. No servants, no interruptions. I served them plates of spaghetti, and as they dug in, I couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of pride. It was the first meal I had

Dad,” Ethan said between mouthfuls,

nodding her head vigorously. “I like

Chapter 52

but for the first time, it didn’t feel so heavy. These were my kids, and they were here with me, under my roof. I hadn’t been there for them like I should’ve been, but tonight I was going to make up for it. Maybe not all of it, but

laughing. Ethan, as usual, had a million questions about the house. “Dad, do you have a pool?

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