Chapter 56

Daniel’s POV

Sitting in the grand, sunlit parlor, my grandmother’s piercing gaze bore into me as I spoke about Christiana. I could feel the weight of her disapproval, but that didn’t stop the words from spilling out of my mouth.

“I fell in love with her, Gram. I didn’t even see it coming. One minute, we’re talking about the kids, about life–and the next. I realized I couldn’t stop thinking about her. I ran a hand through my hair, frustrated yet energized by my own confession. “She’s everything. I want her. And the kids, too.”

Grandmother sat back in her chair, her hands delicately folded in her lap. The pearls around her neck glinted in the sunlight as she gave me that knowing, measured look of hers. She’d lived long enough to see things I hadn’t, to understand people better than I could. But I wasn’t backing down. Not on this.

“Daniel, you’re young,” she said gently, but her words were firm. “You have your whole life ahead of you. Why rush into something so complicated? Christiana is… well, she’s a mother of two, and don’t forget she has an ex–husband. A man who could very well get back into her life.”

“Alex” I muttered, his name leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

“Yes, Alexander Alistair,” she said, nodding. “He’s not just anyone, you know, He’s a powerful man, a billionaire. He still has a good relationship with the children. That complicates things.”

I clenched my fists, trying to push down the anger that surged up at the mention of him. “He doesn’t deserve her,” I said, my voice low. “He’s had his chance. He blew it. Christiana doesn’t want him back in her life, and I’m not going to sit around waiting for him to swoop in and ruin things.”

Grandmother arched a brow, clearly unconvinced. “And how do you know that, Daniel? How sure are you that she’s completely done with him?”

She was always able to find the cracks in my certainty, but I wouldn’t let her

Not this time.

told me herself. She’s moved on from him. She doesn’t want that life anymore.

as my own

expression softened for a moment as she studied me, but her skepticism remained. “Oh, Daniel,” she sighed. “Love is a beautiful thing, but it can also blind you. You’re talking about taking on a woman with two young children, children who still

still any longer. “I love her. And I’m not giving up on that. I don’t care if he’s their father. He’s not their only option. I can be there for them. I can be there

Daniel,” she said softly, though there was an edge to her voice.

to steady the storm inside me. I wasn’t going to give this up. Not for anyone.

through?” I finally asked, my voice quieter but filled with determination. “You think I haven’t asked myself if this is crazy, if I’m setting myself up to get hurt? I have. And I don’t care. Christiana deserves someone who will fight for her, someone who will love her and her kids unconditionally. I can be that

her hands, her expression softer now, almost maternal, “My dear boy,” she said quietly. “I’m not saying you can’t be that man. I’m saying you need to be

step aside. I’m not asking for permission,

filled with concern. “Stubborn as

Chapter 56

out a frustrated sigh, pulling away from

I believe you,” she said softly, her gaze never leaving mine. “But love isn’t always enough. You need to be prepared for what

in the air between us, heavy and unsettling. But I wouldn’t let them weaken

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