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?”

always able to find the cracks in

Not this time.

my voice harder now. “Christiana told me herself. She’s moved on from him. She doesn’t want that life anymore.

as my own

but it can also blind you. You’re talking about taking on a woman with two young children, children who still have a father–a very rich and powerful one, at that. Not when Mr. Alexander Alistair is still alive and

back, standing up now, unable to stay 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

said softly, though there was an edge

stared at the floor, trying to steady the storm inside me.

think I haven’t thought this 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

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 careful. This isn’t a game. Christiana’s life is complicated. Her children’s lives are complicated. And Alex… he won’t just

have to step aside. I’m not asking for permission,

faintly, though her eyes were still filled

Chapter 56

frustrated sigh, pulling away from her touch. “I’m serious,

I believe you,” she said softly, her gaze never leaving mine. “But love isn’t always enough. You need to be prepared for what comes next. And you need to be ready for the possibility that Alex might not be

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

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