Chapter 72

Alexander POV

Saturday morning dawned crisp and bright as I pulled up to the hotel, the familiar ache of anticipation fluttering in my chest. I hadn’t seen Christiana in two days, and despite the emotional turmoil we’d been through, I was determined to make this day count. I stepped out of the car, the cool air brushing against my skin, reminding me of the stakes involved.

As I entered the suite, 1 immediately sensed the tension. Christiana was on the phone, pacing back and forth with an intensity that spoke volumes. Her brow was furrowed, and for a moment, I just stood there, taking her in. The way her hair fell over her shoulders, the focused set of her jaw; it was a beautiful mess, but I could see the weight of her thoughts. “Mom, are we ready?” Ethan’s voice broke through my reverie, his little face lighting up as he saw me.

1 knelt to his level, matching his enthusiasm. “Ready to have some fun?”

“Yeah! Can we go to the park?” Emma piped in, her eyes sparkling.

Christiana ended her call and handed me the kids, her expression softening just a bit. “Bring them back before nightfall,” she instructed, but there was an edge to her tone, a hint of worry that made my chest tighten

“Don’t worry.” I assured her, meeting her gaze. “I’ll take good care of them.”

As they tugged at my arms, I noticed the slight tension in the air between us. I cleared my throat, feeling the weight of what had transpired two nights ago hang over us like a storm cloud. I wanted to bridge that could see she was still guarded.

  1. to draw her back to me, but I

I reached into my bag and pulled out a small, exquisitely wrapped box, feeling hopeful. “I got you something,” I said, extending it toward her.

Her expression shifted to one of reluctance. “Alex, I-”

“Don’t say no yet!” Ethan chimed in, eyes wide. “It’s a present, Mom!”

Emma nodded vigorously, hands on her hips. “Yeah! You shouldn’t make a big deal out of it!”

Their enthusiasm was infectious, but Christiana’s face remained set in determination. “It’s too much, really,” she insisted, attempting to push the gift back toward me.

I felt both disappointment and admiration watching the kids rally for me. “It’s just a small gesture. I thought you might like it,” I said, trying to keep my tone light

“Mom, please!” Ethan pleaded, his gaze filled with hope.

“Yeah, Mom! Just take it!” Emma added, her little voice firm.

Christiana sighed, the conflict evident on her face. “I appreciate, but I can’t accept it right now, I’m just… trying to figure things out

Watching her struggle to protect her heart was painful. “Alright, I said, putting the box back in my bag, a wave of frustration washing over me. “But I’m not going to stop trying”

The kids continued to chatter excitedly, pulling me into their world, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that Christiana was still keeping me at arm’s length. I admired her strength, but I wanted to break down those walls

As we prepared to leave, I glanced back at her, determined. “Just remember, I’m here. For you and for them.”

I saw

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Chapter 72

leaving

a step forward, no matter how small. I wouldn’t let

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children ringing out in the air. Ethan and Emma bounced in

for some

car before I could even open the door. I chuckled,

park, the greenery enveloped us. I took a deep breath, relishing the moment…just me

the playground first?” Ethan asked, bouncing on the balls of his

Their laughter was infectious, echoing in

them on the swings. I pushed Emma gently, her giggles ringing out as she soared higher. “Faster, Dad! I want to touch the sky!”

not to fly away!” I laughed,

jungle gym, his small frame determined. “Look at me, Dad!” he

The protective instinct

a round of slides and swings, we wandered to the pond. I pulled out my phone, snapping pictures of the kids as they chased after ducks. “Say ‘cheese!” I called, capturing

pretending to be a duck as she waddled around, making us all

in hand, soaking in the sunny day I felt lighter, like the burdens of my life had momentarily faded away. Just being with them, seeing them so carefree, filled me with a joy

a game now?”

match happening at the stadium nearby.

the stadium, and the atmosphere buzzed with energy. Fans in jerseys fitted the stands, and the smell of

we found our seats, the game kicked off. I leaned back, arms crossed, watching my kids reactions. They cheered and clapped, their faces

Emma yelled, bouncing in her seat. I couldn’t help

go, let’s go!” Ethan shouted,

a warmth spreading through my chest. In those moments, I was just Alex, their dad…not the

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18:09 Fri, Oct 18

Chapter 72

won, the kids erupted in cheers, and I felt a sense of pride

want” I promised, tousling his hair

headed back to the car, Emma slipped her hand into mine, and Ethan followed suit. I looked down at them, their smiles contagious, and for that fleeting moment, everything felt perfect. I couldn’t help but think about how I wanted to make more memories like this, how I wanted their happiness to

the air. Ethan and Emma chatted animatedly about their favorite moments, and I couldn’t help but smile at their infectious enthusiasm. The sun was starting to dip

would you feel

brow furrowed slightly, and Emma exchanged a quick look with him. I remembered their last visit, Ethan had

grumpy?” Ethan asked,

think you two are

yet cautious. “We can be nice, right, Ethan? Just

nice,” Ethan agreed, his boldness building. “And

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