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.”

for a fleeting moment. I thought I saw a

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Chapter 72

away, back to her calls, leaving me feeling both hopeful and

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

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we arrived at the park, the laughter of children ringing out in the air. Ethan and Emma bounced in their seats, eyes

are you ready for some

they shouted in unison, leaping out of the car before I could even open the

park, the greenery enveloped us. I took a deep breath, relishing

first?” Ethan asked, bouncing on the

was infectious,

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

to fly away!” I laughed, giving her an extra

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

instinctively taking a step closer. The protective instinct in me kicked in, ready to spring into

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

Emma shouted, pretending to be a duck as she waddled around, making

the sunny day I felt lighter, like the burdens of my life had momentarily faded away.

watch a game now?” Ethan asked, eyes sparkling with

match happening at the stadium nearby. Let’s head over,” I

our way to the stadium, and the atmosphere buzzed with energy. Fans in jerseys fitted the stands, and the smell of popcorn wafted

crossed, watching my kids reactions. They cheered

yelled, bouncing in her seat. I couldn’t help but smile at

shouted, mimicking the players

moments, I was just Alex, their dad…not the billionaire or the businessman. I was their hero, their protector, and I

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18:09 Fri, Oct 18

Chapter 72

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

anytime you want” I promised, tousling

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

Ethan and Emma chatted animatedly about their favorite moments, and I couldn’t

tone casual. “How would you feel about visiting Grandma? She’s

Emma exchanged a quick look with

know, grumpy?” Ethan

sometimes, but I think you two are brave enough to handle it

piped up, her tone cheerful yet cautious. “We can be nice, right, Ethan? Just like how

his boldness building. “And maybe she’ll be nice

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