Chapter 111

Alexander POV.

I woke up to a pounding headache, the kind that felt like someone was taking a jackhammer to my skull.

Groaning, I pushed myself up, the sheets twisted around my legs.

My mouth felt like sandpaper, and as I ran a hand through my hair, the night came back to me in flashes….her face, the bar, my hand gripping her arm.

Christiana.

The memory hit me like a slap to the face, and I slumped back, a bitter laugh escaping my lips. I’d been an idiot, a complete, utter idiot. My own voice from last night echoed in my head: “Did he touch you? Your hands, your body?” I winced, pressing a hand to my temple. What the hell had I been thinking? I’d torn down every inch of pride I’d built up in a single night, laid bare every weak part of me, and for what?

For the first time in years, I felt like I was losing myself.

I dragged myself out of bed and staggered to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face. I gripped the sink and looked at myself in the mirror, my reflection looking as ragged as I felt. There was a weight in my chest, something sharp and heavy, that only seemed to grow as I remembered the look in her eyes. She’d been angry…furious even, but there had been something else, something that only twisted the knife deeper.

I could still hear her voice in my head, that mix of anger and hurt. “You’re a fool, Alex. A complete fool.”

She was right.

I let out a deep breath, trying to pull myself together, but the hangover wasn’t just physical… it was like her presence lingered, that sharp reminder of every mistake I’d made, of every reason she had to hate me.

“Good job, Alex,” I muttered to myself, my voice heavy with sarcasm. “Way to really make an impression.”

I closed my eyes, jaw clenched. I knew what I had to do. I’d made up my mind, but it felt like ripping out a piece of myself. For Christiana’s sake…for the kids, I’d keep my distance. She’d never forgive me if I showed up at her door again, not after last night. But that didn’t mean I’d leave her without protection.

I knew Bianca was free, lurking somewhere, and with every nerve in my body, I sensed she’d come back with a vengeance. It was a game of caution now, and I couldn’t afford to make any more mistakes. Not with the people I cared about most on the line.

So I’d keep out of Christiana’s way. I’d make sure she was safe, but from afar. She wouldn’t even know I was there, watching, protecting.

the knowledge that this was how it had to

the knock. I hadn’t called for anyone, so I assumed it was James, maybe with

a moment,” I called out, trying to summon the energy to deal with the outside world, not realizing the whirlwind that was about

open. My heart jumped, and I turned, ready to reprimand whoever it was… but

the doorway, was

spotted me immediately. “Daddy!” they squealed in unison, their little faces lighting up as they ran toward me. For a second, I couldn’t move. I simply stared, stunned, as they barreled across the room, their small arms flinging around me as they crashed into

my arms, still trying to believe they were real. The feel of their warmth, the way they buried their faces in my

see me. I felt as though I were

1/3

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1:55 PM

Chapter III

much, Daddy!” Ethan said, pulling back enough to look at me, his

chimed in, her tiny fingers brushing over my face as if reassuring herself I

little tighter. “I missed you more than

it was heartwarming. She was still, her expression gentler than I’d seen in a long time. And that smile…it wasn’t her usual restrained or forced one. It was

sorry, Alex.” She cleared her throat, as if pushing

I hadn’t realized I was holding onto. I glanced up at her, feeling a raw gratitude that I couldn’t put into words. “Thank you, Christiana,”

softer, something that

about you two go outside with your mom for a second? Daddy needs to

one last hug before they bounced over to Christiana. She guided them out, her hand on Emma’s shoulder, while two of her bodyguards stationed themselves

It was as though everything

the bathroom, steam moving around me like a thick fog. I leaned against the cool tiles of the shower, letting the spray drench me. It was a pathetic attempt to wash away the alcohol clinging to my senses, but I

she was angry. I gripped the edge of the shower, trying to ground myself, but the weight of

the bathroom door creaked open, and my heart raced. I turned, wondering who in the hell

breathed, disbelief

around her like a veil, and for a moment, it felt surreal…like a scene pulled from a dream. My heart pounded, anticipation

I could say another word, she stepped into the shower, fully clothed, and closed the distance between us. The fabric of her dress clung to her

managed to choke out, but she silenced me with a fierce

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