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.

in my chest like poison, the knowledge that this was how it had to

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

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

My heart jumped, and I turned,

the doorway, was Christiana….and

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

arms, still trying to believe they were real. The feel of their warmth, the way they buried their faces in my neck, it was everything. I held onto them tightly, their laughter filling the room,

Christiana had brought the kids to see me. I felt as though I were in some kind

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1:55 PM

Chapter III

Ethan said, pulling back enough to look at me,

tiny fingers brushing over my face as if reassuring

a little

watching us with a soft smile that felt as unfamiliar as 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

the kids, she spoke, her voice soft yet sincere, “I… I’m sorry, Alex.” She cleared her throat, as if pushing through her

I was holding onto. I glanced up at her, feeling a raw

her gaze meeting mine, and for a brief moment, there was none of the usual frost in her eyes. There was something softer, something that made

Emma’s, before pulling back. “How about you two go outside with your

Emma’s shoulder, while two of her bodyguards stationed themselves just outside the door. As the door clicked shut, I leaned

to clear my head. It was as

filled 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

was angry. I gripped the edge of

turned, wondering who in the hell was that, but as the figure stepped

I breathed, disbelief flooding

there, breathing heavily as she pushed the door closed behind her. The steam wrapped around her like a veil, and for a moment, it felt surreal…like a scene

the distance between us. The fabric of her dress clung to her body, soaking up the water,

are you doing?” I managed to choke

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