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.

thought settled in my chest like poison, the knowledge that this was

morning light barely filtered through my room when I heard the knock. I hadn’t called for anyone, so I assumed it was James, maybe with some

to deal with the outside world, not realizing the whirlwind that

and I turned, ready to reprimand

standing in the doorway,

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,

they buried their faces in my neck, it was everything.

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

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1:55 PM

Chapter III

Ethan said, pulling back enough to look at me, his big

Daddy!” Emma chimed in, her tiny fingers brushing over

a little tighter. “I missed you

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 throat, as if pushing through her own hesitation. “I tried to keep

glanced up at her, feeling a raw gratitude that I couldn’t put into words. “Thank you,

for a brief moment, there was none of the usual frost in her eyes. There was something softer, something that made my chest tighten. It was as if we’d both set aside all the bitterness, all the hurt, just

then Emma’s, before pulling back. “How about you two go outside with your mom for a second? Daddy needs to freshen up, but I’ll be right out,

out, her hand on Emma’s shoulder, while two of her bodyguards stationed themselves just outside the

clear my head. It was as though everything

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 felt light hearted. With this unexpected visit. The

I gripped the edge of the shower, trying

heart raced. I turned, wondering who in the hell was

breathed, disbelief

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

she stepped into the shower, fully clothed, and closed the distance between us. The fabric of her dress clung to her body, soaking up the

doing?” I managed to choke out, but she silenced me with

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