Chapter 149

Christiana’s POV.

I sat cross–legged on the plush carpet of the hotel suite, scattered crayons, coloring books, and blocks forming a chaotic yet beautiful mess around me. Ethan was beside me, deeply focused on coloring in a lion, while Emma was stacking blocks with the kind of concentration that could rival an architect.

“Mommy, look!” Ethan’s voice broke through the quiet hum of our activity. He held up his coloring book, pride lighting up his face. His lion had a bright green mane, a purple body, and orange paws.

I chuckled, reaching out to ruffle his soft curls. “That’s the most creative lion I’ve ever seen. A magical jungle king.”

“Can we see a real jungle sometime later?” Ethan asked, his eyes wide with wonder.

“Maybe,” I replied with a smile. “But I don’t think we’ll find green–maned lions there.”

Emma giggled, glancing up from her growing tower. “Ethan’s lion looks so funny!”

“It’s not funny!” Ethan protested, his little brows knitting into a mock scowl.

“Hey,” I interjected, lifting my hands. “No teasing, Emma. Your brother’s lion is unique. That’s what makes it special.”

Emma pouted briefly before breaking into a laugh. “Okay, okay. But my tower’s gonna be taller than Ethan’s lion!”

Igrinned. “Let’s see if it can outgrow Mount Everest.”

As their chatter and giggles filled the room, I leaned back for a moment, just watching them. Their joy was contagious, their innocence untouched by the worries that had consumed me lately. Guilt tugged at me; work had taken too much of my time.

“Kids,” I said softly, drawing their attention. “I know I’ve been busy. Too busy. But today, I’m all yours. No work, no phone calls. Just us.”

“Really, Mommy?” Ethan’s face lit up

like a Christmas tree.

“Really,” I said, squeezing his tiny hand.

Emma clapped her hands. “Yay! Does this mean ice cream later?

my heart swelling

waned. As the sun went down, we curled up on the couch under a blanket fort. Ethan rested against me, his eyelids drooping, while Emma lay with her head on my lap, clutching her favorite stuffed

his voice thick with

sweetheart?” I whispered, stroking

we do this again

his

I had seen Bianca in the hotel lobby. Her sharp, accessing gaze sent shivers down my spine. I

innocent faces glowing in the dim light. A protective

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Fri, Dec 6

Chapter 149

planning, I wouldn’t

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the door, snapping me out of my thoughts. I

answer.

+5

and chiseled features making my heart skip

said, stepping inside and pulling me into his arms

whispered against his

everything to me. And after today…” He trailed off when he noticed how I was

his face.

his jaw tightening. “Bianca’s

sank. He knew just from one

I saw her

we need to talk. About keeping you and

his determined eyes,

remained, raw and unsettling. The kids were sound asleep in the bedroom now, their soft

today,” I finally

head snapped toward me, his

see her,” I continued, gripping his hand as I spoke. “I was at Elite picking up a dress for the gala, and

grip on my hand tightened,

didn’t just come in,” I said, my voice growing steadier as I recounted the moment. “She pushed past me, Alex. Shoulder to shoulder. Hard.

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