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?

I teased, my heart swelling at

until their energy waned. As the sun went down, we curled up on the couch under a blanket fort. Ethan rested against me, his eyelids

mumbled, his voice

I whispered, stroking his

do this again

his forehead.

breathing filled the room, my thoughts grew heavy. Earlier today, I had seen Bianca in the hotel lobby. Her sharp, accessing gaze sent shivers down

glowing in the dim

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Dec 6

Chapter 149

wouldn’t let her

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knock sounded at the door, snapping me out of my thoughts. I gently laid

answer.

+5

features making my heart skip a beat. His stormy eyes softened when they met

and pulling me

whispered against his

mean everything to me.

slightly, searching his

hesitated, his jaw tightening. “Bianca’s

He knew just from one

I saw her earlier,”

“Then we need to talk. About keeping you and the

his determined eyes, I

couch, Alex’s arm firmly wrapped around my shoulders, I hesitated before speaking. The memory of earlier that day still remained, raw and unsettling. The kids were sound

at the boutique today,” I finally

me, his expression darkening.

at Elite picking up a dress

hand tightened,

just come in,” I said, my voice growing steadier as I recounted the moment. “She pushed past me, Alex.

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