Dear ex-Wife please be mine again

Chapter 167

Daniel’s POV

The neon sign for the rundown motel flickered above as I parked the car in the lot. Gravel crunched under the tires, the sound loud in the quiet night. I killed the engine and turned to look at the back seat. Ethan and Emma were still out cold, their small faces slack with the kind of peace only children could have. It wasn’t real peace, though–not with everything going on.

I tapped my fingers on the steering wheel, taking a deep breath. Christiana’s kids. Her precious little ones. The only reason I was going through with this.

This is for you, Christiana,” I muttered, barely loud enough to hear myself.

Pulling the key out of the ignition, I stepped out into the cool night air. It smelled faintly of rain and dirt. Not the worst place I’d been, but far from the luxury those kids were probably used to. Still, it was out of the way. Safe enough for what I needed to do.

I glanced at the receptionist inside the glass office as I approached. She looked half–asleep, her head resting on her hand while her other scrolled lazily on her phone. Good. I didn’t need anyone asking too many questions tonight.

The door creaked as I stepped inside.

“Need a room,” I said, keeping my voice low but firm.

The woman barely looked up, her face blank. “How many nights”

“Just one.” I slid some cash across the counter. “Got two kids with me. They’re asleep in the car. Long drive.”

That got her attention. Her eyes flicked up, curiosity sparking, but she didn’t push. She just gave a slow nod and slid a key across the counter.

“Room six. Down the left.”

“Thanks.” I pocketed the key and turned to leave.

Outside, I opened the back door of the car. Ethan was slumped against his seatbelt, his small chest rising and falling evenly. I reached in and unbuckled him, careful not to jostle him too much. He murmured something in his sleep but didn’t wake, his head falling against my shoulder as I carried him out.

The weight of him felt so small in my arms. Too small.

“This isn’t about you, kid,” I whispered, glancing down at his peaceful face. “You’ll be fine. I promise.”

Walking back toward the motel, I nodded briefly to the receptionist when her gaze lingered on us. “Rough night,” Lsaid, keeping my tone light. “They just need some rest.”

She gave me a tight smile and turned back to her phone.

Inside the room, I set Ethan down gently on the bed. His body sank into the worn mattress, and he curled up clutching the blanket I draped over him.

instinctively,

I went back for Emma next. She was lighter, her little frame bundled up in her jacket. Her hair stuck to her face as I picked her up, and I brushed it back gently with my fingers.

“You’re tougher than you look, huh?” I murmured, carrying her into the room.

She let out a soft sigh as I placed her next to Ethan, her hand automatically reaching out until it found his. Even asleep, they

1/5

13:49 Mon, Dec 16 G

Chapter 167

were connected. It was a small gesture, but it made my chest tighten for a moment.

\ 64 . 70%=

+5

hands over my face. The kids were asleep. Everything was going to plan. But still, there was this gnawing

were so small, so innocent. It was hard to believe

I muttered under my breath. That made all the

deserve them. He didn’t deserve her. He was the reason things had gone so wrong, the reason she’d

This would make her

clock on the wall, the hands ticking too slow. Christiana would be panicking by

said to myself, leaning back in the chair.

slipped away from Ethan’s, and I

to me, and I’d finally have the chance to show her that Alex wasn’t the man she thought

kids again. Ethan’s small fingers

no matter how much I hated Alex, I couldn’t

that didn’t mean I wouldn’t

An hour later.

his eyelids fluttered open, those innocent brown eyes blinking up at the ceiling

shaking his sister beside him. “Wake

let out a soft groan, curling tighter under the blanket, but Ethan

voice growing louder, a mix of panic and

the chair in the corner, already feeling my pulse quicken. “Hey, buddy,” I said, trying to sound calm.

and his wide, teary eyes

still thick with sleep as she

grabbed her hand, his little chest heaving. Emma’s lower lip started trembling

she

shouted, his voice rising

13:49 Mon, Dec 16

Chapter 167

D

bA 7 70%▪

sound was like a siren in the quiet motel. My hands clenched into fists as I

stepping closer. “Your mom’s coming,

didn’t stop. Emma clung to Ethan, her sobs getting louder. Ethan’s face was red

daddy!” he yelled again, his

The very mention of that man made

promise. She’s just running a little late, but she’ll be here soon.

Ethan cried, shaking his head violently. “I don’t

cries only grew louder, and the two of them clung to each other, their tiny voices echoing off the motel walls. My

They both froze for a second, their tear–streaked faces staring at me. “If you keep crying, your mom might not find us, okay? We

a bit, but Ethan wasn’t buying it. His glare

don’t believe you,” he said again, his voice quieter but

wasn’t part of the plan. I hadn’t accounted for this–the noise, the tears, the sheer stubbornness

okay,” I muttered to myself, trying to think. Then my eyes landed on

to calm down.

grabbed the cartons and held them up. “Look, how about some juice? You must be thirsty

eyes narrowed suspiciously. “What’s

I said, forcing a smile. “Apple

didn’t answer, and I could see the hesitation on

crouching down to their level. “It’ll make you feel better. And then, when your mom gets here,