The Billionaire And His Son Want Me Back by Juliette Vaughan

Chapter 8

By the time Paisley arrived home, the house was quiet, steeped in the serenity of the late evening. Serena was already fast asleep, curled up in her linle bed with her favorite plush toy tucked snugly under her arm. Her tiny lips were slightly parted, her breathing soft and e For a moment, she fought the overwhelming urge to kiss her daughter on the cheeks. But she

Paisley leaned against the door frame, her heart swelling with affection at the sight.

restrained herself, not wanting to disturb Serena's peaceful slumber.

In the dining room, the warm, inviting aroma of freshly prepared food wafted from the kitchen. Maria was there, bustling about as she laid out a light late- night snack.

"I figured you wouldn't v knowing smile.

want anything heavy after a night out, so I made something easy on the stomach," Maria said, beckoning Paisley over with a

Grateful. Paisley sat down as Maria placed a steaming bowl of oatmeal in front of her. Although she hadn't drunk much during dinner, her stomach still felt unsettled, and the soothing warmth of the oatmeal was a welcome relict. "How

was Rena's day at preschool?" Paisley asked, her tone casual, though her mind lingered on her earlier promise to be the first parent to pick Serena up after school-

a promise she hadn't been able to keep thanks to Cary's unexpected dinner invitation.

as she

were a

chest tightened, a pang of guilt and worry uning her simultaneously. Did you ask the teacher

nodded, her voice gentle but tinged with sympathy. "I did. The teacher

more comfortable with the other kids,

sigh, running her fingers absently along the edge of the table. "Anything else 1 should

Rena met a boy, a little older than

with her."

she wiped the already spotless table with unnecessary force. "Didn't want to play with Rena! If anything. Rena wouldn't want to play with him Rena is our little princess. What's that boy got that's so special, huh!" Paisley chuckled sofily, knowing Maria's indignation

was right o'clock in the morning,

casting playful dappled shadows on the pavement. A gentle breeze carried the faint scent of

had just pulled her car into the kindergarten's parking lot when her

wrong, sweetheart?" Marissa asked, glancing at

from the

routine

to collect Stella. The two children would arrive together, a tiny duo of morning camaraderie. But today, Grayson had overslept and the

her small finger hovering in the air. "It's that lady