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.

hesitated, her brow creasing slightly as

a heavy heart. "When I got there, she didn't look too happy. Her eyes were a little red, like she'd been crying. I asked her what was wrong, but she didn't

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 said Rena was probably just homesick.

more comfortable with the other kids, it

table. "Anything else 1 should know?" she asked, though a nagging guilt pricked at her. I've been far from the perfect mom lately,

in her mind. "Oh, right. Today, Rena met a

with her."

tone sharpened as 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!"

was right o'clock in the

leaves, casting playful dappled shadows on the pavement. A gentle breeze carried the faint

car into the kindergarten's parking

glancing at her

from the

the routine was

Prescott Villa to collect Stella. The two children would arrive together, a tiny duo of morning camaraderie. But today, Grayson had overslept and the chauffeur couldn't pick

toward the entrance, her small finger hovering