The Secret Pregnancy of the Billionaire's Ex-Wife

Chapter 272

he Secret Pregnancy of the Billionaire's Ex-Wife

Chapter 272: Christmas Preparations and Warm Waters

Angela Pov

I woke to the sound of muffled giggles and hushed whispers floating through the bedroom door. Stretching my arm across the bed, I Tound Sean's side empty, the sheets already conl

After a quick shower, I slipped into a comfortable sweater and jeans before following the sounds of laughter downstairs. The scene that greeted me in the living room made my heart swell

Sean stood tall beside a massive pine tree, Aria perched on his shoulders as she reached for the higher branches, Ethan carefully unwrapped ornaments from tissue paper, his small face unusually animated as he chattered about their placement. Even Victoria and my father were involved, untangling strings of lights while Glul served hot chocolate in festive mugs.

"Mommy!" Aria spotted me first, waving excitedly from her father's shoulders. "We're making Christmas come early!"

Sean turned, his green eyes crinkling with warmth. "Three days early to be exact. We thought we'd get a head start."

"Mommy, we have a surprise for you, Ethan said, abandoning his ornaments to take my hand. His voice, typically so measured and quiet, bubbled with excitement. "Aria and I made something special, it's for Christmas morning."

"It's hanging on the highest branch," Aria added proudly, pointing to crudely wrapped package nestled near the top of the tree. "Dadily helped us hide it there because you're too short to reach!"

"I'm not that short," I laughed, crouching down to Ethan's level. "Can you tell me what it is?"

Ethan shook his head solemnly. "It's a surprise. Dat we made it ourselves. His eamest expression, so mature for his five years. combined with the rare animation in his features, brought unexpected tears to my eyes.

"Mommy, why are you crying?" Aria asked, her cheerful expression quickly morphing into concern as Sean lowered her to the ground. She rushed over, placing her small hands on my cheeks. Did we make you sad?*

1 pulled both children into a tight embrace, blinking rapidly. "No, sweetheart. Sometimes people cry when they're very happy. Mommy is just so happy to have such wonderful children who her a special gift"

Aria's brow furrowed in confusion. "But happy means smiling, not crying,"

"Sometimes it's both," I explained, wiping my eyes and giving her the brightest smile I could manage. "See? Happy tears."

a hearty breakfast of Giulia's homemade pastries and strong lan coffee, we continued decorating the tree. I couldn't help noticing how Sean seemed more relaxed here, away from New York's constant pressures, Laughing freely as he lifted the children to place ornaments on

towel. "Tave a wonderful idea for today-There's a famous natural hot spring nearby very beautiful, very healing. The perfect activity for

up immediately. "Like a

that are good for the

lovely, but I'm

waved dismissively. "The spa sells everything we might

e cutest children's swimsuits."

1/3

Christmas Preparations

built into the hillside, its stone architecture blending

After check-in,

to a boutique where Aria immediately gravitated toward

bow.

princess pink!" she

a simple blue and black swimsuit. Unlike his sister's excitement, his selection was thoughtful

been this long when we arrived in Italy? Or was I just noticing it now, in this

to lead them toward the family area, Giulia intercepted us with a conspiratorial

special," she announced, exchanging knowing glances with Victoria. "A private spring for you and Sean in the VIP section. The children will be

I began to

arm. "Let us have this time with them, Angela. They're wonderful children, and

You and Sean need more private moments together-it's good for a marriage. She winked mischievously. "If you want life advice from a fifty-year-old woman, it's this: enjoy your passion while

implication. That's very... thoughtful of you," I managed,

taking Aria's hand.

secluded grotto, shielded

the steaming surface of the water, their sweet scent mingling with the mineral aroma of the spring. I stood awkwardly at the edge, suddenly self conscious

door opened behind

entered wearing only navy and black

My breath caught involuntarily.

marred only by the slowly healing scar on his abdomen, Rather than detracting from his appearance, the mark seemed to enhance his raw masculinity, telling a story of