Chapter 208

“So, you’re only eighteen?” Natasha looked at him incredulously.

She instinctively recognized her own man. Whether young or old, certain subtle gestures and expressions never changed. She had only guessed he might have amnesia or something of the sort, but the reality before her was far more astonishing than she had imagined.

Fortunately, she had a vague intuition that the 32–year–old Alexei would soon

return.

The problem was the Alexei before her, whose soul was only eighteen. He…

“Can you treat me as him? I want to see what his day is like.” Having confessed, Alexei made his request directly.

He had always assumed he would live his life alone, yet the future version of himself he had just glimpsed had a wife and daughter. The man in the mirror radiated happiness naturally, a stark contrast to the future he had envisioned.

Strangely, he felt no aversion toward the woman before him or the lively, adorable little girl, even without memories of those years.

He wondered, ‘So, what changed me?

‘What made him who I am?‘

*****

Alexei tensed, carefully watching over Joyce as she perched on the pony.

She was still too young; the ride was only for the thrill of sitting atop the animal. Soon, Alexei, keeping a close eye on her, lifted her gently.

“Dad, Dad, take me for a ride,” Joyce asked as she grabbed his pant leg.

Alexei raised an eyebrow and picked her up.

Joyce cheered, “Mom, let’s race!”

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Chapter 208

Accompanied by a childish “Go!“, the two horses galloped forward.

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Alexei, who was mindful of the child in his arms, dared not push the pony to full speed, and Natasha easily claimed victory.

After the finish line, she beamed radiantly at father and daughter.

The little one in his arms sighed in a childish voice, “We lost again! Mom is so good!”

The word “defeat” had never existed in Alexei’s lexicon, yet at that moment, he found losing was not so unpleasant.

It turns out that life isn’t always about winning.

Before his emotions settled, two warm, fragrant kisses landed on his cheeks–one from the little one in his arms, the other from his “wife” at his side.

“But Dad is also great,” Joyce beamed.

Unlike the Turner family tradition, where only winners receive rewards, in this small family, love was not contingent on success.

For some reason, Alexei found himself envying his 32–year–old self.

*****

The trip to the equestrian center was cut short as Shawn had called Natasha.

Alexei had not responded to his messages, so Shawn asked whether he would still attend the company meeting that afternoon.

to refuse after hearing Natasha’s recounting, but

Go see the business empire you’ve built,”

Alexei’s

arriving at the office, Alexei understood why Natasha

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Chapter 208

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was somber and understated, reflecting Alexei’s consistent style, yet every

were his and Natasha’s travel photos, a family portrait of the three of

infused his once–monotonous

to acquire resources and reach the top; revenge had

life for his wife and daughter; happiness

the effort he put in was never empty or meaningless, nor should

brought Joyce to work. She had made herself at home at the Turner Group, sprawled happily on the sofa with a large pile of snacks from various

her father was busy, remained quietly

her feet, sketching idly in her

work matters, Alexei let his gaze drift toward mother and

that one of his old rivals

worried his dark, violent past

her.

up and smiled softly at

that instant, Alexei understood her gaze: “You don’t need to be perfect; you don’t need to

be afraid. Do what you believe

Chapter 208

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of three later went

had mentioned last night

today.

Alexei, who was pushing the shopping

let the chef handle

lips, “I

thirty–two, was an excellent cook, but am I really that bad

turned out, he was still

Joyce lick a rib and mumble that Dad’s cooking had worsened,

said, “It

Alexei’s ears turned red.

fill his stomach. Survival had been his sole

learn,” he said, meeting

time you see me, I will make your

eighteen–year–old Alexei incredibly

shifted uncomfortably, served her some

Natasha chuckled.

was sitting in her high chair and eating with a small spoon, heard her mother laugh, swung her short legs, and grinned, showing

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Chapter 208

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unconsciously softened

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*****

went to shower, leaving Alexei to put the little princess to

read a storybook, Joyce rested her chin on her hands, lying atop his belly. Her doll–like face reflected each twist and turn of the tale with a flurry of

is the last story,”

his belly, and closed her eyes. “I’m already asleep,” she

planned to

yet facing Joyce, perhaps because of their blood tie, he felt an infinite softness in his

little head and asked, “Joyce, do

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