Alexander POV,
James eyed me skeptically as I adjusted the pizza delivery uniform, trying to fit into the disguise I’d meticulously chosen. The dark blue cap and matching shirt felt oddly uncomfortable, but I had to make this work. “Are you sure about this, Alex? I mean, this is really going to be effective?”
I nodded, adjusting the plastic pizza box with a forced, casual grin. “Yes, James. It’s the only way I get to see them. I need to be sure they know me, that they see me for who I am, not just some distant figure.”
James looked uncertain but didn’t argue further. He watched as I hopped onto the scooter, a far cry from the luxury vehicles I usually drove. I revved the engine, making my way toward the hotel where Christiana and the kids were staying. The whole plan hinged on precise timing Christiana would be out at the renovation site, leaving the kids and their nanny behind
The hotel was as opulent as expected, an opposite to my current appearance. As I entered, I approached the receptionist with the pizza box in hand. I cleared my throat, trying to sound nonchalant. “Hi, I’m here to deliver a pizza for suite 1.505. I was told to come around this time.”
The receptionist gave me a once–over, clearly skeptical. “Are you sure? The family usually doesn’t order pizza.”
1 forced a friendly smile, nodding earnestly. “Yes, I’m positive. The order was placed just this morning. They wanted it to be a surprise for the kids. There’s a special request for a party.”
The receptionist’s brows furrowed but didn’t seem entirely convinced. “Hold on, let me check.”
I took the opportunity to add a bit more weight to my story, maintaining my smile. “I’m actually a local, you know, just helping out. I’m just here to do a quick delivery. Don’t want to keep them waiting.”
The receptionist’s gaze softened slightly as she picked up the phone, and after a brief conversation, she nodded. “Alright, you’re cleared to go up. Just follow the elevator and you’ll be on your way.”
I thanked her, my heart racing with every step as I made my way to the elevator. The security on this floor was tight–two men in black suits stood guard outside the suite. I approached them with confidence.
“Hey there, I’m here with the pizza delivery for 1505,” I said, holding up the box.
One of the guards raised an eyebrow. “I thought the delivery was scheduled for later. Are you sure you have the right suite?”
I gave a reassuring nod. “Yes, I’m sure. There was a mix–up with the time. The kids have been really looking forward to this, and I didn’t want to be late. The order was for a special treat–so, you know, to cheer them up. Plus, I’ve been running around, and I’m pretty sure the pizza’s getting cold.”
They exchanged a glance, clearly still skeptical. I pressed on, adding another layer of reassurance. “The nanny should be expecting me. She actually called in earlier to confirm the pizza. You can check with her if you’d like. I’m just here to do my job and get out.”
After a few moments of hesitation, the guards nodded. “Alright, go ahead. But if there are any issues, we’ll be right here.”
I thanked them and walked up to the suite door. Knocking lightly, I waited with bated breath. The door opened, and a young nanny peeked out. Her expression was curious but polite.
“Hi there,” I said, flashing my best delivery smile. “I’ve got a pizza for the kids. I was just told to bring it up.”
The nanny hesitated, glancing over my outfit and the pizza box. “Oh, I wasn’t aware of any delivery. I need to check with Mrs. Davis.”
I quickly added, “It was a last–minute thing. The order was confirmed through her phone. I’m sure it’s all sorted. If you could just take it for her, I’d really appreciate it. It’s been a long day, and I wouldn’t want to be a bother.”
She seemed to think it over and then stepped aside. “Alright, come in. I’ll take it from here.”
As I walked in, I could hear the excited voices of the kids from the other room. My heart raced, but I kept my composure. I had managed to get past the first hurdle. Now, I just had to make sure everything went according to plan.
As soon as the nanny turned her back to handle an issue in the kitchen, I seized the chance. I moved quickly, heart racing, and
Chapter 18
made my way toward the source of the cheerful noise coming from the playroom. The suite was lavish, reflecting Christiana’s success, but all I cared about was the small, bright faces I was about to see.
I approached the entrance to the playroom where the twins were playing, their laughter filling the room. Taking a deep breath, I pushed the door open and stepped inside. The children paused their play, their curious eyes landing on the delivery
uniform I wore.
“Hi there,” I said with a smile, holding up the pizza box. “I’ve got your delivery.”
At first, they seemed puzzled, their tiny faces scrunched in confusion. I took off my cap, letting my hair fall free, and that’s when I saw it a flash of recognition in their eyes. Before I could even say anything. Emma’s eyes widened, and she hesitantly stepped closer.
“Daddy?” Emma asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty and a hint of hope
My heart nearly stopped. “Did you just call me Daddy?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. The shock was overwhelming: I wasn’t prepared for this moment. The weight of being called “Daddy” for the first time was almost too much
to bear.
Ethan, standing beside Emma, nodded with a shy smile. “Yeah, you’re the man from the airport.”
Emma continued, her voice trembling slightly. “Mom told us you’re our dad.”
The words hit me like a punch in the gut. For the first time, I was being addressed as a father. My whole body trembled with disbelief and emotion. I had always been the powerful, ruthless billionaire, but here I was, facing the reality of my role as a parent, a role I never really anticipated.
I tried to steady myself, my breaths coming in shallow gasps. “You know who I am?” I asked, trying to sound calm despite the storm of feelings inside me.
The twins nodded. Emma’s gaze was hopeful yet cautious, while Ethan’s eyes were full of an innocent curiosity. They were smart and perceptive, but they kept their distance, clearly unsure how to interact with me. The longing in their eyes was unmistakable, a silent plea for connection that was just out of reach. They were my children, but to them, I was still a stranger.
The surreal nature of the moment hit me hard. Here I was, facing my own flesh and blood, the children I had been separated from for years, and I was struck by the profound realization of how far we were from truly knowing each other. The powerful billionaire, accustomed to control and power, was now standing vulnerable in front of his kids. The weight of the situation made my heart ache.
The silence between us spoke volumes. It was a poignant reminder of the deep chasm between who I was and who I needed to become
