Christiana’s POV
wer Alex, and the door was wide open. There
My heart sank as I realized the situation we were in. I was p
practically sprawled over Alex, stood Ethan and Emma, eyes wide and full of curiosity.
“Mommy?” Ethan’s small voice broke the silence first. “Why are you lying on top of Daddy?”
I quickly scrambled off Alex, feeling my face flush a deep red. I couldn’t even find the words. Meanwhile, Alex sat up, trying. and failing to stifle a laugh. His eyes sparkled with amusement. Of course, he was enjoying this.
“…I just slipped, 1 stammered, my voice sounding shaky. “It’s nothing. I just tripped.”
Emma, my bright and ever–inquisitive daughter, tilted her head and raised an eyebrow in the most serious way a five–year- old could. “But why are you both on the floor? Did you fall together?”
Alex cleared his throat, but I could see he was still trying not to laugh. “Your mom isn’t feeling well, and I was just making sure she didn’t fall But… I guess we fell together.” He grinned at me, and I shot him a glare, willing him to stop making this
Worse
The kids, however, weren’t satisfied. Ethan looked up at Alex with his big eyes, full of mischief. “So, are you moving back in, Daddy? You’re in Mommy’s room.”
I nearly choked. “No! No, your dad is not- I began, but Emma cut me off, hands on her hips like she was about to give us a Jecture.
“Mommy, you’re wearing your underwear. Daddy’s in shorts. Did you play dress–up last night?”
I wanted to melt into the floor. How in the world did they come up with these things? Alex, of course, was loving every minute of this, and I could tell from the grin plastered on his face.
*Emma, sweetheart, Alex finally said, his voice smooth as ever, nothing like that happened. Mommy just wasn’t feeling great, and I stayed to help her. That’s it.”
The kids weren’t buying it. Ethan leaned in, whispering loudly. “But Mommy never lets anyone help her. Are you sure something didn’t happen?”
I shot a panicked look at Alex, hoping he would somehow wrap this up. But no, he was too busy enjoying the mess.
“Ethan,” I said, trying to regain control of the situation, “sometimes even Mommy needs help, okay? Daddy just helped me get home, and that’s it. Nothing more.”
Emma tapped her chin thoughtfully, like she was some sort of detective. “Then why does it smell like vomit in here?”
I groaned. Could this get any worse? “Because I was sick, okay?” admitted, my voice defeated. “I drank too much, and Daddy helped clean up. That’s why he’s here. That’s all.”
Both of the kids looked at each other, then back at me, like they still didn’t quite believe it. “Hmm…” Ethan mused. “Okay, Mommy. But it’s still kinda weird”
I let out
sigh of relief, finally untangling myself from Alex completely. “Yes, it is weird, okay? But now it’s time to go. You two go with Natmy and get ready for breakfast, okay?”
The nanny, who had been watching this whole ordeal in silence, finally stepped forward, trying to hold back a smile. “Come on, kids, let’s give your parents some space.”
As she ushered them away, I felt the
tension drain from my body. But before they left, Emma turned around, one last
18:08 Fri, Oct 18
Chapter 67
cheeky grin on her Face
“Next time, maybe don’t play dress–up if you don’t want us to find out!“.
The door clicked shut, and I buried my face in my hands, groaning.
I’m going to die of embarrassment.” I muttered.
Alex chuckled, standing up and dusting himself off. “They’re smart, I’ll give them that. But hey, at least they think we’re playing dress–up and not something else”
I shot him another glare, but I was too exhausted to argue. This was an absolute disaster,
“Alex.” I sighed, “you really need to go
“Right after you drink that hangover soup,” he said, walking over to the tray and picking it up. “Then I’ll think about it.”
I was too hungover and too embarrassed to argue. Instead, I grabbed the spoon and started sipping the soup, my face still burning with humiliation.
This was not how I imagined my morning. At all.
1 glanced at Alex who was now leaning against the edge of the bed, scrolling through his phone like he had all the time in the world. His powerful presence made the room feel smaller, and I couldn’t ignore the fact that he was still shirtless. I needed to focus on something, anything, but the way his muscles flexed with each movement,
I–dialed the number for the hotel’s concierge, attempting to sound normal, but my voice shook a little. “Yes, please make sure Mr. Alistair’s clothes are dry cleaned immediately. And, if possible, can we have them in under an hour?”
The person on the other end agreed without hesitation, and I hung up. I turned back to Alex, trying not to look frazzled. Your clothes should be ready soon. You’ll be out of here in no time.”
Airs smirked, crossing ins arms over his chest. “In a hurry to get rid of me?
I shot ham a look. “Aren’t you supposed to be running your empire or something?”
Hu smurk deepened, and he shrugged. “I have people for that. I’m right where I need to be
God, he was insufferable. “Alex, seriously, you can’t just hang around here. I have things to do, and you… well, you’re in my
He raised an eyebrow. “I’m waiting for my clothes, aren’t I?
1 rulleg! my eyes and turned away, trying to regain control of the situation. He was always like this–acting like the world. revolved around him like he could just waltz in and take over everything
The kids who had been unusually quiet, suddenly popped back into the conversation. Ethan stood on his tiptoes, peering at Alex Tuddy, why were you and Mommy on the floor carlier? Did you fall down?”
Fama giggled her eyes wide with curiosity. “Yeah! Did you trip Mommy?”
I felt my cheeks Bush How was I supposed to explain that “Uh, honey, it was nothing like that.”
kurk
Alce ever the cool ane kuch to their level ruling Ethan’s hair. Mommy was just a little dizzy had to catch her
Emma grinned, cupletely fascinated Like a superhero?
Alex chuckled, asing te a glance “Sometang like that”
滷味完69%)
Fri, Oct 18
Chapter 67
Ethan’s face scrunched up as he studied me closely. “Why do you look funny, Mommy? You’re all red.”
“Mommy’s tired, sweetie. I shid, trying to redirect the conversation. But the kids weren’t letting this go.
“You look weird, too, Daddy. Emma pointed out, poking at Alexx bare chest. “Where’s your shirt?”
“Yeah, Daddy, did you lose your clothes?” Ethan’s eyes widened as if that was the most amazing possibility.
Alex laughed, clearly enjoying this. “No, I didn’t lose them. They’re just… being cleaned.”
“Because of the puke! Emma declared proudly
I groaned internally, feeling the embarrassment rise all over again. Alright, that’s enough questions for today.”
But Alex wasn’t done with his teasing, “It’s fine, Chris. They’re smart kids. They understand.”
The kids looked from me to Alex, grinning like they were in on some big secret. ‘Are you staying for breakfast, Daddy?” Emma asked, tugging on his arm.
“No.” I answered quickly, shooting him a warning glance. “Daddy’s leaving soon.
Alex gave me a sideways look. “Actually, maybe I will stay. You know, for the kids.”
I stared at him. exasperated. This man… he was impossible. The kids squealed in excitement, running off to the living room, probably to pester the nanny with all their newfound information.
Alex stood up, that smug smile still playing on his lips. “You’re welcome, by the way.”
I crossed my arms, glaring. For what? For creating more chaos in my life?”
He stepped closer, his tone lowering. “For being here when you needed someone.”
I swallowed, his words hitting a little too close to home. Before could respond, a knock came at the door, and the concierge was back with Alex’s freshly cleaned clothes.
“Looks like your excuse to stay is gone,” I said, trying to lighten the mood as I handed him the package.
Alex took the clothes, but before disappearing into the bathroom to change, he leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear. “You’ll miss me when I’m gone.”
I stood there, frozen for a second, heart pounding. As the door closed behind him, I couldn’t help but wonder… would I?
When Alex returned from the bathroom, fully dressed, I could feel the shift in the air. He looked back to his usual self, confident, composed, and devastatingly handsome. The sight of him standing there, still in my room, brought back a flood of memories I wasn’t sure I was ready to face.
“Looks like I’m all set,” he said, smoothing down his shirt, his eyes locked on mine in that way that always unnerved me. “But before I go…”
He took a step closer, and I instinctively backed up, only to feel the cool surface of the wall behind me. My heart raced as the space between us closed. Alex’s gaze softened, and his hand lifted, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. His touch was gentle, and for a second, I forgot to breathe..
“Alex..” I started, but my voice trailed off. The intensity in his eyes made it impossible to form a coherent thought.
Before I could stop myself, I leaned into his touch, feeling the warmth of his fingers graze my skin. It was as if no time had passed between us, as if the years, the divorce, the heartbreak, none of it existed in that moment. My heart betrayed me, wanting something I knew I shouldn’t.
18:08 Fri, Oct 18
Chapter 67
1 x 69%
He tilted his head. his lips brushing mine so lightly that it sent a shiver down my spine. “Chris…” he whispered, the sound of my name on his lips unraveling the last bit of resistance I had.
And then, just like that, his lips captured mine in a kiss that was slow, deliberate, and breathtaking. His hand cupped the back of my neck, pulling me closer, deepening the kiss, as if he wanted to erase the years of distance between us with that
one touch.
品
For a fleeting moment, I let myself get lost in it. The way he kissed me felt so familiar, so intoxicating, as if he knew exactly how to make me forget everything, forget the pain, the betrayal, the walls I had built to keep him out. My fingers gripped his shirt, and I melted into him, feeling the strength of his body against mine.
But then, reality crashed in. What was I doing? This was Alex–my ex–husband, the man I had promised myself I’d for again.
d never fall
I pulled away, breathless, my heart pounding in my chest. “Alex, I whispered, pushing him back gently. “We can’t do this.”
His eyes searched mine, as if he wasn’t ready to let go of the moment. He stayed close, his hand still resting on my waist, his breath mixing with mine as he spoke softly. “Why not? Why are you fighting this?”
I bit my lip, my mind racing. “Because… we’ve been through this. We’re over. We’re different people now.”
He stepped–even closer, his voice low and full of emotion. “Maybe we’ve changed, but this-” he gestured between us, “-this hasn’t. You feel it too, don’t you?”
I didn’t want to admit it, but I did. The way my heart reacted to him, the way my body responded–it was undeniable. But I had to be stronger than that.
“I can’t,” I whispered, shaking my head. “We’re not good for each other, Alex.”
He exhaled deeply, his eyes never leaving mine. And then, with a slight smile tugging at his lips, he said the last thing I expected.
“Dear Ex–Wife
“he murmured, his voice tender, “please be mine again.”
The words hung in the air, and my heart stopped. He was serious. The look in his eyes said everything.