Alexander POV
As I stepped out of the car, the cool evening breeze washed over me. The kids had dozed off on the ride back, their small faces peaceful in the backseat. Ethan stirred first, rubbing his eyes as Emma snuggled further into her seat. The soft glow from the hotel lights illuminated their sleepy expressions.
“Are we home?” Ethan mumbled, blinking up at me.
“Yeah, we’re back,” I said gently, opening the door to lift him out Emma followed, still clutching her stuffed rabbit, her small hand slipping into mine without a word.
Christiana had called earlier, sounding rushed. Something urgent came up with her work, clients demanding more from her. The gallery’s success was soaring, and while I admired her dedication, part of me hated how it pulled her away from the kids, from us.
“Is Mom back yet? Emma’s voice was quiet as we walked towards the suite.
“No,” I said, trying to keep my tone light. “She’s still at work, but she asked me to drop you off. The nanny will be here soon”
Ethan frowned up at me. “But why can’t you stay, Daddy?”
That was the thing I couldn’t just leave them here, not after today. Christiana was pushing herself too hard. The least I could do was be here for the kids, and maybe… maybe for her, if she’d let me.
I smiled, ruffling Ethan’s hair. “Don’t worry, buddy. I’m staying
The suite door clicked open, and I walked in with Ethan at my side, Emma trailing behind, her hand still in mine. The room) felt cold, untouched. Christiana’s scent lingered in the air; a mix of jasmine and something distinctly hers.
I set Ethan down on the touch and took a deep breath. “Alright, how about we find something to do while we wait for Mom?
“Can we watch cartoons?” Emma asked, her eyes lighting up..
“Sure,” I said, grabbing the remote.
As the TV flickered to life, I caught sight of the files scattered across Christiana’s desk. Her phone charger was still plugged in, papers hastily scribbled with notes about upcoming clients. She was juggling so much. Too much.
1 sat down between them, trying to focus on the animated figures on the screen, but my mind kept drifting to Christiana. The strain on her face when I saw her earlier in the day had been unmistakable. This wasn’t just business; it was something deeper, something she couldn’t shake. And yet, here I was, sitting on her couch, trying to fill a void that was bigger than a few hours of work.
“Daddy?” Emma’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
“Yeah, sweetheart?” I looked down at her, noticing how her brows furrowed in confusion,
“Grandma wasn’t so bad today, she started. “She even hugged us But why doesn’t she like Mom?”
The question hit me harder than I expected, and for a moment, didn’t know how to respond. I glanced at Ethan, who was staring up at me tag, waiting for an answer,
I sighed, leaning back on the couch “Well… your grandma’s a complicated person. She loves you both very much, and sometimes, she doesn’t show her feelings the right way.”
“But why doesn’t she like Mom?” Ethan pressed, his blue eyes piercing through me. “Mom’s the best.”
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18:09 Fri, Oct 18
Chapter 73
My heart squeezed at his words, but I knew the truth was far more complicated than I could explain to a five–year–old. “She and your mom.. they had their differences. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t care about your mom. People show love in different ways.
Ethan wasn’t convinced. His little fists balled up as he crossed his arms. Grandma was mean before. And I can tell she made Mom cry many times.”
I swallowed, a tight knot forming in my chest. Christiana had suffered more than anyone knew. “I know, buddy. But sometimes people hurt each other without meaning to. What matters is that she’s trying now, right?”
Emma tilted her head, her expression softening. “But why do people hurt the ones they love?”
The innocence of her question cut deeper than I wanted to admit I wished I had the answer, wished I could undo every bit. of pain I’d caused Christiana in the past. “It’s complicated, Emma. But love is… it’s not always perfect.”
Both kids looked at me, their big eyes filled with questions I couldn’t fully answer.
I sighed, brushing a hand through my hair. “Your mom is amazing. She’s smart, strong, and she loves you both more than anything in the world. And no matter what, I want you to remember that.”
Ethan nodded slowly, still looking thoughtful. “Okay, Daddy.”
Emma leaned against me, her head resting on my arm. Mom’s always working. Is she gonna be okay?”
I forced a smile. “She’ll be fine. She’s just busy right now.”
But as I said it, I couldn’t shake the worry gnawing at me. Christiana was overworking herself, and it wasn’t just the clients. Something was eating at her, and I wasn’t sure how to help.
Just then, my phone buzzed in my pocket. Christiana’s name flashed across the screen. I picked up, trying to keep my voice steady. “Hey.”
“Alex” she breathed, sounding more exhausted than I’d expected T’ll be late. Can you stay with the kids a little longer? The nanny hasn’t arrived yet.”
Tve got it covered. Take your time, I said, glancing at the kids.
Thanks,” she muttered before hanging up.
I set the phone down and sighed. Emma was already drifting off her small hand clutching my shirt. Ethan had curled up beside her, eyes heavy.
As I watched them fall asleep, a familiar ache settled in my chest I didn’t just want to be here for them, I wanted to be here for her. But that bridge… it seemed so far out of reach now.
