Dear Ex-Wife Please Be Mine Again (Christina and Alex) novel Chapter 35

Christiana’s POV.

I sat across from Daniel in the intimate, softly lit diner, a place far humbler than where I’d usually dine but somehow perfect for the evening. The flickering candlelight on the table created a warm ambiance, showing a gentle glow on Daniel’s features. He had that ease about him, a natural charm that made conversation flow effortlessly. But I couldn’t help but feel a bit self-conscious about how the kids acted back at the house.

“Sorry about the kids,” I said, breaking the silence. “They can be a bit... overprotective.”

Daniel chuckled, shaking his head. “No need to apologize. If I were Ethan, I’d be just as protective. You’re their whole world.”

His words, paired with the sincerity in his eyes, brought a small smile to my lips. It wasn’t often I met someone who understood things from their perspective. He didn’t just brush off their behavior—he got it.

The conversation flowed naturally as the waiter approached, handing us the menus. Daniel glanced at me, an apologetic look crossing his face. “I hope the diner’s okay. I know it’s not the fanciest, but I thought it might be more... relaxed.”

I gave him a reassuring smile, shaking my head. “It’s perfect, Daniel. I have no complaints.” And I meant it. The cozy atmosphere felt like a much-needed change from the high-end places I was used to. There was something refreshing about the simplicity.

We ordered our meals—steak for him, grilled salmon for me—and a bottle of red wine to accompany the food. As we settled back into our conversation, Daniel’s expression grew more thoughtful. “You know, growing up wasn’t easy for me. My parents died when I was young, and it was just my three brothers and me. Our grandmother raised us. She was tough, but she had a heart of gold. We owe everything we are to her.”

I could hear the pride and nostalgia in his voice as he spoke, and it tugged at something deep inside me. “That must’ve been hard,” I said softly, “losing your parents and growing up so fast.”

He nodded. “It was, but it also brought us closer together. We leaned on each other, and it made us stronger. My brothers and I built our lives from scratch, and we never forgot where we came from.”

His words resonated with me, sparking memories of my own past. I took a sip of my wine before responding, my gaze distant. “I know what that’s like. I never knew my parents either. I grew up in an orphanage, and nobody wanted me. Not until I was seventeen, and by then, it was more about surviving than anything else. I had to fend for myself, build a life out of nothing.”

Daniel’s eyes softened with understanding, and he leaned forward slightly, his voice gentle. “You’re stronger than most people could ever imagine, Christiana. What you’ve built, what you’ve become, it’s inspiring.”

I offered a small, appreciative smile, leaving out the details of how I met Alex and gave up everything for him, only to end up here. Some stories were best left buried.

The food arrived, providing a brief pause in the conversation as we dug into our meals. The flavors were rich, the wine smooth, but it was the comfort of the company that made the evening feel just right.

As we settled back into our conversation, Daniel broached the subject I’d hoped to avoid, but it was inevitable. “So... Alex. I’m curious. What’s the story there?”

I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. “We divorced five years ago. It wasn’t exactly a mutual decision. He left, and I walked away. I couldn’t stay and watch him build a life with someone else while I struggled to piece myself back together.”

Daniel’s eyes widened, clearly stunned by the revelation. “Wait, you mean after you gave birth? How could he just walk away like that?”

A bitter smile tugged at the corner of my lips. “He didn’t know. I didn’t know either—at least not until two weeks later, after the divorce papers were signed. I found out I was pregnant, and by then, it was too late. I was already alone, raising two children while he was off with his new life.”