Dear Ex-Wife Please Be Mine Again (Christina and Alex) novel Chapter 72

Alexander POV.

Saturday morning dawned crisp and bright as I pulled up to the hotel, the familiar ache of anticipation fluttering in my chest. I hadn't seen Christiana in two days, and despite the emotional turmoil we’d been through, I was determined to make this day count. I stepped out of the car, the cool air brushing against my skin, reminding me of the stakes involved.

As I entered the suite, I immediately sensed the tension. Christiana was on the phone, pacing back and forth with an intensity that spoke volumes. Her brow was furrowed, and for a moment, I just stood there, taking her in. The way her hair fell over her shoulders, the focused set of her jaw; it was a beautiful mess, but I could see the weight of her thoughts.

“Mom, are we ready?” Ethan's voice broke through my reverie, his little face lighting up as he saw me.

I knelt to his level, matching his enthusiasm. “Ready to have some fun?”

“Yeah! Can we go to the park?” Emma piped in, her eyes sparkling.

Christiana ended her call and handed me the kids, her expression softening just a bit. “Bring them back before nightfall,” she instructed, but there was an edge to her tone, a hint of worry that made my chest tighten.

“Don’t worry,” I assured her, meeting her gaze. “I’ll take good care of them.”

As they tugged at my arms, I noticed the slight tension in the air between us. I cleared my throat, feeling the weight of what had transpired two nights ago hang over us like a storm cloud. I wanted to bridge that gap, to draw her back to me, but I could see she was still guarded.

I reached into my bag and pulled out a small, exquisitely wrapped box, feeling hopeful. “I got you something,” I said, extending it toward her.

Her expression shifted to one of reluctance. “Alex, I—”

“Don’t say no yet!” Ethan chimed in, eyes wide. “It’s a present, Mom!”

Emma nodded vigorously, hands on her hips. “Yeah! You shouldn’t make a big deal out of it!”

Their enthusiasm was infectious, but Christiana’s face remained set in determination. “It’s too much, really,” she insisted, attempting to push the gift back toward me.

I felt both disappointment and admiration watching the kids rally for me. “It’s just a small gesture. I thought you might like it,” I said, trying to keep my tone light.

“Mom, please!” Ethan pleaded, his gaze filled with hope.

“Yeah, Mom! Just take it!” Emma added, her little voice firm.

Christiana sighed, the conflict evident on her face. “I appreciate it, but I can’t accept it right now. I’m just… trying to figure things out.”

Watching her struggle to protect her heart was painful. “Alright,” I said, putting the box back in my bag, a wave of frustration washing over me. “But I’m not going to stop trying.”

The kids continued to chatter excitedly, pulling me into their world, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that Christiana was still keeping me at arm’s length. I admired her strength, but I wanted to break down those walls.

As we prepared to leave, I glanced back at her, determined. “Just remember, I’m here. For you and for them.”

She met my gaze, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I saw a flicker of the connection we once shared. But then, she turned away, back to her calls, leaving me feeling both hopeful and frustrated.

Today would be a step forward, no matter how small. I wouldn’t let my feelings for her dim.

…

The sun was bright overhead as we arrived at the park, the laughter of children ringing out in the air. Ethan and Emma bounced in their seats, eyes wide with excitement. I parked the car and turned to them, a smile breaking across my face.

“Alright, are you ready for some fun?” I asked, unbuckling my seatbelt.

“Yeah!” they shouted in unison, leaping out of the car before I could even open the door. I chuckled, shaking my head. They were so full of energy.

As we strolled through the park, the greenery enveloped us. I took a deep breath, relishing the moment…just me and my kids, no bodyguards, no business calls. It felt liberating.

“Can we go to the playground first?” Ethan asked, bouncing on the balls of his feet.

“Sure thing, buddy,” I replied, watching them dash ahead. Their laughter was infectious, echoing in the crisp air. I followed them, my heart swelling with pride.

At the playground, I joined them on the swings. I pushed Emma gently, her giggles ringing out as she soared higher. “Faster, Dad! I want to touch the sky!” she squealed, her hair flying back.

“Okay, but only if you promise not to fly away!” I laughed, giving her an extra push.

Ethan was climbing to the top of the jungle gym, his small frame determined. “Look at me, Dad!” he called, balancing triumphantly on the edge.

“Be careful up there, champ!” I warned, instinctively taking a step closer. The protective instinct in me kicked in, ready to spring into action if he slipped.

After a round of slides and swings, we wandered to the pond. I pulled out my phone, snapping pictures of the kids as they chased after ducks. “Say ‘cheese!’” I called, capturing their genuine smiles.