Dear Ex-Wife Please Be Mine Again (Christina and Alex) novel Chapter 73

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 couch 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.

I 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?"