Ditched Cheating Alpha, I Led My Daughter to Life's Peak novel Chapter 128

Axel gives me an uneasy look. He hesitates before speaking. "... Why are you talking in the past tense, Mia?" He doesn't break eye contact with me for a second. It's like he's afraid to. Like he's looking at me for the last time, and somehow it feels just like the first time he ever looked at me. Like there was so much left to say.

My shoulders relax a bit, because for the first time in a while I feel at peace with my decision. It might not be the answer they want to hear, but it's the right choice for me.

"I'm talking in the past tense because I'm not confused anymore, Axel. I know what I want. Who I want." I look into his worried eyes and take his hand. It's the electricity I felt that first day. Fireworks all over again.

His hand tightens in mine and I can't help the smile on my face. I don't want to. He mirrors it, slowly. Hesitantly. His eyes ask me for confirmation before his mouth gets the chance to, before Carson gets the chance to cut him off.

Like clockwork, Carson hops up. "What's that supposed to mean? You wanna be with him over me?" He glares daggers at the two of us.

I give him a flat look before rubbing my forehead with my free hand, again. This is exhausting. "No, Carson." Brittany was right, he's so high maintenance. He needs to calm down. I say as calmly as possible, hoping to give him a hint, "I don't wanna be with Axel over you."

Axel's face falters. "What?" He starts to move his hand out of mine.

I tighten my grip, looking back at him. "Listen to me. I don't want to be with you," I say firmly. "And I don't want to be with you either, Carson."

Carson holds his heart, sighing, relieved. He leans against the bed for support. "Oh thank god, Axel. She must be about to say some cheesy stuff like, 'I wanna be with all of you,' because surely she doesn't wanna be with just Aiden." Carson takes my other hand happily before I pull it away.

I glare at him.

"What?" He looks honestly confused.