No Second Chances Ex-husband (Lauren and Ethan) novel Chapter 135

CHAPTER 0135

ROMAN’S POV

“Why don’t we head back to the living room,” Lanten said finally, breaking the silence that had been hanging between us

Her voice pulled me out of my thoughts, grounding me for a moment. I gave a small nod and motioned for her to go ahead, but Aria was the first to move, her feet pattering lightly against the floor as she walked ahead of us. Lauren followed right behind her, and I took up the rear, my gaze flicking between them. Watching them walk together like that, it stirred something inside me that I couldn’t quite put into words.

When we entered the living room, the sound of loud laughter immediately filled the space. Tessa’s voice carried through the air, light and carefree, as though she didn’t realize or care that half the house could hear her. She was on a call, talking animatedly and laughing like she was in a private comedy show.

Then, right on cue, my phone buzzed again in my pocket.

I let out a quiet sigh. It was like the universe had decided to test how much distraction one man could take in a single day. I pulled the phone out, half–expecting another unimportant message but this time, it was from Jeff,

Finally.

I unlocked the screen and opened the message. “Haven’t been able to find much about her life in Italy,” it read. “Apart from the fact that she got a lot of attention for her work at your company’s branch.”

I stared at the text for a few seconds, re–reading it. That was all?

If this had been a few days ago, I probably would’ve felt frustrated, even a little impatient. Jeff and I had been trying to see if there was anything that could explain the mystery surrounding Aria’s birth. I had been hoping for a name, a hint, something that could connect the dots. But now… things had changed.

Now I didn’t need more proof. I didn’t need more speculation. I already knew the truth.

Aria wasn’t just some coincidence, or a question that needed solving

—

– she was my daughter.

And now that I knew, I didn’t feel anger anymore not even frustration. Just a strange mix of awe and confusion.

I glanced toward Aria where she stood beside Lauren’s leg, humming softly to herself, clutching the edge of the couch. She was so innocent, so unaware of the storm that had been swirling around her existence.

I slipped my phone back into my pocket. I’ll stop by Jeff’s place later tonight, I thought. He deserved to know what I’d found.

Now that I had her number, I could call her anytime. Maybe invite her out to dinner somewhere quiet, away from distractions, where we could talk privately. I’d tell her everything then, and we’d figure out together how to explain it to Aria.

The last thing I wanted was for Aria to find out in a way that scared or confused her. She was just a kid. She deserved a gentle truth, not a dramatic revelation.

But before that, I had to make sure she liked me, really liked me. Because if she did, it would make everything easier when the time came.

A small smile tugged at the corner of my mouth as I thought about her little obsession with chocolate. I’d made her a promise earlier that I didn’t keep, but I’d fix that. Every time I came here, I’d bring her something sweet, sorry, Lauren but chocolate was going to be my secret weapon.

“I think I’ll be taking my leave now,” I said after a brief silence, turning toward Lauren. “There’s someone I have to see.”

“Oh, alright then,” she replied softly, her expression calm

I crouched down on one knee, meeting Aria at eye level. Her wide eyes met mine.

1/2

CHAPTER 0135

+25 BONUS

“I’ll make sure to bring something special for you when next I’m coming,” I said, smiling warmly. “It’s not going to be sweet, but it’s going to be special.”

She tilted her head slightly, her curiosity piqued. Then, after a second, she gave a small nod her version of approval.

I chuckled softly, giving her a playful wink before rising to my feet again.

“Thanks for the food,” I said to Lauren. “And send my regards to your friend too I really enjoyed the meal.”

Lauren nodded, her lips twitching in a faint smile. “Have a nice day,” she said.

She took a step forward, like she was going to walk me out, but Aria tugged gently at her hand, and she stopped. I could tell she wanted to see me off but didn’t want to leave Aria alone. That simple little act warmed something in me her instinct to stay close to our daughter.

I gave her one last nod, then opened the door and stepped out. Her voice followed me softly through the doorway as I closed it behind me.

Outside, the air felt cooler, calmer. I exhaled deeply, walking to the car that waited by the curb. My driver immediately stepped out to open the door, and I slid inside, settling into the back seat.

***p. As the car pulled away, I brought out my phone again. Having Lauren’s number felt strangely personal as if I had unlocked some invisible door between us. I scrolled through my contacts for a second, hesitated, then opened W*:

What should I even say? I thought. Something simple? Casual? Or just straight to the point?

After a short debate with myself, I typed: “I’ll see you at work tomorrow.”

I stared at the message for a few seconds before hitting send. It sounded cliché maybe even a little awkward but part of me hoped she’d find it endearing. Some women liked that kind of simplicity, the small gestures. And maybe, in its own way, it said what I really meant.

Later that evening, I found myself standing in Jeff’s living room, watching him as he scrolled through my phone. The glow from the screen reflected off his face, his brows furrowed in disbelief as he read the email for what must’ve been the fifth time.

“Wow,” he muttered finally, shaking his head. “I still can’t believe this. A few days ago, I was at your office telling you to get a woman so she’d give birth for you not knowing you already have a kid.”

I let out a breathy laugh, shaking my head. “I had a feeling about it,” I admitted, “but you said I was overthinking things. You told me to let it go. And now look where we are.”

Jeff looked up at me, his expression serious now. “Did you tell Lauren yet?”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “I wanted to,” I said honestly. “But I didn’t get the chance. Too many interruptions. But I plan to, soon.”

Jeff crossed his arms. “Now that you’ve got part of the answer you were looking for, is there still any need to keep digging into her past?”

I thought about it for a moment before shaking my head. “No. I don’t think so. There’s still a lot about her I want to understand, but after today… I think she’s finally starting to warm up to me. And when she’s ready, she’ll tell me everything herself”