The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return (Cynthia and Ethan) novel Chapter 95

Chapter 95

Cynthia’s POV

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After taking ice–cream in silence, Amber begged to be taken to the arcade and all to please him, we went.

The place was loud and colorful, filled with flashing lights and electronic sounds that made my head spin slightly. But Amber’s face lit up the moment we walked through the doors, and that made it worth it.

“Can I play the racing game?” he asked, already pulling toward the row of simulators.

“Yes, but be careful,” I warned. “Don’t forget about your surgery. No jumping around or getting too excited.”

“I know, I know,” he said, rolling his eyes in that way pre–teens do when they think their parents are being overprotective.

But he was careful. I watched him settle into one of the racing seats, gripping the steering wheel with focused determination, trying hard not to move too vigorously because of his recent surgery.

Ethan and I stood side by side, watching him play.

I would have loved to join Amber, to play alongside him, to share in his joy the way I used to when he was younger. But in my bid to look my best for the PTA meeting, I’d worn a pencil skirt that was far too restrictive for arcade games. I couldn’t bend properly, couldn’t sit in those low racing seats, couldn’t chase him through the maze of machines.

I wondered why Ethan wasn’t playing with Amber either. He was wearing perfectly suitable clothes, slacks and a button–down that he could easily move in. But he just stood there, hands in his pockets, watching.

Well, Amber didn’t seem to care. Within minutes, he’d made friends with two other boys around his age, and they were taking turns on the racing simulators, laughing and competing with the easy camaraderie of children.

The silence between Ethan and me stretched uncomfortably so I took the opportunity to text Bryan and asked we meet.

“Cynthia…” Ethan started, his voice low.

I sent the text, dropped my phone and braced myself for whatever he was about to say.

“Mr. Walker? Mrs. Walker?”

The elderly voice behind us interrupted Ethan before he could continue. We both turned around simultaneously.

I recognized them immediately.

Mr. and Mrs. Brown.

The last time I’d seen them was three years ago. The night I’d left Missford for Paris. The night I’d confronted Ethan about Anna’s pregnancy. The night everything had changed.

My chest tightened at the memory.

“Mr. Brown?” Ethan sounded genuinely happy to see them.

“Oh my goodness!” Mrs. Brown exclaimed, her wrinkled face breaking into a warm smile.

She immediately pulled me into a hug, and I found myself enveloped in the scent of her Black Opium pertume. Mr. Brown shook Ethan’s hand firmly, then they switched, Mr. Brown hugging me while Mrs. Brown embraced Ethan.

“It has been such a long time!” Mrs. Brown shrieked, her voice carrying over the arcade noise. “We came for our grandson, he’s just four.” She pointed toward a little boy with curly hair who was completely absorbed in a game involving cartoon animals. Did you come here with your kid?”

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“Yes,” I said, feeling a small rush of delight. “He’s right over there.”

I pointed toward Amber, who was currently celebrating a victory with his new friends.

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“Oh my God, it’s such a pleasure!” Mrs. Brown clasped her hands together. “I never saw you again since the last time!”

“Yeah, I’ve been traveling,” I said, then found myself continuing almost automatically. “How is everything? How is the company?”

The words came out before I could stop them, and suddenly I was the one keeping up the conversation. Asking questions. Filling the silence. Making small talk.

Just like I used to do three years ago.

When Ethan had guests and expected me to speak intelligently. When I’d tried so hard to prove myself worthy of being Mrs. Walker. When I’d performed the role of the perfect wife, saying all the right things, asking all the appropriate questions, always supporting him.

I caught myself mid–sentence as Mr. Brown responded with something about their textile business expanding into new

markets.

What was I doing?

I stopped talking abruptly, my mouth snapping shut.

The silence that followed was awkward.

Mr. and Mrs. Brown looked at me expectantly, waiting for me to continue the conversation as I’d been doing. Ethan shifted beside me, and I could feel his tension. He wanted me to keep talking. Wanted me to smooth over the awkwardness the way I

always had.

The silence stretched longer, becoming more uncomfortable with each passing second.

Obviously, Ethan wanted me to continue so it wouldn’t be awkward when they inevitably started talking about business. He probably expected me to bridge the gap, to facilitate the transition from pleasantries to professional discussion.

But I wasn’t going to say anything this time around.

Mr. Brown finally broke the silence, clearing his throat. “We better get going, Mr. Walker. I think I have a business deal for you. Something you might be interested in. Give me a call next week?”

Ethan’s entire demeanor changed immediately. His posture straightened, his eyes sharpened with interest. “Of course, I’ll definitely reach out.”

I could practically see the gears turning in his head. How much he loved working. If Mr. Brown had given him the opportunity, he would have wanted to discuss the business deal right here, right now, in the middle of a children’s arcade with electronic music blaring around us.

Work always came first for Ethan, well except Anna.

Mr. and Mrs. Brown said their goodbyes, Mrs. Brown giving me one more warm hug, and whispering, “It’s so good to see you both together again. Marriage is work, but it’s worth it.”

I forced a smile and nodded, not trusting myself to speak.

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