The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return (Cynthia and Ethan) novel Chapter 97

Cynthia’s POV

The day came to an end quickly.

Amber had so much fun, I could see it in every smile, every laugh, every excited gesture as he dragged on from game to game. And at every little opportunity, he clung to me. His hand in mine. His head against my shoulder when he got tired. His constant chatter about everything and nothing.

I was delighted. Satisfied in a way I hadn’t been in years.

I’d almost forgotten what this felt like being a mother.

But it was getting late now and almost time for my meeting with Bryan. The arcade lights seemed harsher somehow, and Amber’s energy was finally starting to flag. He needed to rest. He had school tomorrow, and despite his protests, his body was still recovering from surgery.

“Alright, champ,” Ethan said, checking his watch. “Time to head home.”

We walked out to the parking lot, Amber dragging his feet slightly, not wanting the day to end.

“I’ll drop you off,” Ethan said to me as we reached the car.

I opened my mouth to decline, I had a meeting to meet up with, but Amber beat me to speaking.

“Mom, aren’t you coming home?”

The question hit me harder than it should have. The hope in his voice. The assumption that “home” still meant the same place

for both of us.

I let out a smile, trying to keep my voice gentle. “No, baby. Mommy isn’t coming home. I have so much to do.”

Amber’s face fell immediately. His bottom lip pushed out in a pout. “Okay then. I’ll come with you instead.”

“No, you can’t, Amber,” Ethan said quickly, his tone sharper than necessary.

I knew why. Ethan didn’t want Amber anywhere close to whom he thought Kevin was, my lover. The assumption rankled, but I wasn’t going to argue about it in front of Amber.

“Oh, my baby.” I knelt down to his level, ignoring the protest from my knees in this tight skirt. “I promise, very soon, you’ll be able to visit me where I’m staying. Okay?”

Amber looked at me with those big eyes that always made my resolve crumble. “Will you come pick me up for school tomorrow then?”

I’d said too many nos already. I could see the disappointment building in his expression with each rejection, and I couldn’t bear to add another one.

What was the harm, really? There was nothing wrong with driving to the front of Walker Mansion, picking him up, and driving away. It didn’t cost me anything. It didn’t mean anything beyond making my son happy

“Sure, of course.” I brushed his hair back from his forehead. “I’ll come over at eight am. Make sure you’re dressed by then, okay?”

Amber’s entire face lit up. “Really? You promise?”

“I promise.”

He threw his arms around my neck, hugging me so Lightly I could barely breathe.

Is the best day ever

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My throat tightened with emotion. “I’m glad, sweetheart.”

When he finally released me, Ethan was watching us with an expression I couldn’t quite read. Something soft and painful at the

same time.

“Let me drop you off, Cynthia,” he said again, his voice quieter now. Almost pleading. “It’s late.”

“I’ll take a cab,” I said, straightening up and smoothing down my skirt.

“That’s ridiculous. I’m …”

“I said I’ll take a cab. Amber needs to get home and rest. You should go.”

“Fine,” Ethan said tightly. “But I don’t like the idea of you waiting here alone for a cab.”

“I’m a grown woman, Ethan. I’ve been taking care of myself for three years.”

The words came out harsher than I’d intended, and I saw him flinch slightly.

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