The CEO's Regret: Darling, Don’t Leave Me novel Chapter 273

Chapter 194: An Unexpected Journey.–2

“It’s good to see you too,” I reply.

When we separate, her gaze shifts to Clara. She hugs her affectionately, but there’s something more there … something knowing. Something that makes me understand… That she already knows, that Clara has told her, that she’s aware of us. And most importantly… That it doesn’t bother her.

We go inside, and the atmosphere is warm, homey, familiar. And for a moment… For a brief second…! imagine this as something permanent. As something that could happen again.

We sit down, talk, catch up. Light, natural conversations. Nothing forced. But I… I’m paying attention to everything, to how she looks at me, how Clara reacts, how everything fits together. Because this isn’t by chance; it’s part of something bigger.

I look at her.

“I didn’t know we were coming today,” Clara says softly. “It was something planned on the spur of the moment. Ethan… he suggested the trip.”

“It was a lovely surprise,” the woman says, pretending she knew nothing about this trip.

She looks at me and smiles.

“We wanted to come…” I reply. “To see you after so long.”

She smiles slightly.

“Yes… but I didn’t think you would suggest it.”

I move a little closer.

“There are many things you didn’t think about me…

Her gaze locks onto mine.

”

“And they’re changing.” It’s not a question, it’s a statement.

“Yes,” I reply.

And in that moment… I know I’m on the right track.

The afternoon passes with laughter, memories, moments that feel… comfortable. Too comfortable, as if we had never been apart. But that’s not true, and precisely for that reason… this matters so much.

As night begins to fall, Clara goes upstairs to change. And her mother stays with me in the living room.

Silence, a different kind of silence. She observes me with a look that isn’t innocent.

“You didn’t just come to say hello,” she finally says. “This isn’t just a simple dinner at the restaurant, is it?”

Let’s just say that the part about asking for her daughter’s hand in marriage was a detail I decided to keep to myself.

Chapter 194

per fed deure

barely smile.

“No”

There’s no point in lying to her.

She nods, as if she knew from the start.

“Do you love her?”

The question is direct, but my answer… is easier than ever.

“Yes.”

No doubt, no pause. Nothing. Just truth.

She holds my gaze for a few seconds… and then nods slowly.

“Then do it right this time.”

Her words aren’t harsh… but they carry weight.

“Don’t ever hurt her again. Her father isn’t here to protect her anymore, Ethan, but I’m still here… Take care of my daughter and cherish her; she’s my most precious treasure. If I see her cry again because of you, I won’t be able to support you. This time, I supported your relationship because I saw a different man, and I hope you can hold onto who you are now.”

I clench my jaw slightly.

“I won’t. I promise you it will be different, I really will.”

The woman smiles faintly, and I say it as a promise I don’t intend to break, because this time… I’m not playing games, I’m not improvising. I’m not repeating mistakes. I’m building something… intentionally.

When Clara comes downstairs… She looks beautiful, simple. Elegant. Natural, as always. And in that instant… I know. There’s no doubt, no turning back. This weekend… It’s not just a visit; it’s the beginning of something. Something I’ve already decided on, and this time… I’m going to do it right.

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