The CEO’s Regret My Ex-Wife is a Tech Goddess novel Chapter 233

"Silas isn't here," Alaina replied.

A flash of awkwardness crossed Valerie's face. Muttering a quiet "Sorry to bother you," she turned to leave.

"Wait," Alaina called out softly. "I... haven't had breakfast yet. Could I..."

Valerie offered a faint, grateful smile. "May I come in?"

Alaina nodded.

The two women sat across from each other at the dining table. Alaina tasted the oatmeal and savory pastries Valerie had prepared.

The pastries were soft, fragrant, and carried the natural sweetness of the grains. It was obvious they had been made with incredible care.

Alaina took small spoonfuls of the oatmeal, not initiating any conversation.

After half a minute of silence, Valerie spoke up slowly. "When Silas was little, I didn't know how to cook anything. But over the years, living off the grid, I learned how to make almost everything from scratch. It's just a shame he doesn't need me anymore."

A glint of moisture gathered in her eyes as she finished speaking.

Alaina didn't engage with the emotional weight of her words, politely replying, "It tastes really good."

Valerie smiled softly, looking at Alaina with gentle eyes. "I can tell you're a wonderful person. Silas cherishes you deeply."

Alaina paused with her spoon, looking up and waiting silently for her to continue.

"I have no right to say anything, but I genuinely want to thank you for standing by him," Valerie said, a flicker of nostalgia crossing her eyes. "Seeing you two holding hands last night reminded me of his father. When he was still alive, he would always hold my hand wherever we went, as if I couldn't walk on my own."

Alaina stayed quiet, but she could sense the profound love that had once existed between them.

Realizing she was sinking into the past again, Valerie quickly reeled in her emotions. "I'm sorry, I'm talking too much. It's just been years since I've had a real conversation like this."

Alaina smiled and shook her head, feeling a pang of sorrow in her chest.

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