Three Years Later, He Came Back Begging novel Chapter 26

Lawrence rushed out of the lobby, slipping through the revolving doors without sparing a glance to either side.

Hannah held Jasper tightly, the word “Lawrence” on the tip of her tongue, but she swallowed it before calling out.

Jasper reached up with his chubby hand. “Daddy.”

“Want to go with Mommy to find Daddy?” Hannah’s voice was calm and steady as she shifted Jasper in her arms and changed direction.

Years of dance had given her a slender, powerful form. Lean muscles defined her arms. As she held Jasper around his legs, faint blue veins ran down her forearm, ending at her wrist beside a light scar.

Jasper squirmed, letting out a little pout. Mom was gripping him too tightly, but Hannah didn’t notice. She just kept following the path Lawrence had taken, always a few steps behind.

The trail led her straight to a coffee shop.

Bright, clean glass stretched from floor to ceiling at the front. A woman sat by the window, perfectly upright but not stiff, her long hair twisted into a loose bun. She bent her head to sip her coffee, showing off her elegant neck and delicate features.

The man sitting across from her looked uncomfortable. Now and then, his eyes drifted toward her.

Lawrence stood outside in the sun, his face set. One hand dangled by his side, clenching and unclenching.

He looked tired, almost defeated. His posture sagged more than usual.

The sunlight hurt Hannah’s eyes and made her feel strangely queasy. She wobbled a little.

Just then, Jasper started to cry, his wails echoing in the summer heat and shattering the quiet afternoon.

Lawrence turned. He blinked hard, his eyelid twitching, then managed to steady himself. His voice was tight. “Why are you two here?”

Hannah relaxed her arms, covering the marks her grip had left on Jasper’s thigh. She walked over, bouncing Jasper gently as she spoke in an even tone. “Where were you rushing off to? We followed you all the way.”

Lawrence said nothing.

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