Unmasked My CEO Ex-Husband’s Regret novel Chapter 139

He hadn't told her yet, though the message was already typed out in the chat box.

After finishing his conversation with Leo, Julian switched over to his mother's chat. His thumb hovered over the send button, eyes scanning the drafted text one last time.

He couldn't do it.

A moment later, Julian deleted the entire paragraph.

This wasn't something to drop over a text. He needed to call her tomorrow, or better yet, tell her face-to-face.

The morning after the birthday party, Melody had to go to school.

By the time Julian woke up, Elara was already in Melody's room, braiding her hair.

He threw on his clothes in record time and hurried down the hall, crouching beside his daughter.

"Good morning, Melody," Julian greeted gently.

Melody didn't look up from her picture book. She definitely didn't say good morning back.

Julian didn't lose his temper. Knowing better, he quietly retreated to a nearby chair, giving the two of them space.

Once the braid was secured, Melody hopped off the stool. By the time Elara finished packing up the hair ties, Melody had cleared her level on the puzzle game.

"I beat the level, Mommy. Here's your phone."

Melody handed the device over and took Elara's hand. "Let's go down for breakfast."

"Okay."

Elara glanced at Julian, who was awkwardly standing up, before letting Melody lead her away.

Julian had slept in the guest room again, undoubtedly spending half the night texting Vivian.

Yet, strangely, he didn't erupt at Melody's blatant disrespect. He seemed unnervingly calm, bracing himself for a war of attrition.

Since Melody was still furious, Julian kept his distance. As he passed the bedroom door, his eyes snagged on The Daddy Scorecard, now sitting at a pathetic five points. A sharp pang hit his chest, and he quickly looked away.

Jocelyn smiled at her granddaughter. "Morning, sweetie. Breakfast is almost ready. Why don't you wait at the table?"

Melody shook her head. "No."

Jocelyn spotted Julian lingering in the doorway and instantly understood. "Then how about you stand right over there against the wall? If you stand behind us, we might trip over you."

"Okay."

Melody began backing toward the doorway, but the second she saw Julian standing there, she froze, pivoted, and pressed her back flat against the refrigerator instead.

Breakfast was finished moments later. Jocelyn turned off the heat and garnished the Creamy Seafood Linguine with scallions.

Since the bowls were piping hot, Elara handed Melody a glass of warm milk to hold her over.

Jocelyn portioned out the four plates. Seeing Julian still hovering uselessly by the door, she flagged him down. "Julian, come help carry these out."

Julian instinctively looked at Elara.