Unmasked My CEO Ex-Husband’s Regret novel Chapter 221

"Someone else?"

Now Melody was thoroughly confused. "Why wouldn't we go with Mom? Why would we hang out with someone else?"

Elara had been in the shower for over ten minutes. Knowing her, and given the currently fragile relationship between Julian and Melody, she would definitely be anxious and wouldn't dare take a long shower. She was likely to step out any second.

"I'm just throwing ideas around. It's not set in stone,"

Julian laughed, smoothly brushing the topic aside. "Plus, I know you don't like strangers. I was just asking, we don't have to go."

Melody nodded, halfway understanding, and mercifully dropped the subject.

Not wanting to miss this window of opportunity, Julian pressed on. "Is there anywhere you want to go? Just tell me, and I'll take you."

Melody took another sip of milk. Terrified he might bring up hanging out with a stranger again, she replied without a second thought, "I want to go with Mom."

Julian was speechless.

"Go where together?"

Before he could respond, Elara's voice floated over from behind him.

Catching only the tail end of the conversation as she walked in, Elara asked, "What are you two plotting?"

"Mom!"

Melody slid off the sofa and dashed toward Elara, completely ignoring Julian's frantic hints to stay quiet. "He asked if there was anywhere I wanted to go, and I said I wanted to go with you."

"Is that right?"

Elara shot Julian a half-smile that didn't reach her eyes, then looked down at Melody. "Did he say where?"

Melody shook her head. "Nope."

"I've just been so swamped with corporate matters lately and haven't had time for Melody. I figured I'd take her out once things settle down."

Julian's eager explanation bridged the distance before he even reached them.

Stepping up to Elara, he looked into her eyes and asked, "Is there anywhere you'd like to go?"

Elara looked up at him, not believing for a single second that this was a genuine attempt to make things up to Melody.

But she had a part to play. Instead of calling him out, she simply said, "Really? Let's talk about it when you're actually free."

Her tone was incredibly dismissive, causing Julian to frown in blatant displeasure.

Elara didn't flinch. "You've been experiencing the fallout of your empty promises firsthand lately. What, do you want a repeat?"

Julian stiffened, quickly backpedaling. "You're right."

Catching Melody's curious stare, he offered a gentle explanation. "You can take your time thinking about it. Once you decide, let me know, and I'll take you when I'm free, okay?"

Melody found that acceptable and nodded in agreement.

Elara gave him a long, measuring look. Unwilling to drag the charade out any longer, she turned back to Melody. "Did you finish your milk?"

"Just a little bit left."

Melody held up the glass for inspection. "I'll finish it right now."

"It's fine, take your time,"

Elara said, ruffling her daughter's hair. "I'm going to do my skincare. Wait for me."

"Okay."

Once finished with her routine, Elara grabbed her phone and took Melody to the little girl's room to sleep.

Julian had come home tonight specifically to pacify Elara and Melody, meaning he couldn't use work as an excuse to retreat to the library or the guest room. Yet, the thought of actually spending time with Elara was deeply unappealing to him.

To avoid raising any suspicions, the moment they left the master bedroom, Julian climbed into bed and feigned sleep, hoping to skate through the night unnoticed.

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