Unmasked My CEO Ex-Husband’s Regret novel Chapter 37

"Oh?"

Vivian sobered up instantly, swiftly burying her sharp surge of disappointment beneath a flawlessly composed, radiant smile.

"Alright."

"You've been spending so much time taking care of me lately," she added with practiced empathy. "It's only right that you spend the evening with Melody."

Guilt pricked at Julian's conscience, but he truly had no other option; he had to let her down just this once.

"I'm sorry."

Catching her wrist, he gently pulled her around the desk and settled her onto his lap, offering a sweet, apologetic kiss.

"Melody's birthday is coming up. If I don't show my face soon, she's going to be absolutely crushed," he explained softly.

Vivian returned the kiss warmly, seamlessly slipping into the role of the supportive confidante. "Then you absolutely must go."

"But seriously, how could you keep something as important as her birthday a secret from me?" she scolded lightly, playfully pushing against his chest.

"If you had just told me, I wouldn't have been so demanding of your time..."

"By the way, what kind of things does Melody like?"

Amused by her sudden intense interest, Julian played dumb. "Are you planning on buying her a gift?"

"Of course I am."

"Didn't you promise that Melody would be my daughter too? What kind of mother skips her own kid's birthday?"

She delivered the line with effortless grace, completely devoid of the typical hesitation women had about becoming a stepmother.

Julian beamed with satisfaction. "Don't stress. We still have a few days to figure it out."

Delighted that he hadn't shot down her involvement in the celebration, Vivian threw her arms around his neck. "Then you'll help me pick something out?"

"It's a date."

Leaning back into his leather chair, Julian let her rest comfortably against his chest. "So, what do you want for dinner? I'll have a private chef prepare whatever you want."

He couldn't physically be there to share the meal, but arranging a lavish, custom dinner was the least he could do to make amends.

Vivian nestled her cheek against his suit jacket with a sickeningly sweet sigh. "Let me think about it."

Julian's call turned out to be a massive relief.

After hours of Elara and Melody scrutinizing every display, their haul had grown exponentially; without Lester trailing behind them like a pack mule, they never would have made it back to the car.

By the time they finally exited the boutique mall, the sky was pitch black. Well past standard corporate hours, the sleek Bentley sliced through the heavy night air, pulling up to the estate.

Elara had fully intended to invite Lester inside for a hot meal, but the moment she stepped out of the vehicle, she froze—the lights in the second-floor master suite were blazing.

Mrs. Gable only ever entered their private sanctuary during her morning cleaning routine or to grab the laundry; otherwise, the staff strictly avoided the upper floor.

A brightly lit master bedroom at this hour meant only one thing.

Julian was home.

He was back significantly earlier than she had anticipated.

Suddenly, Melody locked eyes on the front porch and shrieked with unbridled joy, "Daddy!"

Elara whipped her head around, watching Julian practically sprint out the front doors.

Despite the dim, ambient glow of the courtyard lanterns, the absolute panic etched across his face was unmistakable—he looked like he was fleeing a five-alarm fire.