Chapter 120

Angela POV

"Ex-husband?" Tristan's voice broke the silence, disbelief etched across his features. He looked between Sean and me, his eyes widening with each passing second. "You two were married?"

Jessica's gasp from the front seat was audible. "Oh my God," she whispered, turning to stare at us.

I maintained my composure despite my racing heart. Great, he's really determined to create chaos wherever he goes, I thought, feeling Sean's expectant gaze on me.

"I apologize, Angela," Tristan said, leaning forward slightly. "Had I known about your... history with Shaw, I never would have arranged this meeting."

"It's fine," I replied, my voice steadier than I felt. "Whatever existed between us ended five years ago."

Sean's jaw tightened visibly. "Did it?"

I ignored him, turning to face Tristan directly. "I hope this won't affect our business discussion. My company's proposal stands on its own merits."

"Of course," Tristan nodded, professional courtesy overtaking his curiosity. "My office, tomorrow at ten? We can discuss the investment terms without... distractions."

"Perfect," I agreed, relieved to salvage something from this disaster of a day.

At the club entrance, I hurried out of the car, eager to escape. I could feel Sean's intense stare following me as I gathered my things, his gaze like a physical presence I couldn't ignore.

I checked my watch and cursed under my breath. The meeting with Tristan had thrown off my entire schedule, and now I was running late to pick up the twins.

Rushing into the school building, I found the hallways eerily quiet, most children already collected by their parents. A knot of anxiety formed in my stomach as I approached the classroom.

Mrs. Peterson, the twins' teacher, looked up with a warm smile. "Mrs. Wilson, you just missed them."

"Missed them?" My voice rose sharply. "What do you mean?"

"Their father picked them up about ten minutes ago," she explained casually. "He mentioned you might be running late due to a business meeting."

The blood drained from my face. "Their father?"

Mrs. Peterson's expression changed, noting my distress. "Yes, the gentleman who came with you during registration? Mr. Blake, I believe?"

Relief washed over me so powerfully my knees nearly buckled. Christopher, not Sean. Of course it was Christopher.

"I apologize for my reaction," I said, composing myself. "I was concerned it might have been someone else... someone I didn't authorize."

Mrs. Peterson nodded sympathetically. "We would never release children to unauthorized individuals, Mrs. Wilson. Mr. Blake is listed as an emergency contact."

"Thank you," I replied, already turning to leave. "And please, call me Angela."

The aroma of roasting chicken greeted me as I entered our new home. Maria, the housekeeper Christopher had recommended, was bustling around the kitchen, humming softly as she prepared dinner.

"Mama!" Aria's voice rang out as she raced toward me, dark curls bouncing with each step. Ethan followed more sedately, his reserved smile brightening his serious little face.

I knelt, gathering them both into my arms, inhaling their familiar scent. "How was your first day at school, my darlings?"

Before they could answer, Christopher appeared in the doorway of the living room, a gentle smile on his face. His amber eyes swept over me, observant as always, lingering briefly on my slightly disheveled hair and the faded lipstick I hadn't had time to reapply.

"You look exhausted," he commented, his tone careful. "Challenging meeting?"

I nodded, grateful he didn't press for details. "Something like that."

"Mama, Blake uncle took us to get ice cream after school!" Ethan announced, his usual reserve momentarily forgotten.

"Did he now?" I gave Christopher a mock-accusing glance.

He shrugged unapologetically. "First day of school deserves a celebration."

"I had three scoops!" Aria declared proudly.

"Three?" I raised an eyebrow. "No wonder you're bouncing off the walls."

Christopher laughed. "I may have been overruled on portion sizes."

As Maria announced dinner was ready, I found myself relaxing into the domestic scene. Christopher helped set the table while the twins chattered about their day, their voices filling the house with warmth I hadn't realized I'd been missing.

"Will you stay for dinner?" I asked Christopher, surprising myself with how much I wanted him to say yes.

"If you'll have me," he replied simply.

Throughout the meal, I couldn't help but notice how naturally Christopher fit into our little family unit-helping Aria cut her chicken, engaging Ethan in conversation about his math class, seamlessly becoming part of our lives in a way I'd never anticipated.

After dinner and dessert, Maria packed up her things and headed home, leaving the four of us alone in the quiet house.

"It's getting late," Christopher observed, helping me clear the last of the dishes. "Would you mind if I stayed in the guest room tonight? I've had wine, and I'd rather not drive."

The twins had already been bathed and were selecting books for bedtime in their room. I glanced at the clock-nearly ten.

"Of course," I replied, setting down the dish towel. "I'll prepare the room for you."

While Christopher showered, I prepared the guest room, smoothing fresh sheets onto the bed. I was so absorbed in my task that I didn't hear him approach until his arms slipped around my waist from behind, gentle but firm.

I stiffened immediately, memories of Sean's forceful touch at the riding club flashing through my mind. Christopher must have felt my reaction, because he loosened his grip but didn't pull away completely.

"I'm not going to force anything, Angela," he whispered, his voice achingly tender. "I just wanted to give you a goodnight hug. Nothing more, unless you want it."

Shame and relief battled within me. Had I really thought Christopher would pressure me? After all these years of unfailing respect and support?

"I'm sorry," I murmured, awkwardly stepping away. "The room's ready. Goodnight, Christopher."

"Goodnight, Angela."

Instead of returning to my own bedroom, I slipped into Aria's room. My daughter beamed at my appearance, immediately scooting over to make room.

"A sleepover with Mama!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands excitedly.

I smiled, settling beside her. "What story would you like tonight?"

"Tell me about your day first," she said, snuggling against my side. "Did you do important business things?"

"I tried," I laughed softly. "How was your first day at the new school? Did you make friends?"

Aria's expression clouded slightly. "Some of the kids were nice. But..." She hesitated, finger tracing patterns on the comforter.

"But what, sweetheart?"

"Today when Blake uncle came to pick us up, some of the kids thought he was our daddy," she said, her voice small.

"At our old school in Italy, some kids used to make fun of me and Ethan because we don't have a daddy."