Chapter 61
Faith chuckled softly, adjusting the baby in her arms. “Well, it worked. You look stunning.”
“Thanks,” I said, brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear. I stepped closer, leaning down to kiss Faith on the cheek and then looking down at the tiny bundle in her arms. “And how’s this linle guy doing
“He’s perfect,” Faith said with a smile, her voice tinged with awe. “Absolutely perfect”
Dominic reached out, resting a hand on Faith’s shoulder as he gazed down at his son. It was a quiet, Intimate moment, one that reminded me of how much they’d been through to get here. I felt a pang of envy, but I quickly pushed it aside.
“I just wanted to say goodbye before I left,” I said softly, stepping back to give them space.
Dominic’s grin returned, mischievous now. “Goodbye, huh? That almost sounds like you’re excited to go.”
“Hardly,” I shot back, narrowing my eyes at him.
*Sure, sure,” he teased, crossing his arms. “But just so you know, if Alex pulls any stunts tonight, you have full permission to call me. I’ll come testue you.”
Faith laughed at that, the sound warm and genuine. “Dominic, stop trying to be a superhero. Raina can handle herself.”
I smirked, shaking my head. “Thank you, Faith. At least someone here believes I’m capable,‘
Dominic held up his hands in mock surrender, but the twinkle in his eye told me he wasn’t entirely joking
“Alright,” I said, backing toward the door. “You two get some rest. I’ll let you know how it goes.. if it’s worth talking about.”
Faith waved me off, her smile softening. “Have fun, Raina. You deserve it
+
I hesitated for a moment, her words sinking in. Fun. It had been so long since I allowed myself that luxury. Could I even remember what it felt like?
With a small nod, I turned and made my way downstairs, my heart feeling heavier than it should have. The evening hadn’t even started, and I was already exhausted. I barely made it to the door before Alex ambushed me
He was standing there, wairing, looking far too pleased with himself.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, irritation lacing my tone.
He grinned. “I wasn’t about to let my-” He stopped, catching himself. I could see the word he almost said wife. But instead, he corrected himself. “My date drive herself to the restaurant.”
I opened my mouth to argue, but he cut me off. “I’m already here,” he said, gesturing toward his car. “Why don’t we just go together?”
I huffed, my annoyance bubbling over, but I knew arguing would be pointless. Without another word, 1 brushed past him and climbed into his car.
And now, seated across from him in the dimly lit restaurant, I found myself counting the seconds until this so–called date was over. The private dining room was elegant, with a stunning view of the city skyline, but it did nothing to ease the tension pressing down on me. I couldn’t shake the awkwardness that hung in the air, thick and suffocating
Alex, of course, couldn’t help himself. He just had to open his big mouth and say the exact things I didn’t want to hear.
The conversation had started neutral enough–small talk about work and how good the food smelled–but then he brought up Awa
“I want to get to know her,” Alex said softly, his gaze steady and sincere. “I’ve missed so much, Raina. Her first words, her first steps.. my heart breaks knowing I’ve been apart from her all these years.”
My chest tightened, anger bubbling beneath the surface. He had no right to say that, not after everything. Before I lanew it, my palm landed on his face. Leaning forward as my voice rose.
“You chose this. You left us. You abandoned her. Don’t sit here and act like you’re the victim, Alex.” I said sharply. He was silent for a second before he continued
“I was wrong,” he admitted, his voice calm but heavy with emotion. “I was angry, and I let that anger cloud my judgment. I thought I was doing the right thing, but I see now how much I hurt you. How much I hurt both of you.”
