Caspar sat across from us, occasionally shooting meaningful glances my way,
After the meal ended, I got up to leave, and Noah immediately grabbed my hand, panic flooding back into his eyes.
Seeing his tight grip and pleading expression, my heart melted.
I wanted to spend time with Noah, but when I lifted my head and caught Caspar’s gaze, I instinctively reached for my neck, where his bite mark still throbbed beneath my carefully arranged scarf.
Who knows what kind of mood swings he might have today? Yesterday he was practically feral.
Caspar seemed to understand the meaning behind my hesitant glance.
His expression shifted, a brief flash of unnaturalness crossing his before settling back into his usual controlled demeanor.
“How about this,” I suggested, “to apologize to Noah for not being around, can I take him to the amusement park?”
Noah’s eyes widened with excitement, his small head nodding vigorously.
Seeing Noah’s excitement, Caspar ultimately didn’t object.
But he interjected immediately. “I’ll be joining you.”
There was a momentary stiffness in my expression. The whole point of taking
ut was to get away from Caspar and his intimidating presence.
Caspar caught my expression and stepped closer, lowering his voice so Noah couldn’t hear.
“About yesterday,” he said quietly, “I apologize for my behavior. It won’t happen again.”
The apology, though minimal, surprised me.
Caspar Thornton didn’t strike me as a man who apologized often, if ever.
I sighed, realizing I didn’t have much choice. Noah needed this outing, and if Caspar’s presence was the price to pay, I’d have to accept it.
A few hours later, we stood at the entrance to New York’s largest amusement park.
Noah gripped my hand tightly, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
I noticed he was fascinated by everything in front of him–the carousel, roller coasters, colorful balloons. His little head kept turning, trying to take in ‘everything at once.
“Haven’t you ever brought Noah to an amusement park before?” I asked Caspar curiously. “He seems so amazed by everything here.”
Caspar’s expression was unusually embarrassed as he cleared his throat: “This is my first time here.”
2059
1/2
3:18 pm PPM M
Chapter 31
I was stunned for a moment, never expecting that this Wall Street financial mogul had never set foot in an assement park.
Looking at his slightly awkward demeanor, I suddenly realized that this man who controlled hundreds of billions in assets was, when it came to some of life’s simplest pleasures, just as much of a newbie as his four–year–old son.
I couldn’t help but chuckle.
Throughout the afternoon, I took Noah on various age–appropriate rides–the carousel, kiddie train, bumper cars.
Watching him wave happily from the carousel, Caspar’s eyes sparkled with a tenderness I’d never seen before.
As evening approached, Noah had worn himself out and fell asleep in the car on the way back, his little head resting on my shoulder.
I gently stroked his hair, feeling an indescribable warmth wash over me.
However, we had no idea that throughout the afternoon, we’d been photographed by a paparazzi photographer.
Just as we were about to return to Thornton Estate, Caspar’s phone rang.
He glanced at the screen and answered casually.
“Grandmother,” he greeted briefly.
I could hear an immediate questioning voice on the other end, but couldn’t make out the specific words.
Caspar’s expression grew increasingly grave, and finally he just said, “I’ll handle it,” before hanging up.
“What’s wrong?” I asked quietly, not wanting to wake Noah.
Caspar handed me his phone, the screen displaying a photo–the three of us at the amusement park, Caspar and I holding Noah’s hands together, all of us smiling brightly.
Above the photo was a bold headline: “Thornton Family Secret: Has Noah’s Birth Mother Finally Returned?”
My heart sank.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
