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Aiden’s little voice echoed across the school yard as he runs towards her, his tiny backpack bounce against his shoulders, a big smile lighting up his whole face.
Mia bent down quickly, her arms opening wide just in time to catch him. The moment his small body collided with hers, she wrapped him up tight, pressing her face against his soft hair.
“My baby,” she whispered, her chest filling with warmth. She pulled back just enough to pepper kisses all over his face, her lips landing on his cheeks, nose, and forehead as Aiden giggled uncontrollably, his laughter bubbling like the sweetest sound in the world.
“Stop, Mama!” he squealed between giggles, though his little arms tightened around her neck, not really wanting her to stop at all.
Mia laughed, holding him a little longer before finally easing back. But then she noticed the way his smile dropped suddenly, his eyes darting behind her shoulder.
“Mama… where’s Papa?” he asked, his voice small, hesitant, almost like he was afraid he was wrong for hoping.
Mia’s chest squeezed at his question. She tried to force a light tone. “So I can’t even come to pick you alone?” she teased, but Aiden only stared at her with those big eyes
“Come on, baby,” she said softly, adjusting the strap of his backpack as they walked toward the school gate.
But the moment they stepped outside, Aiden paused…. Mia smiles.
Alex was standing near the entrance, phone pressed to his ear, his tall figure impossible to miss. He looked like he belonged in a magazine, his presence alone commanding attention.
“Papa?” Aiden whispers, his voice unsure, like he was afraid he might be wrong.
Alex’s head turned instantly. He dropped his call without hesitation, sliding his phone into his pocket as his face broke into a wide, weirdly identical to his son
In a heartbeat, he was moving, and Aiden was already running toward him.
“Papa!”
Alex scooped him up easily, lifting him into the air before throwing him up playfully. Aiden’s laughter exploded into the air, pure and loud, and Alex caught him effortlessly, holding him tight against his chest.
Mia’s lips curved into a small smile. But when she noticed the way other parents and kids were starting to watch them.
“Come on, let’s go,” she said quickly, walking forward and dragging Alex by his arms.
Alex only laughed, letting her pull him along while Aiden clung to him like a koala, his little hands wrapped
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Chapter 263
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The ride home was filled with Aiden’s endless chatter. He talked about school, about the games he played with his friends, about who ran the fastest and who got in trouble.
Every detail seemed important to him, and Alex listened like every word was gold.
Mia sat quietly in the passenger seat, but her eyes kept drifting to Alex. The way he hummed in response to Aiden’s stories. The way his hand never left hers, his large fingers wrapped firmly around her smaller ones even while steering the car with his other hand.
He must have felt her staring because suddenly, he glanced at her, his mouth curving into a grin.
Mia quickly looked away, but not fast enough.
Alex winked.
“Are you falling in love, Turner?”
Mia groaned, heat creeping up her cheeks as she faced the window. “Shut up,” she whispered.
Alex’s laugh filled the car, deep and warm, making Aiden giggle in the back seat without even knowing why.
Then, out of nowhere, Alex said, “Aiden, what do you think about Papa marrying your Mama?”
Mia’s whole body froze.
Aiden blinked, confused for a second, before bursting into laughter. His little head turned between the two of them, eyes wide as though he was trying to figure out what his father really meant.
“What do you think, baby?” Alex asked, his voice teasing but laced with seriousness.
“Yes!” Aiden said happily, grinning ear to ear, not even fully understanding what he was agreeing to but excited nonetheless.
“Is that a yes?” Alex pressed, smirking as Mia glares at him.
“Yes, Papa!” Aiden shouted again, bouncing in his seat.
Mia mouthed one word at Alex. Asshole.
Alex chuckled under his breath, clearly enjoying himself.
“I want to live in Papa’s big house,” Aiden blurted suddenly.
Mia gasped dramatically, pressing a hand to her chest. “Baby! I’m hurt! What happened to our house?” she asked, her voice exaggerated in mock offense.
Aiden only giggled, not even listening to her words, more entertained by her silly expression.
“You want to leave Mama?” she pressed with wide, fake–hurt eyes.
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Chapter 263
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“No!” Aiden shouted quickly, almost panicked. Then his little face went serious. “Mama will come too.”
“Lucky me,” she said, sitting back down properly in her seat.
“Papa.” Aiden called again.
“Yes, son?” Alex replied smoothly.
“Will Uncle Ethan come too?”
Mia’s eyes widened at the sudden question. She looked at Alex just in time to see the way his entire body tensed, his shoulders stiffening. She couldn’t help it….She let out a loud laugh.
“Yes, Papa, will Uncle Ethan come too?” Mia said, deliberately mimicking Aiden’s innocent tone, her grin mischievous.
Alex shot her a glare, his jaw tightening.
“Honey,” he said carefully to Aiden, “I don’t think Uncle Ethan will want to come with us. But you can always visit him anytime.”
Mia’s laugh grew louder, unable to stop herself.
“You know,” she said between her chuckles, “you would have to let it go. He’s not who he was in Willowcrest anymore.” Her voice dropped lower, her eyes flicking to the backseat to make sure Aiden wasn’t paying
attention.
“I know,” Alex muttered, his grip tightening on the wheel. “I just… it’s a reflex.”
Mia snorted softly and shook her head, turning her gaze back to the window.
When they got home….she carried Aiden’s bag while Alex carried Aiden who was still glued to him refusing to let go.
And when it came time for Alex to leave, the problem grew worse.
“Baby, you have to let Papa go,” Mia said tiredly. “He’s going to come back later, okay?”
“No!” Aiden shouted, his little arms tightening around Alex’s neck
Mia pressed a hand over her face, groaning. “Oh my God.”
Alex looked at her, his lips twitching like he was holding back a laugh. Then he turned to her fully and said, “Move in with me.”
Mia blinked, certain she had misheard. “What?”
“I said move in with me.”
Her eyes widened, and her heart skipped. “No.”
“Why not?” Alex asked, his tone calm and firm.
“Because it’s moving too fast, Alex,” Mia said, shaking her head.
“What’s fast about it?” he countered quickly. “I just want the both of you close…. We are not strangers”
Mia’s chest squeezed. Her voice was quieter now, heavy with conflict. “I think we are, Alex. At least for now, we
are.”
“Mia, we are going to get married soon.”
Mia paused…. words slipping out before she could stop them. “I never said I’ll marry you.”
The instant she said it, she regretted it… Alex’s face falls, the small flicker of hurt that crossed his features, made her stomach twist painfully.
“Okay,” Alex said softly.
And Mia didn’t know what he was saying okay to.
“I didn’t-” she tries
“It’s okay you’re right, I was moving too fast… I.. I’ll stay till he falls asleep”
He walks inside without looking back.
