I could already predict her reaction. She’d demand a divorce the second she found out, and with the odds stacked in her favor, there was no doubt she’d win. Still, I couldn’t let that stop me. Telling her wasn’t just about the technicality of a marriage certificate; it was about something deeper. It was about fixing what had been broken.
Even if she never forgave me. Even if she walked away forever. At least I would have tried.
As I walked out of the hospital, my thoughts were consumed by the enormity of what I needed to do. How would I approach her? What could I possibly say to make her believe I was genuine?
The drive home was a blur. By the time I reached my study, the determination burning in my chest had solidified into a plan. I went to my safe, my fingers trembling slightly as I unlocked it. The divorce papers were buried at the bottom, where I’d shoved them years ago, hoping I’d never have to see them again.
Pulling them out, I flipped through the pages until I found the signatures. Mine was neat and precise, but Raina’s… hers had a faint smudge trailing through the ink. A tear stain.
The memory of that day came flooding back, vivid and unrelenting. She’d been so quiet, her hands trembling as she signed the papers. I’d been too angry, too stubborn to notice how much it was costing her. And now, years later, that smudge was a reminder of just how much I’d failed her.
As I stared at the divorce papers in my hands, a single thought consumed me–Tomorrow, I told myself firmly, a lump forming
in my throat. Tomorrow, I’ll tell her everything.
Even if she didn’t want to hear it. Even if she shut me out before I could explain. I had to do it.
I didn’t care if it was selfish. Filing the papers and granting her the divorce would have been the right thing to do, the noble thing. But now that I knew the truth–that she never cheated–I couldn’t bring myself to let go. I couldn’t walk away without at least trying to make things right.
I wasn’t just refusing to lose her. I refused to be away from her and our kid.
Kids.
The realization slammed into me like a freight train. My breath hitched, and for a moment, I couldn’t move.
Fuck.
I had two kids.
Two little lives I’d failed in more ways than I could count.
Ava. The name tasted foreign on my tongue, and guilt clawed at my chest. I barely knew her. I’d missed everything–her first steps, her first words, the sound of her laughter. She didn’t know me, and I sure as hell didn’t know her.
The weight of my mistakes was suffocating. I’d been so caught up in my own anger and pride, so blinded by the lies fed to me, that I’d robbed myself of years I could never get back.
But maybe just maybe–it wasn’t too late.
I needed to know her. I needed to be her father, not just in name but in action. I’d missed so much already, but I wasn’t going to miss another second if I could help it.
I slammed the safe shut, my resolve hardening. Tomorrow, I’d tell Raina the truth. I’d face the consequences, whatever they might be.
And then, somehow, I’d find a way to be a part of both Liam and Ava’s lives.
I went to bed that night, my mind racing with memories of the past and fears for the future. Sleep didn’t come. How could it?
1/2
Chapter 45
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Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Raina’s tear streaked face, Liam’s frail body, and a little girl I hadn’t even met yet.
Tomorrow. It all started tomorrow.
By the time the sun rose, I was no closer to sleep, but my resolve was stronger than ever. I’d fix this. I had to.
A message pinged on my phone, breaking through my thoughts. It was from my assistant, reminding me of a meeting with the project board. For a moment, I considered canceling, but then I remembered–Raina would be there.
A small smile tugged at my lips. Seeing her was enough motivation to drag myself out of bed.
I showered and dressed quickly, eager to leave before my mother woke up. But as I reached the door, Vanessa stepped into my path.
“Alex,” she said, her tone unusually sweet. “I need a favor.”
I arched a brow, crossing my arms. “What is it?”
“I need your help getting a job at Graham Corporation,” she said, her smile widening as though she’d already won me over.
I stared at her, incredulous. “You’re joking, right?”
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