Kyra’s POV
"I should take my leave now," Mr. Walter said, pulling himself up and looking at . I stood and smoothed my blouse, suddenly feeling awkward.
I was about to walk him to the door when he raised his hand to stop . He adjusted his glasses and smiled. "Think about my offer, Miss Monroe."
I nodded, unable to form a proper response. I watched him leave before returning to the couch across from Nathan, who had been observing Mr. Walter’s departure with an unreadable expression.
When Nathan’s eyes t mine, they held an intensity that made my heart stutter.
"He’s... your boss, right?" he asked, his tone carefully neutral.
I nodded. "Yes. Uh... what brought you here?"
He cleared his throat and placed the box of dessert on the coffee table between us. "I just wanted to check on you... and I heard about you taking over your father’s company."
"Yes," I answered simply, feeling myself relax slightly despite my better judgnt.
Nathan pressed his lips together, his eyes never leaving mine. I wanted to look away, feeling as though I might drown in his gaze, but I couldn’t. Sothing in those familiar eyes pulled in, making it impossible to break the connection.
He intertwined his fingers as his expression softened. "How... have you been?"
The question hung in the air between us. I couldn’t find the words to answer. I was terrified of facing him now that he knew about Snow. Even though he had no idea she was his daughter, the fear of him discovering the truth paralyzed . I knew I couldn’t hide it forever. Sooner or later, I would have to tell him, especially if Snow started asking about her father again.
"It’s been... five long years," he continued when I didn’t respond. "I don’t know what to say. All I want is to know that you didn’t go through a hard ti all alone. Though that seems impossible."
A bitter smile ford on my lips. "I had a hard ti."
He squeezed his eyes shut and clenched his jaw as if my words physically hurt him.
"But I got stronger," I added quickly.
He opened his eyes again, eting mine. My heart raced traitorously in my chest. How had this man managed to affect so deeply again without my permission? Was it because he had taken care of when I was hiding from Kieran? Or was it because, despite everything, I had never truly stopped loving him?
"I’m sorry for not being there," he said quietly.
I took a deep breath and looked down at my hands. "It was my decision. I didn’t want to involve you in my ssy life, Nathan. I needed to resolve my problems alone."
He licked his bottom lip and nodded slowly. I watched as he took a deep breath, seeming to gather his thoughts.
"I want to help, but I don’t want to force myself on you, Kyra," he said finally. "I... badly want to stay by your side. I was... miserable without you, but I’m not blaming you for that. It’s . I’m the problem."
"Why do you say you’re the problem?" I asked, genuinely confused.
He t my eyes again, emotion burning in his gaze. "Because I’m so damn in love with you that I couldn’t restrain my feelings anymore. Five years ago... I dread of having you again. I thought we could finally happen but... then everything fell apart."
Sylvia stirred restlessly within , responding to his confession. I didn’t know if he was asking for another chance or simply revealing his feelings. Either way, I wasn’t ready. I was terrified he would hurt again or beco obsessive like Kieran. Too much love could be toxic. I wanted him to love himself as much as he claid to love . I didn’t want him destroying himself because of . I needed a healthier kind of love than that.
He chuckled softly. "But I’m not here to ask you to take back. I’m here to... tell you that whatever happens, I’m always here to support you. Whatever you need... I’m willing to help."
I searched his eyes. "Just like business matters?"
His eyes lit with hope. "Yes."
I smiled and glanced down at my fingers before eting his gaze again. "Nathan... you know my capabilities. I admit I need help, but I want to do this on my own. If I need your company, I will co to you... as a businesswoman... not a friend... or an ex-mate."
He nodded slowly, pressing his lips together before giving a genuine smile. "Yeah... yeah, sure. That’s enough for ."
Finally finding my courage, I asked the question I’d been holding back. "How have you been?"
His expression changed, touched by my question, and I was struck by how transparent his emotions were to after all these years.
"I’m good," he answered, genuine happiness in his voice. "I’m... actually happy that you’re back... safe and... strong."
"I’m sorry for lying about myself."
"I understand. It doesn’t matter anymore. What’s important is you’re safe. I was so worried when I saw the house burning when I ca back."
"I left after you left... that night."
He nodded and stared into my eyes again. I could see the unspoken questions in his gaze, questions that undoubtedly involved Snow. He wanted to know where she was and how she was doing.
I opened my mouth to bring up Snow when he suddenly stood and pushed his hands into his pockets. "I should take my leave now so you can rest."
I nodded and stood as well, following him to the door. He opened it slowly and was about to step out when a familiar voice echoed through the apartnt.
"Mommy, I’m done packing!"
Nathan turned quickly toward the sound. His eyes softened, a myriad of emotions crossing his face when he saw Snow standing by the bedroom door, clutching her doll and smiling brightly.
He looked at , then back at Snow. I watched as he began to breathe heavily, swallowing hard as he stared at her. My heart raced. He couldn’t recognize her as his daughter, could he?
"Is she..." Nathan gasped, glancing at before fixing his gaze once more on our daughter.
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