Chapter 334

Chapter 334

Alexander's brow furrowed as he let out a soft sigh. "Emily, I've explained this many times. I have no feelings for her. What happened before..."

He rubbed his temple with frustration. "I was stupid. I used the worst possible way to try to make you come back, but only pushed you further away. I won't do that again—I won't use those tactics to upset you, and I certainly won't be close to her."

After a pause, he added reluctantly, "But she did save my life, and I'll always feel indebted to her for that."

So whenever Sophie needed help, he would still assist her?

As long as this situation existed, they would never have peace.

He noticed the tension in her expression and continued, "But I promise, I won't see her alone, and I would never abandon you for her."

"No matter what happens?" she suddenly asked.

"Of course."

"What if it's life or death..."

"That won't happen," he pulled her into his arms. "I won't let you be in danger. As for her, I'll help her, but I wouldn't sacrifice my life for her. I'm not that foolish."

Then why had he been so attentive to Sophie before, granting her every request?

She didn't voice these thoughts, but her expression clearly conveyed her feelings.

Alexander kissed her forehead gently. "Back then, helping her was convenient, and I'll admit I wanted to see if you'd get jealous. I never imagined it would drive you away step by step. I won't make such stupid mistakes again."

Was that so?

Emily felt a slight pain in her abdomen. If this issue wasn't properly resolved, it would cause endless trouble.

How could she get Sophie to reveal the truth about what happened all those years ago?

At the preschool, Maurice and Jasmine's eyes widened when they saw Alexander appear.

"Why are you here?" Jasmine asked.

She proudly showed off the red star sticker on her hand. "The teacher praised me today. Said I was very good today."

"I got a star too!" Maurice held up his chubby little hand.

"You're both amazing." Alexander crouched down and wrapped his arms around them both. The feeling of blood connection in that moment became extraordinarily special.

"You're squeezing too tight—it hurts!" the children protested.

He loosened his grip slightly, his eyes reddening. "I'm sorry... I've failed you."

Meeting their confused gazes, he said deliberately, "I'm your father, and you are my children."

"Are you going to marry my mommy?" Jasmine clearly hadn't understood Alexander's meaning, looking toward Emily instead.

She turned her head aside.

Partly because her eyes were also a bit red—she now understood the importance of a father to children.

And partly because explaining this was complicated, so she decided to let Alexander handle it.

He was clearly happy to address the matter.

"Maurice, Jasmine, listen to me." Alexander emphasized his identity again. "I did something that made your mommy very unhappy, so she left with you. But now I know I was wrong. Can you forgive me?"

By the end, anxiety had crept into his voice.

This was an emotion he'd never experienced in his commanding business career.

Would they forgive him? Or would they be angry?

Various worst-case scenarios flashed through his mind, making him uneasy. He even glanced at Emily, silently asking for her help.

But she pretended not to notice, clearly unwilling to assist him.

Taking a deep breath, he looked at the children earnestly. "Would you give me another chance?"

Maurice and Jasmine exchanged glances, emotions flickering in their eyes.

Just as his anxiety peaked, the children simultaneously threw themselves into his arms, cheering. "We have a daddy now!"

He froze for a moment before embracing them tightly.

In that moment, he finally understood what he had nearly missed.

"You've always had a father. I was just too foolish and missed your early years. From now on, I will always be by your side, watching you grow up."

As he walked out of the preschool holding their hands, Emily followed behind, a smile curving her lips.

She had once longed for this scene—a complete family with joy on every face.

But then...

As she watched them, something flashed in her peripheral vision, sending a wave of unease through her.

Emily whipped her head around but saw nothing. Had she imagined it?

"What's wrong, Emily?" Alexander had settled the children in the car and turned back to see her looking around anxiously.

"Nothing," she replied, climbing into the passenger seat.

The car filled with laughter and chatter, gradually dissolving her earlier concerns.

That evening, after Alexander had put the children to bed, he emerged from their room to find Emily waiting.

He pulled her into his embrace. "Thank you for never giving up on me, despite everything."

"Who said I didn't?" She made a token struggle but didn't truly resist. "I really did give up on you back then, and I haven't forgiven you now. You manipulated me into staying—I still haven't forgiven you for that!"

Her fierce words lacked their earlier icy tone and seemed more like an empty threat.

He held her close, his lips brushing against her ear as he spoke softly. "Alright, I'll keep working to earn your forgiveness. Emily, I'll be twice as good to you and the children. Just give me a chance, and I'll do whatever it takes."

Alexander's embrace was tight, his attitude sincere.

Emily listened to his heart beating strongly in his chest. For a moment, she wanted to tell him about what had happened years ago, but feared he wouldn't believe her, causing everything to fall apart.

Her eyes flickered slightly, a change that didn't escape his notice.

"What is it?"

"Alexander," she took a deep breath, "we didn't just separate because of your behavior. There were many things I was afraid to tell you, fearing you wouldn't believe me. Now, I want us to have an honest conversation, to give ourselves a chance. Otherwise..."

She met his eyes directly. "Even if we blindly get back together, we'll just repeat our past mistakes."

Without changing themselves, history would repeat.

As adults, they both understood this principle.

But when painful truths were exposed, would their hearts be strong enough?

Their eyes locked, emotions swirling between them.

His Adam's apple bobbed as he forced out a single word. "Okay."

They sat on the couch, Alexander clearly nervous, his hands resting on his knees in a formal posture.

Emily couldn't help but smile at him. "Alexander, how could you be nervous over something so small?"

"This is about my lifelong happiness—how could I not be nervous?"

She paused, suddenly feeling nervous herself, her palms growing damp.

Taking a deep breath, she carefully chose her words. "Do you remember the scar on my abdomen?"