Chapter 270 Did You Just Call Me Honey?!

Selena's POV

I sat in my wheelchair in the hospital corridor, watching the drama unfold before me with growing interest. A tall, broad-shouldered man had just stormed out of Katherine's room, his face tight with fury.

And I recognized from their voices that this man was Katherine's brother? How could this be? Wasn't he just some random guy? Anger surged through me.

That slut needs to die!

How had I never known Katherine had a brother? And one who clearly held significant influence over her life?

I watched him march toward the nurses' station, every movement radiating tension. He was clearly protective of his sister and disapproved of Alexander's presence in her life.

A smile tugged at my lips. Perhaps I'd found exactly the ally I needed.

I carefully positioned my wheelchair near the hallway corner, watching as Katherine's brother finished the discharge paperwork.

My heart pounded with anticipation as I timed it perfectly. I transferred from my wheelchair to my crutches, and just as he turned to leave, I deliberately swung my crutch right into his path.

The collision was perfectly executed—not hard enough to hurt either of us, but sufficient to send me tumbling dramatically to the floor, my crutch clattering against the tile.

"Oh my God! I'm so sorry!" he exclaimed, immediately kneeling beside me. "Are you hurt? I didn't see you there!"

I let out a small whimper, clutching my leg. "It's okay," I whispered, making my voice quiver with vulnerability. "My leg was already damaged. The doctors are considering amputation."

His expression immediately softened with concern. "Let me help you up. Where's your family? Is someone here with you?"

I cast my eyes downward, letting tears gather. "My mother passed away years ago. My father has Alzheimer's and is in critical condition. My boyfriend..."

I paused, swallowing hard for effect. "He left when he found out about my leg. Said he couldn't handle being with a cripple."

The man placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Many things in life eventually turn around. I believe heaven always looks after kind-hearted people."

His words, likely meant as simple comfort, struck something unexpected within me. When was the last time anyone had spoken to me with such sincerity?

Before I could control myself, real tears began streaming down my face. I collapsed against his chest, sobbing with a rawness that surprised even me.

"I'm sorry," I gasped between sobs. "It's just... you're the first person who's actually talked to me since my accident. Everyone else just stares or avoids me entirely."

He awkwardly patted my back, clearly unsure how to handle the situation but too kind to push me away. As my sobs quieted, I asked him to help me back into my wheelchair.

I made sure to lean heavily against him, my body pressing against his in ways that would register in his subconscious. As he lifted me, I felt him stiffen slightly—exactly the reaction I wanted.

"Thank you so much for your help," I said, composing myself and discreetly wiping away tears. "I'm Selena, by the way. Selena Garcia."

"Kevin," he replied simply. "Kevin Jordan."

I committed the name to memory, already formulating plans. This Kevin Jordan might be exactly the weapon I needed against Katherine.

If her brother disapproved of Alexander, that gave me an opening I could exploit.

Katherine's POV

After my brother left, Alexander and I locked eyes awkwardly for a few seconds before suddenly bursting into laughter together.

He had just started to say "Alright, baby" when I interrupted him, my cheeks flushing: "I love you."

Tenderness flooded his eyes as he replied, "I love you too."

I tugged gently at the hem of his shirt and said, "Let's go home. It's so stuffy in here."

With a smile, he nodded and planted a soft kiss on my forehead.

Home. The word felt foreign yet familiar on my tongue as Alexander carried my bags through the front door.

Five years ago, I'd fled this house believing I'd never return. Now, everything was exactly as I remembered—the paintings I'd selected, the furniture arranged precisely how I'd liked it, even the small vase I'd bought during our trip to Europe.

"Welcome home," Alexander said softly, watching my reaction carefully.

Emma darted past us, racing up the grand staircase toward her old bedroom. "My room! My toys!" she squealed.

William followed more sedately, clutching his toy car, but I could see the excitement in his eyes.

"I've been thinking," Alexander said as the children explored. "We should separate the children's rooms. Emma is a girl; she shouldn't share with the boys anymore."

Ryan nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense."

"We can figure out the arrangements later," I said, suddenly feeling the exhaustion from my illness catching up with me. "Kids, why don't you each pick a room and start getting settled? I need to rest a bit."

Emma immediately grabbed Ryan's hand. "Ryan, come see the whole house!"

As the children disappeared upstairs, Alexander guided me toward the master bedroom. Everything here too was exactly as I'd left it—my jewelry box on the dresser, my favorite books on the nightstand.

It was as if the past five years had been a dream, and I'd never left...

I turned to Alexander, noticing the dark circles under his eyes and the stubble on his jaw. Reaching up, I ran my fingers along his cheek. "You look exhausted."

He caught my hand, pressing a kiss to my palm before pulling me gently toward the bed. "Let's lie down for a bit."

"Just sleep," I warned, though I couldn't keep the smile from my voice.

"Just holding you," he promised, wrapping his arms around me as we settled onto the familiar mattress. "I haven't slept properly in two days."

Within minutes, his breathing deepened as exhaustion claimed him. I studied his sleeping face, marveling at how peaceful he looked.

All the hardness that usually characterized his expression had melted away. In sleep, he looked almost vulnerable.

I woke hours later to find daylight fading through the windows. Carefully extracting myself from Alexander's embrace, I headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner. The normalcy of moving through this space again felt surreal yet comforting.

When the meal was nearly ready, I sent Ryan to wake his father. As I watched them return together, I felt a warm contentment wash over me. These simple, ordinary moments were what true happiness was made of.

After dinner, while Alexander showered, I called Ryan and Ethan to my room.

"Boys, I need to ask you something important," I began, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Are you both really okay with Alexander and me being together again?"

They exchanged glances before Ethan nodded. "Yes, Mom."

Ryan's expression was more measured, considering the question carefully.

"Then I want to suggest something," I continued. "Would you consider calling him 'Dad'? Only if you feel comfortable—I would never force you."

Ethan whispered, "That's fine with me," while Ryan remained thoughtful.

He finally said, "I think yes."

When Alexander emerged from the bathroom, toweling his hair dry, he looked at the three of us curiously. "What are you all talking about?"

Ryan stood, his posture relaxed as he moved toward the door. "Nothing special. It's getting late—we should head to bed. Goodnight, Dad and Mom."

"Goodnight, Dad and Mom," Ethan echoed, following his brother out.

Alexander froze, the towel slipping from his fingers. "Did he just...did they both...?"

I deliberately busied myself with the blankets, hiding my smile. "I don't know what you're talking about, honey. I'm tired and want to sleep."

His head snapped toward me, eyes wide. "What did you just call me?"

"Nothing," I teased, sliding under the covers.

"Say it again," he demanded, moving toward the bed with newfound energy.

"No," I laughed as he pulled me into his arms.

His kiss was gentle at first, then increasingly urgent. Just as his hands began to wander, I grabbed his wrist, a strange feeling suddenly washing over me.