Chapter 31: You Won’t Marry My Daddy!

Miranda, sensing the discomfort, decided to break the silence.

—I know all of this might feel rushed, Alexander, but I want you to know I’m doing this because I love you. I’ve waited for you for so long, and now, we’re finally one step away from making our dreams come true —she said with a soft smile, as if trying to convince him of something he was no longer sure he wanted.

Alexander nodded, but his thoughts were elsewhere. It wasn’t just the engagement that troubled him. Ever since Isabella had entered their lives, Ethan had undergone a remarkable transformation. The boy had started to open up in ways Alexander had never thought possible. Isabella, with her calm and caring demeanor, had accomplished in weeks what no one else had in years.

Miranda noticed Alexander’s distraction, and although she tried to hide it, her expression betrayed her. Something in her demeanor tensed as she realized his mind was likely wandering to Ethan and Isabella.

—How are things with Ethan? —Miranda asked, her tone carefully neutral—. There’s only a week left in the timeframe we set to decide his future. Have you thought about what we’ll do next?

Alexander frowned, recalling their earlier conversation about sending Ethan abroad if there were no significant improvements. But now, after seeing the boy’s progress, the idea seemed absurd.

—Ethan has improved a lot since Isabella started taking care of him —he replied, choosing his words carefully—. I don’t think sending him away is the best solution right now.

Miranda pressed her lips together, trying to remain calm. The idea of keeping Ethan around meant continuing to deal with him, and that wasn’t part of her plans. Nor did she like the influence Isabella had over Alexander. She couldn’t allow a mere nanny to disrupt the path she had meticulously planned.

—Alexander —Miranda said softly but firmly—, we agreed that if there weren’t significant improvements, the best thing for Ethan would be to go to a boarding school where he could get the proper environment. I don’t want you to misunderstand my intentions, but the boy needs a different setting.

Alexander looked at her, his eyes now showing a hint of annoyance.

—Ethan has made a lot of progress, Miranda. We can’t just ignore everything that’s happened in these past few weeks. Do you honestly think taking him away now is what’s best for him?

Miranda pretended to consider his words for a moment, but she already knew her answer. To her, the best thing for Ethan was to be far away. If Alexander didn’t realize that soon, she’d have to take matters into her own hands.

—I don’t want to sound insensitive, Alexander, but we can’t make decisions based on just a few weeks. Ethan’s future is at stake, and so is ours. Don’t forget that.

Miranda’s last words carried a veiled warning, and Alexander couldn’t ignore the pang of discomfort they brought. He knew Miranda and his mother were playing a power game beyond his control, but he wasn’t ready to give in just yet.

The next morning, Ethan, always observant, noticed that Alexander was more pensive than usual. During breakfast, as Ethan ate quietly, he kept an eye on his father. It didn’t take much to realize something was bothering him, and soon, he overheard the topic that had been troubling him.

As Alexander reviewed some documents, Ethan caught one of the household staff mentioning last night’s dinner with Miranda’s family and the pressure to set an engagement date. Although he was young, Ethan understood the weight of such news, and the idea of his dad marrying Miranda didn’t sit well with him.

A mischievous smile formed on Ethan’s face as an idea began to take shape. He knew Miranda would be visiting that afternoon to discuss engagement plans with Alexander. His plan was ready.

When Miranda arrived at the house, Ethan was hiding near the entrance, waiting for her with a cheeky grin. In his hands, he held a bottle of ketchup, ready for his little prank. Just as Miranda stepped through the front door and started talking to Alexander in the foyer, Ethan ran out from his hiding spot, “accidentally” tripping and spilling the ketchup all over Miranda’s white dress.

—Oh no, Miss Miranda! —Ethan exclaimed, feigning shock and covering his mouth with his hands, though he couldn’t entirely hide his giggle—. I thought it was juice!

Miranda stared at her ketchup-stained dress, speechless and horrified. Alexander struggled to keep a straight face, barely holding back laughter at the absurd situation.

—Ethan! This is not funny! —Miranda shouted, visibly upset.

But the boy, with an innocent expression, simply shrugged and said:

—It’s just that I don’t want my dad to marry you. I don’t like you, and I think I’d rather have Dad with Isabella.

Miranda glared at him, indignant, while Alexander tried to defuse the situation.

—Come on, Miranda. It was just an accident, right, Ethan? —Alexander said, attempting to avoid further drama.

Ethan nodded, still with a sly smile on his face. Alexander, despite his attempt at seriousness, couldn’t help but feel a twinge of pride at his son’s cleverness and boldness.

After the ketchup incident, a furious but composed Miranda excused herself to change her clothes. Meanwhile, Alexander seized the moment to have a serious talk with Ethan, though it was hard to hide his amusement.

—Ethan, son, did you really have to do that? —he asked, trying to sound stern.

—It’s just that I don’t want you to marry her, Dad. She’s not good for you or me, and you know it —Ethan replied, looking him straight in the eye.

Alexander sighed, knowing his son was right. Miranda was more of a family obligation than a true desire, and he didn’t want to force Ethan into something harmful. Still, he knew the engagement was already in motion, with his grandfather and Miranda’s mother exerting more pressure than ever.

When Miranda returned, now wearing a different dress and clearly tense, she approached Alexander with a stern expression, crossing her arms.

—Alexander, I think this child needs a lesson in respect. What happened was unacceptable. What do you have to say about it?

Alexander looked at his son, then at Miranda, remaining calm.

—I think we’ve had enough drama for one day. Miranda, I can’t ignore that Ethan doesn’t feel comfortable with you. And I’m not going to force him into something that harms him. Maybe we need to rethink a few things.

Miranda stared at him, shocked, her frustration and fear evident in her eyes. She knew her family’s pressure and the engagement were her only leverage to secure a place in Alexander’s life. Without hesitation, she softened her tone.

—Alexander, darling, all I want is to make your family happy… and you. I know Ethan needs time, but I can be a good influence for him. Let’s give it a chance —Miranda said, trying to mask her desperation.

Alexander nodded, though he wasn’t entirely convinced. He knew things couldn’t be forced, and his connection with his son had to come first. Still, he left the conversation open, while silently contemplating what he truly wanted for his future.