Chapter 45: Ethan and Alexander's Secret

Hours later, while Alexander was in the living room reviewing some documents, Ethan appeared with a radiant expression on his face. With his characteristic energy, he ran towards his father and pulled his arm to grab his attention.

— Dad! I want to go with you and Isabella to the amusement park, said Ethan with a mischievous smile, his eyes full of excitement. Can we go? You promised we would.

Alexander smiled, feeling the contagious enthusiasm of his son, but before he could answer, Ethan looked at him sideways and added:

— Also… you've been home more than at the office lately. Is that because… you like Isabella?

Alexander was momentarily speechless, surprised by Ethan’s unexpected observation. He didn’t know whether to laugh or be impressed by his son’s perceptiveness. After a few seconds, he let out a little laugh and ruffled Ethan’s hair.

— You’re very observant, huh? Said Alexander, with an amused smile. Isabella is someone very important, and being with you and her makes me feel… complete.

Ethan looked at him with a mix of innocence and mischief, then exclaimed:

— Then, there is an even more reason to go to the park, the three of us! Ethan laughed, jumping excitedly.

Alexander chuckled, realizing that Ethan wasn’t going to drop the subject so easily.

— Alright, alright. We’ll do that plan, Ethan. I just hope you don’t make me go on all the rides you want, he said with a smile, pretending to be worried.

— I promise! Ethan replied, but both of them knew the little one was determined to take his father and Isabella on every ride that excited him.

With one last smile and a squeeze on his son’s shoulder, Alexander knew that this outing would not only fulfill a promise but also be an opportunity to strengthen their family bond.

Alexander crouched down to Ethan’s level, and with a serious yet affectionate expression, he placed a hand on his shoulder.

— Ethan, what you asked me about Isabella… he said softly. It will be our little secret, okay? Don’t tell her anything. She doesn’t need to know yet.

Ethan nodded, looking at him with a mix of curiosity and complicity. However, before he could respond, Alexander sighed and added:

— But there’s something else you need to understand, son. I still have to fulfill a promise, a favor that forces me to stay committed to Miranda. His words came with a tone of resignation. It’s… complicated, something you might not understand right now, but trust me.

Ethan frowned, his little eyes intently observing his father’s face.

— But Dad, if you don’t want to marry her, why do you have to? Miranda isn’t good to you… or to me.

Alexander felt a lump in his chest. His son, with his innocence, saw what he had been trying to ignore. He gently ruffled Ethan’s hair.

— Sometimes, things aren’t that simple, Ethan. We can’t always do what we want… but never forget that you are the most important thing to me.

Ethan looked at him in silence, processing his father’s words, and finally smiled with a determined expression.

— Okay, Dad. But when you’re ready, you can tell me everything. I’ll be here… and I won’t say anything to Isabella.

Alexander smiled, grateful, and hugged him, feeling their bond grow even stronger at that moment of complicity.

The weekend arrived quickly, and Ethan was so excited that he could barely stay still while Alexander and Isabella prepared him for the outing. With a smile, Isabella helped the boy put on his cap and sneakers, while Alexander checked the tickets and made sure they had everything they needed.

— Let’s go, let’s go! I don’t want it to get late! Ethan exclaimed, tugging on both of their hands.

Finally, they arrived at the amusement park. Upon seeing the huge attractions, the flashing lights, and hearing the background music, Ethan’s eyes sparkled like never before.

— I want to ride everything! He declared with a broad grin.

Isabella gave Alexander a knowing look, and together they decided to follow Ethan’s plan, starting with the Ferris wheel. The three of them got on the huge wheel, and when they reached the top, Ethan looked at the panoramic view in awe.

— Look! You can see everything from here! He said, amazed.

Isabella, though a little nervous about the height, kept a smile on her face and enjoyed the moment, feeling happy and complete. Alexander, noticing her expression, gave her a reassuring smile.

— Don’t worry, we’re safe, he whispered.

After getting off, they tried some skill games. Ethan insisted that his father try to win a huge stuffed animal for Isabella.

— Come on, Dad, you can do it. It’s for Isabella! He said with mischief, making both of them laugh.

Alexander concentrated, and after a few failed attempts, he finally managed to knock down the three targets needed to win the prize. Proudly, he handed the stuffed animal to Isabella, who hugged it with gratitude.

— Thank you! Now I have a special memory from today, Isabella said, with a smile that made Alexander feel a warm satisfaction.

As the day went on, they tried different attractions, from bumper cars to the roller coaster (which, to everyone’s surprise, Ethan insisted on repeating). Finally, they stopped to rest and enjoy some popcorn.

— This has been the best day, Ethan said, lying in Isabella’s lap with an expression of pure happiness. Can we do this more often?

Alexander and Isabella exchanged a glance full of understanding and affection. They didn’t need words to understand how happy they felt in that moment.

— Of course, champ, Alexander replied, ruffling his son’s hair.

Isabella smiled, enjoying the peace and joy of being with them, in a day that would undoubtedly be etched in their hearts forever.

As evening fell, after hours of fun and laughter, they decided to make one last stop at the Ferris wheel, the perfect ending to the day. They got into a cabin, and as the wheel slowly turned, Ethan looked at the lights of the park that began to illuminate as it got darker.

— Dad, can we stay here forever? Ethan asked, his face lit by the park lights and a dreamy expression.

Alexander smiled, gently stroking his son’s head.

— I wish we could, Ethan. But what’s important is that we always have moments like this, together, he answered sincerely.

Isabella looked at Alexander, moved. She realized how much he valued these moments with Ethan, and how much he cared about making his son happy. It was a side of Alexander she hadn’t always seen, and it made her feel even closer to him.

Ethan looked at both of them with a mischievous and curious look.

— So… can I tell Isabella our secret, Dad? He asked, breaking the silence with his unexpected question.

Alexander and Isabella exchanged a surprised glance, not knowing what Ethan was referring to.

— What secret, champ? Alexander asked, trying to sound casual.

— The one that you like Isabella! Ethan blurted out with a broad smile. You told me not to tell her anything, but I think she already knows.

Isabella blushed and looked away, not knowing how to react, while Alexander cleared his throat, trying to stay calm.

— Ethan… we talked about how some things are… between us, remember? He said, though with a small smile on his lips, unable to hide the tenderness he felt.

But before Ethan could respond, the wheel started turning again, and the three of them fell silent, each lost in their thoughts and feelings. For Ethan, it was simply the happiest day he had ever had.