Chapter 77 Gifts

Chapter 77 Gifts
Richard arrived at the hospital in the evening, just as the last traces of sunlight painted the sky in hues of orange and pink. 
His sleek black car pulled up to the entrance, drawing the attention of several staff members who had yet to leave for the day. 
They watched with open curiosity, some even whispering among themselves. It wasn’t every day that a billionaire came to pick up one of their doctors.
April, standing by the hospital doors, saw him step out of the car with his usual effortless confidence. Her stomach twisted—not with excitement, but with unease. 
She still hadn’t fully recovered from the events of the morning, the ugly rumors spreading like wildfire, yet here he was, standing in front of her as if nothing had happened.
“Richard,” she greeted him cautiously.
“April,” he responded with a small smile. “I came to pick you up.”
She crossed her arms. “I can see that. But why?”
“I want us to see a movie together,” he said simply.
April let out a slow breath. “Richard, I don’t think—”
“Please,” he cut in, his voice softer now. “I know today has been rough for you. I just want to take your mind off things. No pressure, just a movie.”
April hesitated, glancing toward the parking lot where a few people were still lingering, watching them. 
She knew the last thing she needed was to be seen leaving with him again, but at the same time, she was exhausted. 
Exhausted from the rumors, from the judgment, from everything. Maybe a distraction wasn’t the worst idea.
“Fine,” she relented. “Let me just text Gina.”
She quickly pulled out her phone and sent a message to Gina, asking her to stay with the kids for the evening. 
Gina, as expected, was more than willing, teasing her slightly about going out with Richard again.
April ignored the teasing and focused on getting into Richard’s car.
Once they arrived at the theater, Richard purchased their tickets while April stood slightly behind him, still feeling out of place.
It had been years since she had gone to see a movie with someone, especially in such a casual setting.
They entered the dimly lit theater, choosing seats near the back where there were fewer people.
As the previews began playing, April focused on the screen, trying to ignore the man beside her.
But it was impossible. She could feel his presence, the warmth of his body so close to hers.
Halfway through the movie, her exhaustion caught up with her. The soothing darkness, the comfortable seats, and the quiet hum of the film lulled her into a state of relaxation.
Without realizing it, she leaned against Richard’s shoulder, her eyes fluttering shut.
Richard tensed at the contact, his body freezing for a second before he allowed himself to relax. He glanced down at her, taking in the peaceful expression on her face as she slept.
The soft rise and fall of her breathing, the way her lips were slightly parted—it all made his heart tighten in a way he wasn’t prepared for.
He didn’t move, didn’t even dare to adjust his posture in fear of waking her up. Instead, he simply watched her, an unfamiliar warmth spreading through him. 
He wanted her. 
Not just physically, but in every way. He wanted to be a part of her life again, to earn his place beside her.
As if sensing his gaze, April stirred slightly, her lashes fluttering before her eyes slowly opened.
She found him staring at her.
For a moment, neither of them moved. The air between them grew heavy, thick with something unspoken.
Then, before he could stop himself, Richard leaned in.
His lips brushed against hers, soft and tentative at first, as if testing the waters.
April’s mind screamed at her to pull away. This was dangerous. This was a mistake.
But her body betrayed her.
The kiss was mesmerizing, intoxicating in a way she hadn’t expected. His lips moved against hers with a perfect balance of hunger and restraint, making it nearly impossible to resist.
For a few stolen seconds, she allowed herself to get lost in the sensation—the taste of him, the warmth of his hands as they gently cupped her cheek.
Then reality slammed back into her.
She pulled away abruptly, her breath uneven.
“Richard,” she whispered, shaking her head.
The moment between them shattered, leaving only tension in its place.
Richard exhaled heavily, running a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry. I—”
“Just take me home,” she cut in, avoiding his gaze.
He nodded, understanding that she wasn’t ready. He didn’t push. Instead, he stood up, offering her a hand to help her up. She ignored it, standing on her own as they silently made their way out of the theater.
The drive back to her place was quiet, the tension from earlier still lingering in the air.
When they finally arrived at her home, Richard parked the car and turned to her.
“I have something for you,” he said.
April, still feeling overwhelmed, furrowed her brows. “What?”
Richard stepped out of the car, walked to the trunk, and pulled out a neatly wrapped box.
He returned to her side and handed it over.
“These are for your kids,” he said, his voice gentle. “I know I haven’t met them, but I hope to someday… whenever you’re ready.”
April’s heart pounded at his words.
She stared at the gift in her hands, her thoughts racing.
She didn’t like this.
Not because she didn’t appreciate the gesture, but because the children were his. And they looked like him. If he ever saw them, he would start asking questions, and the truth would come out.
She wasn’t ready for that.
Swallowing hard, she forced a small nod. “Thank you.”
Richard studied her, sensing the hesitation in her voice, but he didn’t push.
“Goodnight, April,” he said, stepping back.
She nodded once more before hurrying inside, her mind in turmoil.
As she closed the door behind her, she leaned against it, gripping the box tightly.
Richard wanted to meet her children.
And she wasn’t sure how long she could keep him from the truth.