Chapter 23 – The meeting that changes everything

"But Mommy, if he's your friend, why haven't we met him before? He's so nice!"

Mickey nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and he saved Sky and bought us Awana pops. He's the best!"

The question hung in the air, laden with implications that the children couldn't possibly understand. Isabella and Xavier exchanged a look, both searching for the right words to navigate this unexpected situation.

Isabella, still struggling to find her voice, felt a whirlwind of emotions. The joy on her children's faces, the gentle way Xavier interacted with them, and the weight of their shared history all collided in this moment.

"I was in Los Angeles that's the reason." Xavier broke the silence.

Issabella finally managed to speak, her voice barely above a whisper, "Hey sweetie... We have to go back to work. Be good kids to Ava right, sweethearts."

The twins looked confused, sensing the tension but not understanding it. Xavier met Isabella's gaze, his eyes filled with a mix of hope and apprehension, silently pleading for a chance to explain.

Isabella watched the interaction with a mixture of anxiety and fascination. She had never seen Xavier interact with children before, and she had to admit, he was surprisingly good at it.

"Are you the one Mommy's having a big meeting with?" Mickey asked, his curiosity piqued.

Xavier nodded. "That's right. Your mom and I are talking about some very exciting new ideas for her company."

"Can we help?" Skylar asked eagerly.

Before Xavier could respond, Isabella stepped in. "Not today, sweetheart. But how about you and Mickey go with Aunt Ava to get a snack? I heard she might have some of those special cookies you like."

The mention of cookies was enough to distract the twins, and they happily trotted off with a relieved-looking Ava.

As Isabella turned back to Xavier, she braced herself for his reaction. But instead of the annoyance or frustration she expected, she saw something that looked almost like... longing?

Xavier whispered to Isabella that the kids were fantastic. "They're wonderful kids, Isabella," Xavier uttered. "You've done an amazing job with them."

She was taken aback by the genuineness in his voice. "Thank you," she whispered, feeling uncertain about how to react to this unforeseen praise.

For a moment, they remained in silence, the unspoken words and emotions still hanging in the charged air between them.

At last, Xavier coughed to clear his throat. She was surprised when he didn't mention the past.

Or their father....

"Shall we get back to the meeting? I think we were just getting to the good part."

Isabella agreed with a nod and followed him as he returned to the conference room.

Upon returning to their places, she couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed. Their professional mask had slightly cracked, showing glimpses of their past selves.

While the meeting progressed, Isabella became increasingly fascinated by Xavier's suggestions.

His innovative, forward-thinking ideas were perfectly in line with FashionForward's mission of sustainable, cutting-edge fashion.

He... He changed.

She wondered if she was the reason for his change.

"Here," Xavier uttered, bringing her back to her thoughts, as he presented a new slide, "is the potential to incorporate AI-powered personalization." Picture garments that adapt their fit and style based on the wearer's preferences.

Isabella bent forward, her thoughts filled with potential outcomes. She was fascinated by him.

Even though he's Xavier, the man she hated.

She never thinks she'll meet or talk to.

She hated him for what he did to her.

For what he did to her life... Her career. Her trust.. her kids.

But Xavier here is a completely different person.

And for once she admires him again, just like she did in the past, while giving him her all and trying to make things work out even though he never cared about her. Or look her way.

Even with the things he did to her.

"That could revolutionize online shopping," she mused. "Reduce returns, increase customer satisfaction..." She uttered, with a smile.

Xavier nodded eagerly. "Exactly! And with FashionForward's design expertise and our tech, we could be the first to market with this technology."

As the presentation wound down, Isabella felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. The potential for this partnership was undeniable, but working closely with Xavier again... that was a different story.

"Thank you for your time today," Xavier said, wrapping up. "I know we threw a lot at you. Take some time to think it over, discuss it with your team. We're ready to move forward whenever you are."

Isabella nodded, standing to shake hands with Xavier and his team. As the others filed out, Xavier lingered.

"Isabella," he said softly, "I just wanted to say... seeing you with your kids today... It reminded me of all the dreams you used to tell Grandma. I'm truly happy for you."

Isabella felt her throat constrict from the sincerity in his voice. "Xavier, thank you," she said with effort. "They are everything to me." She uttered sincerely.

He smiled wistfully as he nodded "As they should be. I hope... I hope we can find a way to work together, despite our past. I think we could create something truly amazing." He said, rubbing his neck.

With that he turned to go, but Isabella's voice made him stop in his tracks. She couldn't help but cry out. "Xavier!"

He stopped and glanced back at her, waiting in anticipation.

"I will..." I will discuss it with my team. And I think you might be right. This could be the start of something big."

Xavier's face was illuminated by a smile that was nearly blinding. I look forward to hearing from you, Isabella. Take care."

After he shut the door, Isabella collapsed into her seat, her thoughts swirling. The meeting exceeded her expectations.

Xavier had brilliant ideas and conducted himself in a professional and respectful manner. And the manner in which he had engaged with the twins...

Isabella shook her head in an attempt to dispel her thoughts. This was strictly business, nothing else. She won't let her past emotions interfere with her decision-making.

However, as Isabella gathered her notes and got ready to pick up the twins, she couldn't rid herself of the sensation that today was different. A door she believed to be securely shut had slightly opened.

Was she brave enough to walk through it?

Exiting the conference room, her phone vibrated with a text from Xavier: "Thanks once more for today. I was sincere when I said it - your kids are amazing. I trust that we can collaborate to build a brighter future for them and all kids. Excited for your verdict."

"Your children" she repeated the words and let out a sigh of relief....

So he didn't know yet. The twins were his.

Thank God... But she hoped it stayed this way.

Isabella gazed at the message, her finger lingering over the reply button. She finally replied, after some time, with a brief message: "Thanks, Xavier. I'll contact you shortly."

Taking a deep breath, she put her phone in her pocket and went to gather her children. No matter what was to come, she was sure that life was going to become much more exciting.