Chapter 337: Irresistibly Charming (Part 1)
“Kiss me,” Gabriel murmured, lowering his head until his lips brushed dangerously close to Alison’s.
“No—aren’t you in a hurry to leave? Then go,” she said quickly, pushing him toward the door.
Just then, a sharp knock rattled the door.
“Mommy, are you up yet? Come eat breakfast—we’re going swimming!” Ethan’s bright voice rang from the hall.
“Gabriel, hide on the balcony—now!” Alison hissed, panic flickering in her eyes.
She had no idea how she’d explain to Sophia and Ethan why a strange man was in her room.
“No,” Gabriel said flatly. “I’m not hiding.”
“Mommy! Open up!” Ethan pounded impatiently.
Alison paced, panic rising. She felt like a guilty lover caught red-handed. “Gabriel, the kids—” she whispered.
“I want to see Ethan,” Gabriel replied calmly. “See if he’s grown taller.”
“And what are you planning to be, exactly?” she asked warily.
“Godfather, I guess,” he said with a grin. “They already have two, don’t they? One more won’t hurt.”
Reluctantly, she opened the door—and the two little whirlwinds burst inside.
“Mommy, you’re up?” they chorused. “Wow, you got up early today!”
But before they could finish, both froze—eyes landing on Gabriel.
Ethan’s eyes lit up. “Uncle Gabriel! What are you doing here? I wanna ride your motorcycle!”
Gabriel’s rare smile broke across his face—so effortlessly charming that Alison’s breath hitched.
“Ethan, don’t call me Uncle,” Gabriel corrected gently.
“Then what should I call you?” Ethan asked, blinking.
“Call me Godfather,” Gabriel said, still smiling.
“But I already have two godfathers,” Ethan said, puzzled.
“What’s wrong with one more?” Gabriel asked with a playful blink. “Is that a problem?”
Ethan didn’t answer. Instead, he turned to Alison, eyes suddenly soft. “Mommy, I want Daddy. When’s he coming back?”
Alison’s lips parted, words catching in her throat.
“Daddy won’t be back for a while,” she said at last, voice trembling. “He’s busy… there’s a lot he has to do.”
“Mommy, who’s taking us swimming today?” Sophia asked, tugging her sleeve.
“I will,” Gabriel cut in smoothly. “I’ll take you.”
“You… you said you were going to—” Alison stammered, staring at him.
“I changed my mind,” Gabriel said with an easy smile. “We’ll have breakfast, then I’ll take you all swimming.”
“Really?” she asked, surprised despite herself.
“Of course. Definitely,” he said, tone steady.
“Yay, Godfather! Let’s eat fast—I wanna ride your motorcycle to the pool!” Ethan cheered.
“You little rascal,” Gabriel said, ruffling his hair with a laugh.
“Godfather, you look so cool when you ride it! I’m getting one when I grow up!” Ethan declared, eyes sparkling.
After breakfast, Ethan clung to Gabriel’s arm. “Godfather, hurry! We gotta go!”
At last breakfast ended, and the four of them got ready to head out.
“Godfather, can all three of us fit on your motorcycle?” Ethan asked eagerly.
“No problem,” Gabriel assured him.
“Awesome! Then we’ll ride the motorcycle to the pool!” Ethan shouted, bouncing with excitement.
As they rushed out of the elevator, Gabriel’s black motorcycle gleamed in the sunlight—right beside a familiar car.
Seeing them appear, Aidan’s face darkened. He’d expected Gabriel might show up—just not before him.
He stepped out of the car, jaw tight.
“Alison, didn’t we agree I’d take Sophia and Ethan swimming?” he asked sharply. “Why is he here?”
Ethan was already halfway on the motorcycle. “Godfather Aidan! Are you coming too? Then let’s all go together!” he grinned.
“Yeah…” Aidan managed, nodding stiffly despite his confusion.
“Great! Let’s go!” Ethan whooped, tiny legs kicking as he balanced on the bike.
Aidan froze mid-step, hand still on the car door.
Alison’s stomach twisted—she’d dragged Aidan straight into this mess.
She glanced helplessly between Gabriel and the kids.
“Sophia, come with me—we’ll take the car,” she said quickly.
“No, Mommy! I wanna ride the motorcycle too! Ethan said it’s so fun!” Sophia protested.
Aidan’s jaw clenched again. The cheerful scene before him made him want to walk away—but he stayed.
“Alison. Get in the car,” he said curtly.
Alison obeyed, sliding into the car, but unease gnawed at her as she watched the kids climb onto the motorcycle.
Just as Aidan turned the key, she blurted out—
“Aidan… I’m worried about them,” she whispered, eyes downcast. “Can I ride with them on the motorcycle?”
Aidan sat rigid, frustration simmering—humiliation burning through him until he couldn’t speak.
“I’m sorry, Aidan. I didn’t mean to,” she said softly.