Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 605

The room felt warm and cozy, with the soft scent of incense curling through the air. It was the kind of comfort that could make you want to curl up and never leave.

But Emmy couldn’t resist the call of the courtyard, where the snow lay deep and untouched. She breathed in the crisp, cold air and felt her spirits lift. With a grin, she tugged on James’s hand.

“Babe, let’s build a snowman. I want one as big as possible.”

James was always game for her whims. He bent down, scooped up a big handful of snow, and started rolling it into a ball, his hands moving quick and sure.

Emmy skipped around him, laughing as she watched him work barehanded. “Aren’t your hands freezing?”

He shot her a sideways look, his breath misting around his face. “This is nothing,” he said, sounding totally unbothered. His voice dropped a little, and his eyes softened. “Besides, someone here always has cold hands and feet, and can’t fall asleep unless she’s glued to me. I guess I’m just built different.”

Emmy’s cheeks turned pink. She gave his arm a playful smack, but he just laughed, low and warm.

Inside the house, Teresa sat by the window, cradling a cup of tea. She watched the two of them playing in the snow, her heart filling with a quiet, gentle happiness.

She didn’t need much out of life. All she wanted was for her daughter to stay this happy, this carefree.

If only time could slow down a little, just for them.

Lost in her thoughts, she barely noticed when someone took her cup. Andrew poured out her cold tea and replaced it with a fresh, steaming cup, placing it gently in her hands.

The warmth brought her back to the moment. She glanced at him and finally broke the silence.

“Isn’t your company busy?”

She knew the holiday break was coming up. This was probably the busiest time of year for him.

Andrew looked at her, his gaze steady and soft. “Nothing is more important than being here with you.”

Her eyebrows drew together, and her voice cooled. “Mr. Aldridge.”

She put a wall between them with those words. The message was clear.

Andrew acted like he didn’t notice. “Teresa,” he said quietly, “I know that trying to make you accept me now would only bring you stress and trouble. I wouldn’t do that to you.”

“The monk was right. Back then, I was weak, and I hesitated too much. I was the one who let you go. That’s on me. It’s my biggest regret.”

“I’m not here to force you to give me an answer.”

Emmy froze.

A second later, James stepped in front of her and took her icy hands in his.

“Come on, let’s get you inside. Your hands are like ice.”

But Emmy couldn’t shake the feeling. She was sure it hadn’t been her imagination.

She tried to look past James, but the gateway was empty now, so quiet it was almost eerie.

“Wait,” she said, holding him back. “Let’s check out the courtyard next door. I think I saw someone I know.”

James tightened his grip. “Mom’s calling us. Let’s go in first.”

Emmy had no choice but to let him pull her inside.

The warmth hit her right away, chasing away all traces of cold. She pulled off her jacket, scarf, and hat, her cheeks rosy as peaches from the chill.

Still thinking about what she’d seen, she turned to her mom and asked, “Mom, does the next courtyard belong to the temple too? Is it for guests to rest in?”