No Second Chances Ex-husband (Lauren and Ethan) novel Chapter 130

ROMAN’S POV

The last time I spoke to Lauren was about two days ago. Two long, restless days.

I’d been cooped up in my house with Jeff, digging for more details, more pieces of the puzzle that could link everything together. Between the hours of research and our quiet moments of speculation, I’d barely eaten, and I hadn’t even set foot in the office yesterday. It wasn’t like me to take time off without notice, business was usually my number one priority but lately, my priorities had started to… shift.

Today, though, I needed to take a break. Both for my own sake and because I didn’t want things to start looking strange between Lauren and me. I’d been trying so hard to keep things normal, to keep that small progress I’d made with her from slipping away

I was actually supposed to go see her two days ago, right after work. But somehow, with everything going on the theories, the files, and the thoughts that wouldn’t stop circling my head I forgot. And it was only a few moments ago, when I caught myself staring blankly at the screen in my study, that I realized it.

Better late than never, right?

That’s what I told myself as I stood there now, right in front of her house. I hadn’t called, hadn’t texted, not that I could, anyway. She still hadn’t given me her number, which meant that the only time I could see her was when she came to the office and I requested to meet. That, in itself, was frustrating.

I planned to change that today. I was going to ask for her number politely, of course but I needed her to understand it wasn’t just for work. I wanted to be able to talk to her freely, without the formality of office walls or business hours. I could easily get her number but I wanted her to give it to me herself.

Part of me suspected she’d dodge the question, maybe use some excuse to avoid giving it to me. She was good at that, creating distance just when things seemed to warm up between us. But I’d see how things played out.

I adjusted the head warmer on my head, took a breath, and gave myself one last look before pressing the doorbell. The soft chime echoed faintly, and for a moment I found myself glancing around the front yard.

A few seconds later, the small security screen mounted beside the gate flickered to life. I could almost feel her eyes on me through the camera, and on instinct, I gave a small, polite wave, hoping she’d know it was me.

The gate buzzed and slowly swung open. I slipped my hands into my pockets and strolled in, the faint sound of gravel crunching beneath my shoes. While walking, I brought out my phone and quickly sent Jeff a text: “Remember to always keep me updated on everything you find.”

I slid the phone back into my jacket. No more distractions. I was here to see her.

Just as I reached the doorstep, the door swung open, and before I could even say a word, a small figure came rushing toward me, arms wide open.

Aria.

The tiny bundle of energy ran straight into me, wrapping her little arms around my hips. Her giggle filled the air, so genuine and innocent that I couldn’t help but smile. For a moment, though, my body froze and my mind tripped back to everything I’d learned, everything that could possibly be true.

The thought flashed so quickly I barely had time to stop it. I didn’t want to think like that, not yet, not until I knew the truth. So I pushed the thought away and looked down at her.

“Hi there, little one,” I said, smiling softly.

It was a name that slipped out naturally, almost like it had been waiting for me to say it. Little one. It suited her small, bright, and full of life. She was the mirror image of Lauren in so many ways that it almost startled me sometimes.

1/2

CHAPTER DISO

+25 BONUS

Atia tilted her head up, eyes sparkling with excitement. “Did you bring me another present like you said you would the last time?” she asked, her tone hopeful and innocent.

Het question hit me like a small jolt Right, the chocolate.

The last time I was here, I’d given her a spare chocolate bar I had in my car and had promised to bring more the next time I visited. I hadn’t. Not because I didn’t want to, but because my head had been filled with too many questions and theories to remember something that simple.

Before I could even try to come up with an excuse, a voice came from inside the house calm, firm, and familiar.

“Nope, not today, Missy. You already had sweets at the doctor’s office, so no more sweets. You know the rules”

Lauren.

Her voice had this steady rhythm to it warm but slightly tired, like she’d already repeated that same line a hundred times before. She appeared a moment later, stepping into view, and my breath caught a little when I saw her.

She looked effortlessly beautiful, even though she clearly wasn’t trying to. Her hair was loosely tied, a few strands framing her face. She wore a simple oversized hoodie and jeans, casual, but something about her presence just… filled the space.

Aria turned toward her mother, her small face twisting into a disappointed pout. I almost laughed at the sight, but I was secretly grateful Lauren had spoken up. I wouldn’t have known what to say otherwise I wasn’t ready to see that same disappointment

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