No Second Chances Ex-husband (Lauren and Ethan) novel Chapter 131

ROMAN’S POV

“Another day of coming to my place without letting me know,” Lauren said, leaning casually against her front door. Her arms crossed

I hesitated for a fraction of a second, weighing how to respond. I couldn’t let her think I was careless or inconsiderate, but at the same time, I needed to maintain my own calm presence. “Well, technically I told you I was going to come over so we could finish the conversation we were having at my office,” I said, hoping that could counteract the accusation and remind her that this visit was purposeful.

Lauren tilted her head slightly, the expression on her face unmistakably skeptical. “That was two days ago,” she said, her voice carrying a slight tinge of frustration. “And you said you were going to come that evening.” She added. And it almost sounded like she was more annoyed that I didn’t show up that evening than the fact that I showed up here umannounced

I let out a small sigh knowing she had cornered me, I hoped she wouldn’t remember but I wasn’t at lunch today “Alright, I’m sorry. I’ve been busy with something and I forgot, but I still showed up today, and I would have informed you that I was coming if I had your phone number.”

Her eyes narrowed for a second, then she raised one brow, a small smirk playing on her lips. “Is that your way of asking me for my number?”

“Well… yeah,” I said simply, feeling a slight warmth creep into my chest at the subtle humor in her expression.

She let her shoulders drop, a sign of relaxation, though her eyes still held that sharp, assessing glint I had come to recognize.” Are you gonna come in, or do you prefer to keep asking for my number out here?” she asked, and I knew that was my cue.

“Right,” I said, taking her words as an invitation, and stepped inside. The house smelled warm and comforting, faintly of food. Everything looked the same as it did when I first came: tidy, yet lived in, welcoming yet somehow guarded.

“So you sent your four–year–old daughter to the kitchen to help your friend,” I said jokingly, trying to lighten the air.

“Tessa is more like a sister to me, and that was the only excuse I could come up with at that point,” she replied with a small shrug, her tone casual but her eyes flickering with mild amusement.

I inhaled deeply, catching the scent of what they were preparing. “Well, I can definitely smell what they both are making,” I said, sinking onto the couch.

“Yeah, you came just in time when we were making something to eat,” Lauren said, a hint of relief in her tone, and I noticed how subtly her posture shifted, relaxing now that I was seated.

“So… what can I get you?” she asked, and I froze for a moment, eyebrows raising slightly. The last time I was here, I’d been subtly criticizing her for not even offering me water. Now she was actively asking what I wanted. That small gesture, simple as it was, meant more than she could know.

“Uhm… a glass of juice can do,” I said, opting for something a little more flavorful than plain water.

She nodded and walked toward the kitchen, leaving me to glance around. My attention was caught almost immediately as Aria emerged from the kitchen once more. Her small figure walked with purpose, eyes fixed on me, her expression a mix of curiosity

and mischief.

“So, what are you making?” I asked jokingly, fully aware she was far too young to handle much cooking.

“Rice and chicken,” she said matter–of–factly, stopping right in front of me. I had to pause for a moment. For a four–year–old, her awareness and attention to detail were impressive, smart, and precociously responsible.

“Hmm, sounds delicious,” I said, letting a small smile tug at my lips.

1/2

CHAPTER O13!

+25 BONUS

Then, unexpectedly, she motioned for me to lean in closer with her tiny fingers. At first, I hesitated, not entirely sure what she wanted, but I leaned anyway.

She whispered into my ear, voice soft but conspiratorial. “Mummy is in the kitchen. Can I still get my chocolate?”

I couldn’t help but chuckle quietly to myself. She was trying to test boundaries, to see if she could convince me to give her a treat without her mother noticing. I caught the small glint of determination in her eyes and shook my head slightly.

“I see what you’re doing here, Aria. You want me to give you chocolate without your mom’s permission,” I said, and she nodded, her small face serious.

“You know that’s not right,” I continued, lowering my voice a notch so she could truly understand. “You’re not supposed to hide things from your mom. She’ll eventually find out, and when she does… well, you could be in big trouble. I know you don’t want that.”

Her head dropped slightly, eyes falling to the ground, and I could see the weight of understanding settling in. “I guess so,” she said softly, the innocence and honesty in her tone making my chest tighten a little.

At least she felt guilty for trying that small stunt which, in my mind, meant she might not try it again. That small spark of accountability glimmered in her actions, and I found myself quietly impressed.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify