" too! too! I grew up, too!" Kane ran over, scratching the back of his head. "Look at . I’m taller now!"
Xander smiled and patted his head. "You’ve got so much energy. Soon you’ll be able to protect your mom and your sister."
"Of course! I’ll grow up fast and protect you too, godfather!" Kane said proudly, patting his chest.
Railer watched as they laughed and talked like a happy little family. His dad stood beside him, looking left out and annoyed.
He let out a soft sigh and walked over to Chantelle, grabbing at her shirt.
Chantelle quickly took his hand and brought him forward. "You probably haven’t t him yet. This is Railer, Stephanie and Kane’s older brother. Rai, this is Mommy’s friend. Say hello."
"He might as well call godfather too, since Stephanie and Kane already do," Xander said with a smile as he pulled out a crystal monkey figurine.
It was small, cute, and clearly high quality. Cool to the touch, and it sparkled under the light.
"Yay! Rai has one too, just like and Steph!" Kane said excitedly, taking the crystal from Railer and holding it next to the one hanging around his own neck. They were exactly the sa.
Railer didn’t have a choice. Even if he wanted to say no, he couldn’t.
"I want equipnt, too, godfather. Can you make sothing for Rai? I gave him one of my Little Bees!" Kane quickly held Xander’s arm, pouting.
Xander smiled and nodded. "Of course. I’ll give Rai so when I’m discharged."
"Yay! Mommy and I will co pick you up then!" Kane said, bouncing happily.
Railer glanced at Chantelle. She didn’t seem to mind Xander giving him gifts. Feeling anxious, he nudged Daniel, who still hadn’t moved.
The crystal pendant Xander gave Railer looked expensive at first glance. He had been carrying it with him, probably waiting for the right mont to give it to the boy.
Daniel scoffed to himself. Did Xander really think he could win over his son with just a piece of crystal? It felt insulting.
"And this is?" Xander asked, eyeing Daniel with suspicion.
Chantelle saw how grumpy Daniel looked, but he seed to straighten up the mont Xander asked, like he was ready to show off.
"He’s Rai’s father," she said simply.
Xander’s expression looked a bit off. His eyes moved from Chantelle to Kane and Stephanie, clearly confused about why they were all there with Daniel.
"I’m Kane, Stephanie, and Railer’s father, and Chantelle’s husband. Nice to et you," Daniel said, holding out his hand.
Xander gave a tight smile as he shook it. The grip was so strong it felt like his bones were being crushed.
Before Xander could react, Daniel let go.
He had no choice but to hold back his frustration.
Chantelle had only told him about what happened with Trenton. She never ntioned getting back together with Daniel, let alone that Daniel was in Carcosa with the son he took. From the looks of it, they were living together.
If his mother hadn’t told him they had reconciled, and if he hadn’t asked soone to check on her while he was in a coma, he probably would’ve been shocked to see Daniel there.
He had been holding onto a small hope that Chantelle was only with Daniel to get back at him, or that Daniel was just ssing with her.
But seeing how openly hostile Daniel was and how comfortable they were around each other crushed that hope.
Chantelle was really with Daniel now.
He didn’t feel good about it. His relationship with Chantelle had gotten better over the past two years. If he had just tried a little harder, maybe she would’ve chosen him. But the accident ruined everything and gave Daniel the chance to co back again.
"Mr. Quinn, right? Thank you for looking after my wife all these years," Daniel said, his tone polite but sharp. "I’ve prepared a generous gift for you. Madam Elia should’ve received it. She clearly has good taste to have raised soone like you."
Chantelle winced. Daniel’s words were anything but kind.
She couldn’t watch them any longer. She pushed Xander’s wheelchair back into the ward and leaned down to whisper, "Ignore him. He’s just being weird."
Her gentle voice made Xander’s heart sink.
"I just don’t get it..." he muttered, still pretending not to understand, eyes flicking between Daniel and Chantelle.
He made it seem like he and Chantelle were sharing so private secret only they understood.
"It’s a long story. I’ll tell you when you’re feeling better," she said, gently patting his arm to comfort him.
He nodded slowly. "So... you’re remarried now?"
The idea of her being married again made his chest tighten, but he kept a straight face.
All he showed was a look of pure concern for her.
Chantelle shook her head. With the kids nearby and Daniel not too far from them, she kept her voice low. "We never officially divorced six years ago. On paper, we’re still married, but it’s not like that."
"You should be more careful, Chantelle," Xander said softly, reaching out to hold her hand.
She was just about to reassure him when her arm was suddenly pulled away.
Daniel yanked her into his arms.
"I’m not dead yet," he muttered in her ear, clearly annoyed.
"Stop acting like I did sothing wrong," Chantelle lashed out and tried to pull away. But no matter how much she struggled, he wouldn’t let go.
"You’re my wife. Don’t you feel bad flirting with other n right in front of ?" His voice was loud enough for everyone to hear.
Stephanie quickly covered Kane’s ears. Railer rushed to Chantelle’s side and held her hand. Chantelle, who had been resisting, suddenly stopped.
"My wife’s only worried about your health, Mr. Quinn," Daniel said, wrapping his arm around her waist. "I’ve arranged for two professional rehab therapists to help you recover as quickly as possible."
Xander gave a small smile. "That’s very thoughtful of you, Mr. Wilson. But I’m already working with the hospital’s therapists. They know my condition better."
"I see. Well then, I won’t insist," Daniel said, raising an eyebrow at Chantelle like he was waiting for so praise.
I went out of my way to find him a therapist. He turned it down. Shouldn’t you be thanking ?
Chantelle pinched his waist. "Can you stop ssing around?"
"ssing around? I was being nice. Ask Calvin if you don’t believe . I even reached out to the therapist myself," Daniel said, sounding serious.
Even if she didn’t take his side, he at least wanted her to believe him.
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