Xavier’s mind wasn’t really focused. Claire had to call his na a few tis before he finally responded.
"I’m so sorry, Claire Bear. What did you say just now?" Xavier asked gently, his eyes soft but filled with guilt.
Ever since he saw the look exchanged between Zeke and Cass before Claire pulled him into the playroom, Xavier’s thoughts had drifted sowhere else.
"Are you feeling sick, Uncle Xavi?" Claire asked with concern. Even though she was still a child, Claire was very observant.
So when she saw Xavier’s pale face, unfocused eyes, and uneasy expression, she thought he might be unwell.
"Yeah. I’m not feeling too good right now, sweetheart," Xavier answered honestly.
More accurately, his heart was broken. He understood what Cass and Zeke’s looks ant earlier because he had never seen Cass look at him like that before.
Their gaze held a strange mix of playfulness, worry, and affection. Suddenly, Xavier felt a sharp ache in his chest, like his heart was being crushed.
Claire then hugged Xavier and said, "When I’m not feeling well, Mommy always hugs so I feel better. I hope Uncle Xavi feels better soon," She didn’t realize her words made Xavier feel even sadder.
It wasn’t that Claire’s comfort hurt him, but because he knew he might not get to see Claire and Cassidy as much anymore.
Without realizing it, a tear rolled down Xavier’s cheek, and he quickly wiped it away.
Xavier held Claire close and said softly, "Thanks, Claire Bear."
anwhile, in the living room, Cassidy and Zeke sat side by side, their hands gently clasped. Cassidy leaned her head against Zeke’s shoulder, and they stayed quiet, soaking in the peaceful mont together.
Zeke suddenly lifted Cassidy’s hand, still holding it gently, and began kissing the back of her hand.
"Stop it," Cassidy said, trying to pull her hand away as he wouldn’t stop.
"Why?" he asked softly, a playful smile on his lips.
Cassidy whispered, embarrassed, "What if Xavier, Claire, or Clara catch us?"
Zeke’s eyes darkened with possessive fire. He leaned closer, voice low and teasing, "Let them watch. Claire will be over the moon to see her mom and dad back together. Clara? She’ll love seeing you happy. And Xavier..." He scoffed, a dangerous smile playing on his lips. "He doesn’t even know what he’s up against."
He kissed her cheek quickly, gripping her arm.
Cassidy sighed, her fingers tracing soft circles on his skin.
She glanced at Zeke, then said softly, "Claire wants to go back to preschool. She’s been bored staying in the apartnt for so long, and she misses her friends."
Zeke was quiet for a mont, thinking deeply. Then he nodded and said, "Alright. If my princess wants to start school again, I’ll have Blake watch over her closely."
"Thank you," Cassidy said quietly.
Zeke scolded gently, "I told you, no need to thank . From now on, there’s no ’thank you’ between us."
Cassidy felt her heart soften hearing that. She gently squeezed Zeke’s hand, showing him how much she cared.
An hour later, Claire and Xavier ca out of Claire’s playroom.
Xavier turned to Cassidy and said, "Thanks for letting play with Claire. I have to head ho soon—got an appointnt at three."
"Of course. You know you’re always welco here. Claire enjoys playing with you too, right sweeheart?"
"Yes, Uncle Xavi. I’m happy you ca to visit and play with ."
Xavier smiled softly, looking at Claire. "That makes really happy, Claire Bear."
After saying goodbye to Cassidy and Claire, Xavier prepared to leave. Cassidy offered to walk him down to the lobby door, but just as they were about to step outside, Zeke called out, "Cassidy."
They both stopped and turned. Zeke was already striding toward them, his long legs closing the distance fast.
Without hesitation, Zeke wrapped an arm possessively around Cassidy’s waist.
Xavier’s hands clenched into fists at his sides, jaw tightening as he swallowed down the surge of jealousy.
Zeke’s voice was low and sharp as he looked Xavier dead in the eyes. "Don’t take too long."
Xavier’s teeth ground together, the tension crackling between them like a silent challenge.
Cassidy sighed. She hadn’t expected Zeke to struggle so much with his possessiveness.
"Alright. You stay here with Claire. I won’t be long."
Zeke nodded and loosened his hold around Cassidy’s waist.
Xavier and Cassidy left the apartnt quietly. They took the elevator down to the lobby without exchanging a word.
But Xavier knew Cassidy had walked him down to the first floor because she wanted to talk. And he was very clear about what she wanted to say.
At the lobby on the first floor, Cassidy took a deep breath and said, "Xavier, can we talk for a minute?"
Xavier nodded quietly, "Yeah, of course."
They found a seat nearby and sat down.
Cassidy looked at him, her fingers clasping tightly together in her lap as she tried to gather her courage. "Xavier, I want to be honest with you... Zeke and I have decided to be together again."
Even though Xavier had a feeling this was coming, hearing it out loud still broke his heart. He swallowed hard, trying to stay strong and said, "I’m happy for you, Cass. I really hope you find happiness with him."
"Thanks, Xavier. I truly hope you find soone who loves you completely," Cassidy said, her voice gentle but sincere.
Xavier didn’t respond, only gave a small, weary smile before quietly saying goodbye and leaving.
Cassidy stayed by the door, watching him go with a bittersweet feeling. She hated that she’d hurt soone as kind as him. All she could do was wish him happiness and hope he finds it soon.
With heavy steps, Cassidy returned to the apartnt. Inside, Zeke was waiting for her in the living room, while Claire was nowhere to be seen.
"Where’s Claire?" Cassidy asked softly as she sat beside Zeke, leaning her body against his, seeking comfort and calm amid the weight on her heart.
"She’s baking with Clara in the kitchen. How did your talk with Xavier go?"
Cassidy sighed quietly and replied, "Yeah. I told him that you and I have decided to get back together."
Zeke gently squeezed Cassidy’s hand, his voice steady and encouraging. "You did great."
Cassidy’s eyes softened with sadness. "I don’t know. I feel sorry for him. Even though his face looked strong, I could see the pain and disappointnt in his eyes."
Zeke nodded, trying to reassure her. "It’s okay. Xavier will get through this."
Cassidy glanced down, voice barely above a whisper. "I hope so."
***
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