The Ex-Wife's Redemption: A Love Reborn Chapter 264

I missed Billy terribly. It had only been a day, but I was already craving his sweet voice and chubby cheeks. That's why I'd called him on video chat in the first place. But who would have thought that Henry would have the audacity to appear on the other end of the call and start lecturing me?

"Are you having fun in Denver with your lover?" Henry's condescending voice dripped with disdain. "Have you even thought about Billy at all?"

His accusation instantly ignited my anger. What right did he have to judge me?

"My lover? Seriously, Henry? Watch your damn mouth!" I snapped, my voice rising with each word. "When you were holding Isabella in your arms, kissing her, I didn't say a word. So before you spout more of this bullshit, maybe take a look at yourself!"

The memory of them together still stung, even after all this time. Henry had always had a talent for making me feel like I was the one at fault, even when he was clearly in the wrong.

"There's nothing between Alexander and me—it's completely innocent. I don't need you making ridiculous accusations! If you've got so much free time on your hands, why don't you visit an orphanage or something? Make yourself useful instead of harassing me!"

I was fuming. Alexander and I had booked separate rooms, and neither of us had disturbed the other. How dare Henry twist the situation into something sordid?

With trembling fingers, I ended the video call and threw my phone onto the bed. "Unbelievable!" I muttered, pacing the hotel room. "That self-righteous bastard..."

Logically, I knew that since we were divorced, Henry shouldn't have any power to affect my emotions anymore. Yet here I was, completely rattled by his accusations. Why did I keep letting him get under my skin?

On the other end of the disconnected call, Henry immediately regretted his words. He hadn't meant to accuse her of anything—it had just slipped out, born of jealousy and possessiveness he could barely contain.

Desperate for advice, he called Benjamin, his relationship guru.

"I messed up," Henry admitted before explaining the situation.

After listening to Henry's outburst, Benjamin couldn't help but laugh. "My friend, you're a genius in business but completely clueless in matters of the heart. If you care about Sophia, if you have feelings for her, why not just tell her directly? Let her know! There's no shame in admitting you care about her."

Henry inhaled deeply from his cigarette, exhaling a cloud of smoke before responding with stubborn pride. "Bullshit! When did I ever say I liked Sophia? If she weren't so obsessed with me, I wouldn't even give her a second glance!"

Benjamin slapped his thigh, laughing even harder. "Well, if that's your attitude, I can't help you, my friend."

After hanging up, Benjamin shook his head in disbelief. "Damn! I've met shameless men before, but this takes the cake!"

Despite his mockery, Benjamin sent Henry a message: Buy her a gift and apologize properly. Women always appreciate thoughtful presents.

Henry thought for a moment and immediately had a plan. He called James right away. "Get me several rare medical books related to cardiology—ones that aren't available on the market yet. Bring them to Maple Grove immediately. It's urgent."

After the call, Henry sought out Billy, who was happily enjoying a sweet dessert.

"Hey buddy," Henry asked with unusual seriousness, "would you like to see Mommy?"

Billy's eyes lit up instantly, nodding enthusiastically with his mouth still full of pastry. "Would I? Is that even a question?" he mumbled through his food. "But I have kindergarten tomorrow!"

Henry gently patted his son's round head. "Don't worry about that. I'll speak with your teachers. No kindergarten for you tomorrow."

"Awesome!" Billy exclaimed, jumping up and down. "No kindergarten!"

Meanwhile in Denver, Alexander remained undeterred by my obvious attempts to avoid any romantic entanglements.

He maintained his gentlemanly demeanor, inviting me to dinner in the hotel restaurant and suggesting a stroll afterward.

As we walked along the unfamiliar streets, the cold night wind caught me off guard. I'd only worn a thick turtleneck sweater, not expecting the evening chill. I shivered involuntarily.

Alexander immediately removed his coat and draped it over my shoulders. "You'll catch cold," he insisted, refusing to take it back despite my protests.

"Well, thank you, Mr. Sanders," I finally conceded.

I had to admit, his persistent care and protection were touching. But being touched wasn't the same as being in love.

After what I'd been through with Henry, I wasn't ready to dive into another emotional whirlpool, no matter how nice Alexander was.

The night deepened around us as we strolled beneath the city lights, occasionally chatting about nothing in particular. When the conversation turned to future plans, Alexander's eyes suddenly brightened.

"Sophia, do you really plan to spend the rest of your life alone?" he asked softly. "Life is beautiful. You can't let one bad experience make you believe everyone will hurt you."

I could tell he was building up to something.

He'd tried to confess his feelings several times before, but I'd always managed to change the subject or find an excuse to leave.

This time, he seemed determined to make his intentions clear.

"Every marriage has its mundane aspects," I replied gently, hoping to let him down easily. "I've grown accustomed to the freedom of life with just Billy and me. I'm not sure I could adapt to being tied down again."

The cold wind blew a strand of hair across my face.

Alexander reached out, his fingers brushing against my skin as he tucked the hair behind my ear.

The contact seemed to electrify him—he froze, his fingers lingering against my cheek.

I could sense his yearning for more intimate contact, something he'd probably been imagining for a long time.

As he stood there, lost in the moment, a familiar voice suddenly broke through the night.

"Mommy! Wow, I finally found you! My little legs are about to fall off!"

"Baby, what are you doing here?" That voice—I would recognize my son's voice anywhere.

I immediately pulled away from Alexander, leaving him standing there as I ran toward the sound.

At first, I thought I was dreaming.

But when I saw my little boy standing there, I raced toward him without hesitation, scooping him up and planting several kisses on his chubby face. Billy's face scrunched up under my affection, but he was all smiles.

"Mommy, did you miss me?" he giggled.

"Baby missed you too!" I couldn't help kissing him again, overcome with joy. "How did you get here? Who brought you?"

Billy immediately twisted his plump little bottom and pointed toward a figure standing at a distance. "Daddy, of course!" Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he leaned close to my ear and whispered, "Mommy, you know what? Daddy really missed you. That's why he brought me here to find you."

I followed Billy's pointing finger and immediately spotted the perfect silhouette of a man.

He wore a long black coat, khaki pants, and camel-colored casual leather shoes. He stood quietly beneath the street lamps, their warm yellow glow creating a halo around him.

As our eyes met across the distance, I felt something pierce through my heart. My pulse quickened uncontrollably—a thundering rhythm I couldn't suppress.

Thump. Thump. Thump.