Across the city, Ethan sat at his desk, his fingers tapping restlessly on the polished wood. He had been trying to track down Ella and the boys for weeks now, with no success. It was driving him mad, the not knowing where they were, the constant void left by their absence.
Tania’s lies had torn apart his world, but it was Ella’s silence that was haunting him now. He had no idea how to fix things with her, how to bridge the gap created by his marriage to Tania and everything that had come after.
And then there was Grace. He had recently discovered he wasn’t her biological father, but the thought of telling her gnawed at him. How could he break the news to her, a little girl who believed he was her entire world? it destroy her
Ethan ran a hand through his hair in frustration. Should I even tell her?
He glanced at the clock. He had to figure out how to gain custody of Grace without Tania realizing what he was up to. That woman is ruthless, manipulating everyone around her. There was no telling what lengths she’d go to if she caught wind of his plans.
And then there’s Ella.
The thought of filing for custody of the twins crossed his mind more than once. He loved Leo and Liam deeply, and he wanted them in his life. But was going after them the right move? Or would it push Ella even further away, building more walls between them?
He leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. What if filing for custody of the twins brought him closer to them but also created a permanent wedge between him and Ella? He didn’t want to lose her forever. But how could he fight for his children without losing the woman he once loved?
Ethan stood, pacing the room, torn between his need to protect the children and his desperate desire to reconnect with Ella. His mind raced with conflicting thoughts, and for the first time in his life, he didn’t have a clear path forward.
Would filing for custody of the twins bring us closer together, or would it push her away for good?
It was a gamble, and Ethan wasn’t sure he was willing to risk it. But time was running out, and the longer he hesitated, the more he feared he might lose them all Ella, the boys, and even Grace.
He had to make a decision soon. And whatever he chose, there would be no going back.