Noah’s POV:
She felt so small against me, and I held her tightly. “Nothing’s going to happen,” I said quietly. “I promise. You have to believe me. It’s just work.”
Her body tensed for a moment, but then she relaxed, nodding her head slowly. “Sure,” she whispered, though her voice lacked warmth. “But you should tell the kids at breakfast that you’re leaving. I won’t be the one breaking the news nor would I handle Mika’s drama.”
‘Guess I can’t skip breakfast then.’ I said to myself.
“I will,” I said, releasing her. She started to turn away when a thought crossed her mind, and she stopped, looking back at me with a playful frown.
“Wait a second!” She said, tilting her head. “When are you even coming back?”
I froze, unsure of what to say. I hadn’t even thought that far ahead. “I… I’m not sure,” I admitted finally. “Hopefully, it won’t be long.”
She sighed and shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Just make sure you come back early, Noah.”
I laughed softly. “I promise, I’ll be back before you know it.” She smiled again, but I could see the unease in her eyes.
The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as I took my seat at the breakfast table. Mirabelle was already there, helping Mika pour cereal into a bowl while Tyler was yapping about something I couldn’t hear to Skyler.
Grandpa Ed sat at the head of the table, reading the newspaper like he did every morning. The atmosphere was warm, homey-the kind of setting I wished I could freeze in time.
But, I had to break the news to them about the trip to Shanghai.
I cleared my throat as I buttered my toast, trying to find the right words. “Kids, there’s something I need to tell you.”
Mika stopped mid-scoop and looked at me, her wide eyes already sensing that I wasn’t about to say anything she’d like. “What is it, Daddy?”
“I’m going to have to go away for a little while,” I said, my voice calm. “Just for a business trip. I’ll be away for a few days.”
“No!” Mika dropped her spoon and crossed her arms, a frown forming on her small face. “I don’t want you to go! Can I come with you?”
I tried to smile at her pout, shaking my head gently. “I wish you could, sweetheart, but it’s just for work. I won’t be gone for long, I promise.”
“You always say that!” Mika’s voice rose as she pushed her chair back, her eyes starting to glisten with tears. “Why can’t I come?”
“I am sorry,” I said, reaching out to take her hand, “But I need you to be here and take care of Mommy and your brothers, okay? I’ll be back before you know it.”
Tyler, with his usual bluntness, chimed in as he shoved a forkful of scrambled eggs into his mouth. “Is Mommy going with you?”
“No, I’m staying here,” Mirabelle answered, giving me a quick smile.
“Good,” Tyler said with a dramatic sigh of relief. “Daddy, you can go, as long as you’re not taking Mommy with you.”
Mirabelle burst into laughter, and Grandpa Ed chuckled behind his paper. I couldn’t help but join them.
Even Mika’s frown wavered, though she shot Tyler a glare. “Don’t say that!” she scolded, her voice breaking. “You’re just sending Daddy away!”
The laughter died down as Skyler suddenly looked up from his plate, his eyes serious and a little too perceptive for his age. “Are you going because you and Mommy had a fight?”
His question hit me like a jab to the gut. I forced a smile, exchanging a quick look with Mirabelle, who had stiffened beside me. “No, buddy, it’s just for work,” I said, hoping my voice didn’t give away my unease. “Everything’s fine between Mommy and me.”
Grandpa Ed cleared his throat and set down the newspaper. “Alright, that’s enough chit chat. Let’s focus on eating. Talking with your mouth full isn’t good manners.” His gentle, authoritative tone shifted the conversation back to the scrambled eggs and toast on our plates, and I was grateful for the distraction.
After breakfast, I kissed the kids and Mirabelle goodbye. Once at the office, I dove into preparations for the trip, trying to drown my doubts and anxiety in logistics.
I met with Samuel in the conference room, going over the schedule for Shanghai.
“Natasha already confirmed her availability,” Samuel said, flipping through the file in front of him. “I’ll make sure her ticket is in line with yours.”
I nodded, staring at the file without really seeing it. My mind kept circling back to the morning’s conversation.
I’d wanted to tell Samuel the truth-that I didn’t trust Natasha and felt like there was more at play here than a simple business trip. But the words wouldn’t come. How could I, when I was struggling to even tell Mirabelle?
“Is everything alright, sir?” Samuel asked, his brows slightly furrowed.
“Yes, everything’s fine,” I replied automatically, forcing a smile that I knew didn’t reach my eyes. “Just… make sure all the paperwork is in order. We can’t afford any mistakes on this trip.”
Samuel nodded and moved on to discussing other details, but I barely heard him.
My thoughts were far away.
As Samuel sorted through the contracts, my thoughts flashed back to a conversation with Natasha a few weeks ago. She had been unusually chatty, dropping hints about the time we’d be spending together in Shanghai, like she was hinting at something beyond professional boundaries.
{ “We’ll have to make time to celebrate when the deal goes through.” She had said, her smile wide.
I’d kept my face neutral. “This trip is strictly work, Natasha. Let’s keep our focus on that.”
Her smile had faded, just for a second, before she recovered, laughing lightly. “Of course, Noah. Strictly business.” }
But I could sense that she hadn’t meant it, not entirely. There was something calculating behind her eyes, something that set me on edge. I had managed to put it out of my mind then, but now, with the trip close by, it all came rushing back.