What He Really Wants

Chapter seventeen

EDNA
I've never been this cranky in my whole life—and that's saying something. The past few weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster. Alexander has been... perfect. Disgustingly so. He puts Peter to bed, makes him snacks and breakfast sometimes, and always asks permission before taking Peter out—though he makes sure to ask within earshot so I can't say no without sounding like a monster.

He even calls to check if Peter is allergic to anything when they're on their stupid little dates. He's invited me along on a few of them. I always say no. Obviously.

Not that I haven't been tempted.

They always seem to have fun. He doesn't let Peter eat too much candy or ice cream, because it's "bad for his teeth." I know all this because Peter gives me full reports at dinner.

I'm definitely not jealous of Peter.
Alexander? I'm not so sure.

It's not fair that they have this little bond going on—without me. I don't care how petty it sounds. There's a very real, very human part of me that doesn't want Alexander Laurent to be happy.
Worse?
Happy with my baby.

Right now, I was picking furniture for my restaurant. The business license was arriving by mail tomorrow, and I wanted everything ready for the big opening in six months. I'd already found a few pieces I liked and was now debating wallpaper. Cozy and homely, or bright and cheerful?

I'd taken a cab to the location for inspiration. That was when my phone rang, making me jump. I nearly dropped it.

Why was Alex calling me now? Peter was at school—so what could possibly be the issue?

"Yeah?" I answered.

"Can we talk?" His voice boomed through the speaker.

"We're talking now," I said, rolling my eyes.

"No. Not on the phone. Face to face."

"Alex, I literally sleep in the same bed as you. Can't it wait?"

"No, it's really important. I'll be there in five."

"Wait, I'm not at—"
The line went dead.
How rude.

I sighed and began gathering my papers, locking up. I didn't exactly look forward to standing in the sun waiting for a cab. But to my surprise, Alex's sleek black Mercedes pulled up right in front of me. He got out and opened the door for me.

Unbelievable.

"Are you having me followed now, Alexander? What—do you think I'm planning to leak confidential documents to a competitor?"

"Get in and don't cause a scene," he muttered, his tone firm but his grip gentle as he nudged me into the car.

I didn't have the energy to fight him, so I let it go.

We drove in silence to his company building. He handed his keys to the valet and led me to the private elevator. In his office, he shut the door behind us and gestured for me to sit.

"What was so important that you couldn't tell me where you kidnapped me from?" I asked, keeping a tight lid on the irritation bubbling inside me.

"Do you hate me so much that just being around me fills you with this much anger?"

"What do you want from me, Alex?" I snapped. "I gave you everything once—and it still wasn't enough."

"I want what we had before."

At that moment, I honestly had to fight the urge to slap him.

"You've lost your damn mind," I muttered, finally sitting down.

"Fine. I want equal custody."

I stared at him.

Of course. Of course.

I knew it was too good to be true.

There was no way Alexander Laurent was suddenly this caring, loving man who just wanted to play daddy on the weekends.

⸻

ALEX
I am such an idiot.

That's the only thought running through my mind as I watched emotions flicker across Edna's face—shock, anger, betrayal.

A few minutes with her and I forget how to think straight. I didn't even mean to say it. The words just came out—and now I couldn't take them back.

"I guess I should get myself a lawyer then," she said coldly.

It felt like someone ripped my heart out of my chest.

The truth? I didn't really have anything urgent to talk about. I just needed to see her. But instead of being honest, I created a mess I had no clue how to clean up.

I had to fix this. I couldn't lose Edna.

"I didn't mean it like that," I said, reaching for her hand.

She tried to pull away, but I held it gently.

"I don't care how you meant it," she said through gritted teeth.

(Is "gritted" even a word? 🤔 Well, she said it. So I guess it is.)

"I want to still be with you. Even after the contract ends. I want to be with you and Peter."

"For how long?" she asked, her voice quieter now.

"As long as it takes."

⸻

AUTHOR'S NOTE

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