When Serena didn''t get a response, she sent another message: "Brother, did you see the photos I sent you or not?!"


    He leaned his head back against the sofa and closed his eyes, his jaw clenched. A few minutester, he opened them and dialed a number. "What''s the status of the flight crew?"


    "Mr. Goodwin, the earliest we can take off is tomorrow afternoon."


    Back in the restaurant, Eleanor propped her chin on her hand, gazing out at the city lights, lost in a momentary daze.


    "What are you thinking about?" Xavier asked gently. "Something to do with work?"


    Eleanor snapped back to the present and shook her head. "No, just thinking about how quickly time flies."


    Xavier nodded in agreement. "It does. It''s been what, two or three years since we properly met?" Eleanor paused, her mind drifting back. They had been formally introduced at a private Christmas party hosted by Henry Holt three years ago.


    Xavier was clearly reminiscing as well, marveling at how much she had changed in that time. She had transformed from a homemaker into an independent scientist and a single mother.


    "I feel like I''ve watched you grow over these past three years, watched you be more and more brilliant. It''s been wonderful to see."


    His praise was sincere and understated, never making her feel pressured.


    But Eleanor''s mind was heavy with the weight of her daughter''s situation. She took a sip of tea and offered him a grateful look. "Thank you."


    "Mommy, look! They''re setting off fireworks over there!" Evelyn eximed, pointing excitedly.


    In the distance, arge amusement park was putting on a fireworks disy, and their table offered a perfect view. The two children rushed to the floor-to-ceiling window to watch. Seeing the innocent jay on her daughter''s face Eleanor felt some of the darkness in her heart dissipate. Whatever the future held, she knew she would face it with everything she had.


    Xavier held his teacup, his gaze taking in all three of them. The children were adorable, of course, but it was the woman across from him who truly captivated him.


    As Serena got up to leave with her friends, she caught onest glimpse of that scene. It felt like a giant hand was squeezing her heart, making it difficult to breathe.


    The dinner had a wonderful atmosphere. Xavier quietly paid the bill, insisting that Eleanor could treat him next time. She couldn''t argue On the ride back, both children fell asleep, leaning against eachother peacefully.


    The car fell into a quiet stillness, filled with a subtle, unspoken tension.


    "The kids had a great time today," Xavier said, his eyes meeting hers in the rearview mirror.


    "Yes, they did. Thank you for watching them, and for dinner," Eleanor replied with a small smile.


    "It was my pleasure," he said, his gaze lingering on her. "Eleanor, if you ever need help with anything, please, just ask me. You don''t have to carry everything on your own."


    Eleanor was grateful for his concern, no matter his intentions. "Thank you, Xavier."


    The car had just pulled into the


    underground parking garage. Xavier


    stopped right in front of her


    building''s elevator and got out,


    walking around to her side. The children were still sleeping soundly. Eleanor was about to get out first and then lift her daughter from the car.


    But just then, Xavier gently closed the car door. Eleanor, who had been adjusting


    the strap of her bag, looked up and found herself caught in his warm, intense


    gaze.


    "Eleanor," he said, his voice low and direct. "I have feelings for you."