Chapter 167

Paisley suspected Vivian knew about Nate’s affair and second family in Brightmoor. She’d clearly chosen to keep the family together, bringing Millie there.

Kevin arrived, carrying Elara. Sophia gasped, “Daddy’s bringing Elara! Isabella usually does this.”

Kevin shifted uncomfortably. “Isabella’s not feeling well.” His eyes darted to Paisley. The unspoken embarrassment hung in the air. Paisley nodded politely, letting the awkwardness settle. Kevin quickly left, leaving Sophia bewildered.

“What’s going on?” she murmured, leading Elara inside.

At the gate, Serena watched Kevin go, a thoughtful look on her face. Paisley asked, “What’s on your mind?” Serena’s eyes had been glued to Kevin and Elara.

“Mom,” Serena said seriously, “shouldn’t every child have a dad?”

Paisley froze. Serena had grown up with Maria and occasional male figures, none of whom filled a father's role. It had never seemed to bother Serena. Could this be the source of her recent moodiness?

“Rena, why do you ask?” Paisley felt a pang of nervousness.

Serena tilted her head. "It didn't seem strange until Millie's birthday. Elara said she didn't have a dad. Then I realized everyone else did, but I didn't. My heart felt heavy.” Tears welled in her eyes. She hadn't wanted to upset her mother.

Paisley crouched, meeting Serena's gaze. “Rena, do you want a dad?”

Serena hesitated, then shook her head. “I have Mommy, and that’s enough.” A small, reassuring smile touched her lips.

Paisley’s heart softened. She hugged Serena close. “Me too, Rena. Having you is enough.”

Later, lunch with Emery found Paisley distracted.

“What’s wrong? Am I not dazzling enough?” Emery teased, settling across from her.

Paisley rolled her eyes. “You’re always dazzling.”

Emery’s tone turned serious. “Come on, spill it. Is someone bullying Serena?”

“No,” Paisley said. “Serena asked if every child should have a dad.”

Emery fell silent. Then her eyes lit up. “Why not find a new man? You can be free, yet not alone.” She continued, “Teddy could introduce you to someone. A young, energetic guy. Give it a try!”

“Young men are great, so why do you find Teddy so annoying?” Paisley sighed, ignoring the suggestion.

A message popped up on Paisley’s phone – from Grayson. Emery leaned over to peek.

Paisley shoved her back. “Seven-year-old guy.”

Emery rolled her eyes. Paisley read Grayson’s message:

Mom, Dad’s on another business trip. He’s been in a bad mood, thinking about you. I miss you so much. Marissa is gone; Grandma hired a tutor, but she doesn’t speak French. Mom, can you come back and teach me?

Paisley closed her phone. Emery’s concern was palpable.

“Aren’t you going to do anything?” Emery asked. “He’s your son. With those… people around him, you could help him.”

Paisley stirred her drink. “Whether he turns out okay, I don't know. But he sincerely didn't want me as his mom. He wanted Marissa. That’s an irreparable hurt.”

“You won’t regret this?” Emery pressed.

“No.”

“Good,” Emery breathed. “I was worried you’d soften and—”

“Get back with Dominick? Give that kid a ‘complete family’? I’m not falling for that trap twice.”