Ex-Husband's Regret

Gabriel.

"Will you two be okay for the night?" I asked as I opened the car door for Harper and Lilly.

"Yes" she answered, totally avoiding my eyes. "Don't worry, we'll both probably crash the moment we get inside" "Okay", I moved forward and kissed Lilly on the cheek. She already looked ready to drop. "Goodnight sweetheart" "Goodnight daddy" she murmured.

Damn. I don't think I'll ever get used to her calling me that. Like I said before, when I found out about Lilly, I just planned to use her as a last resort to get what I wanted from Harper. Now though, it's a totally different story.

Every time she called me that, today, my heart swelled. I felt some kind of warmth seeping deep inside me. It was so different. Nothing I have ever experienced before.

With a small wave and a goodnight from Harper, they turn and leave. After making sure that they were safely inside the building, I turned and got back inside my car, ignoring the look Harper gave me. It was full of distrust. Like she thought that I was about to go get together with another woman. In other words, she thought I was going to cheat.

I didn't tell her where I was going, when I announced that I would be dropping them off at the penthouse. I didn't feel the need to tell her, but I know I should have.

Pushing those thoughts away, I turned on the ignition and pulled out of parking. Ai was headed to one of our clubs to meet up with Rowan. Travis wasn't joining us because he was still abroad on business. He's looking for investors, trying to recover after Ava's birth parents almost ran their company into bankruptcy.

They did try with ours, but it was nearly impossible given that our companies are in the same league. Despite their failure to destroy us, it doesn't mean that they weren't able to cost us some billion-dollar projects.

"Incoming call from Rowan," Siri's robotic voice came through the handset. "Would like to answer it"

"Yes"

"Answering Rowan's calls"

"How far are you?" Rowan asked the moment the call was connected.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

"About thirty minutes” I replied, stepping on the gas. “I'm just from dropping off Harper and Lilly. Are you already there?" "Yeah"

"On my way then," I told him and seconds later, he hung up.

If I'm being honest, today went better than I'd expected. My parents were angry with me and not Harper. That was more than I'd wanted.

Lilly had fun with Noah and Iris. I

also saw a bond forming between them. It was marvelous to watch her fit in effortlessly with my family. As for Harper, she was a bit shy, but Mom and Ava easily welcomed her into the folds.

For a moment, I saw her panic and nervousness. I felt her discomfort and the internal fight she was battling. Fuck was I thankful when she emerged from the washrooms with Ava by her side, and looking calmer.

I get to the club in twenty minutes instead of thirty. Parking my car in the reserved area, I get out and walk to the entrance.

"Mr. Wood," the bouncer greets, bowing a little.

I heard groupies calling my name, wanting a free pass in, but I ignored them. Our clubs were very popular and people usually wanted to get in. We offer the best and people pay loads just to get in. It also doesn't hurt that our clubs are luxurious.

Heading to the VVIP section, I found Rowan seated, having a glass of brandy going by the bottle next to him. The good thing about owning your own club, is having your own private bar and your own personal bartender.

"Want a drink?" Rowan asked, pointing to the bottle with his own glass.