Chapter 7 - The Dinner Table
The Rivas household was a chaotic, vibrant haven of laughter, toys, and warmth. The four-story townhouse in Brookline was a stark contrast to Alex’s sterile, silent penthouse.
At 5:55 PM, Alex rang the doorbell. He wore a simple sweater and dark jeans, carrying four wrapped storybooks—nothing extravagant, just thoughtful classic children's literature.
Elena opened the door, wearing a simple linen apron over her clothes. She looked stressed, her hair slightly messy, but to Alex, she had never looked more beautiful.
"They know you're coming," Elena said, stepping aside to let him in. "I told them an old friend was coming to dinner. I haven't explained everything yet. We take this slowly, understood?"
"Slowly," Alex agreed instantly. "Whatever pace you set."
When Alex walked into the spacious kitchen, the four children immediately stopped playing with their building blocks. Four pairs of eyes locked onto him.
Leo, the energetic one, was the first to run over. He pointed a sticky finger at Alex's face. "Look! He has the cheek hole! Just like me!"
Elena chuckled despite herself. "It's called a dimple, Leo."
"I have one too!" Leo announced proudly, poking his own cheek.
Maya and Chloe approached more cautiously. Chloe, the intellectual one who had Alex’s hazel eyes, walked right up to him and looked at the books in his hands.
"Are those for us?" she asked plainly.
"They are," Alex said, dropping to one knee so he was at eye level with them. "This one is about a space adventure, this one is about a magical forest, and these two are about dragons."
Within twenty minutes, the initial awkwardness completely dissolved. Alex sat on the rug, letting Leo show him his toy cars while Maya read aloud from one of the new books. Julian, whose knee was bandaged, sat comfortably on Alex’s lap, pointing at the dragon illustrations.
Elena watched from the kitchen counter while stirring a pot of pasta sauce. Her heart felt impossibly conflicted. For five years, she had built a wall of anger to protect herself and her children. But watching Alex interact with them—seeing the genuine joy and patience in his eyes—the wall began to crumble piece by piece.
During dinner, the kitchen was filled with chatter. The kids talked simultaneously about their school, their favorite animals, and their upcoming soccer practice. Alex listened intently to every single word, answering their endless questions with genuine warmth.
After dinner, while the kids were upstairs with their nanny getting ready for bed, Alex helped Elena clear the table and wash the dishes. They worked side by side in comfortable silence, a dynamic they hadn't shared in six long years.
"You're very good with them," Elena said softly, handing him a wet plate to dry.
"I missed five years, Elena," Alex said, his voice dropping. "Every second I spend with them feels like a miracle I don't deserve."
Before Elena could answer, the front doorbell rang sharply.
Elena frowned. "I'm not expecting anyone."
May you like
She walked to the front door, with Alex following closely behind. When Elena opened the door, her smile completely vanished.
Standing on the porch, flanked by two private security guards and carrying a thick leather briefcase, was Beatrice Vance.
