A few days later, Caspian showed up with Nico.
Nico’s curious eyes darted around the room, his chubby cheeks looking incredibly pinchable.
Caspian gave him a light smack on the butt and nudged him forward.
“This is your mom. Say ‘Mommy“!”
The blood connection between us made me instinctively reach out to touch him.
But the moment my hand brushed Nico’s head, he burst into tears.
“““What the hell are you crying for? I told you a hundred times before we got here–why can’t you just say ‘Mommy‘?”
Caspian’s voice was too harsh, making Nico cry even harder.
Clearly, he was trying to use our child to win me back, but it wasn’t working. The boy wasn’t attached to
me–he was actually afraid of me.
To be honest, maybe this was for the best.
Though I gave birth to Nico, he didn’t feel close to me, and I didn’t feel connected to him either.
Like two parallel lines, never meant to cross.
Caspian’s jaw tightened when he realized this wasn’t working. That the kid wouldn’t be the glue to put us back together.
So he just started hanging around my bridal shop instead.
It happened to be the coldest week of the season, the streets half–empty, and business was slow.
Caspian took the opportunity to force his way into my world–using his connections to bring in customers.
Wealthy couples poured in, flashing their cards, barely even looking at the dresses before buying one at
random.
I blocked their path and took back the wedding gowns.
“You’re not actually here to buy a wedding dress. If you’re just throwing money around, then don’t waste my time.”
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When Regrets Set Us Tree
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Chapter 11
Some of them grumbled, rolling their eyes before storming out.
Caspian watched the scene unfold, genuinely confused.
“Lovi, don’t you need the money? I’m just trying to help you out.”
I stared at him coldly.
“That’s the difference between you and me, Caspian. You’re a businessman–profit is all you care about.”
“But I’m a designer. Money is secondary. What matters to me is seeing my work truly appreciated.”
“So don’t waste your energy on things that won’t work. Take Nico and go back to New York.”
Seeing me push him away, pain flickered in his eyes, his shoulders tensing like he had been struck.
“Lovi… I’m sorry. If you think I’m too selfish, too obsessed with money–I’ll change. Just… don’t push me away.”
Before I could answer, my phone buzzed.
It’s Eamon.
“Loviisa, lunch? My treat.”
Chapter 12