Who is Alex?

Genevieve’s pov

Surprisingly, Jasper walked up to me again, his big, curious eyes scanning my face. “What’s wrong, Mommy? You look sad,” he asked softly. His words caught me off guard. Was it that obvious? Maybe he hadn’t seen me like this before, or perhaps he could sense something wasn’t right. Children had a way of picking up on emotions we thought we could hide. But I couldn’t let him worry. I needed to pretend everything was fine. I forced a small smile. I looked down at him, his big, innocent eyes watching me carefully. "I'm not sad, my love." I smiled, brushing his messy curls away from his forehead.

"It's not good to tell lies, Mommy," he said seriously, crossing his little arms and frowning like he was scolding me. His attempt at being stern almost made me laugh.

I chuckled softly. "Why would I be sad, sweetheart? I have you. You're my sunshine."

Jasper tilted his head to the side, his little shoulders shrugging. "I don't know. But someone made you sad. I just know it."

"I'm not sad, Jasper," I repeated, stroking his rosy cheeks. "Maybe I'm a little tired from work, but I promise, I'm not sad."

"Okay," he said thoughtfully, pausing as if to study me. "But I know what will make you happy!"

"Oh, really?" I asked, leaning in with a playful smile. "What's your big idea?"

"I drew a picture of us at school!" His face lit up, and he bounced on his toes with excitement. "It's in my bag. I'll go get it!"

I laughed. "Well, that does sound interesting."

"It's very pretty! My teacher said I did an excellent job."

"I'm sure you did," I said, smiling at his enthusiasm. "My boy is smart and talented. I love you so much, Jasper." I kissed his forehead, and he giggled.

"It's a family tree," he announced proudly.

"A family tree?" I asked, intrigued.

He nodded enthusiastically. "It has you, me, Daddy, and baby sister."

The smile froze on my face. My heart sank just a little as I stared at him, unsure how to respond. "Jasper," I said softly, kneeling down to his level. "But it's just you and me, remember?"

He blinked at me, the innocence in his gaze piercing my heart. "I know, Mommy. But I think it will happen one day."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, not sure what to say. "And… how did Daddy and baby sister end up in your picture?" I asked gently.

He shrugged, his small hands gesturing like it wasn’t a big deal. "I just felt like drawing them."

His words cut deeper than I wanted to admit. I wished I could give Jasper everything, a happy family, a father figure, the kind of love and care every child deserves. But reality wasn’t perfect. My brother Darlington tried to step in and be there for Jasper, but even he couldn’t fill the gap completely. My son deserved better.

“I know you said Daddy is dead,” Jasper said softly, pulling me out of my thoughts.

My heart raced. Was it guilt from earlier or sheer coincidence that he was bringing up his father today, the same day Alex reappeared in my life after all these years?

“I know you said he’s not here anymore,” Jasper continued, “but I still think we’ll have a family someday. I just know it will happen.”

I pulled him close, holding his small hands in mine. “Jasper, you know I love you more than anything, right?”

“Yes, Mommy. I love you too,” he said, his sweet smile lighting up his face.

“I might not be able to give you everything, but I promise to do my best. You’ll always have me.”

He wrapped his arms around me in a tight hug, and I kissed the top of his head. “I love you, Mommy.”

“I love you more, my sweet boy.”

Later that evening, after dinner and helping Jasper with his homework, a knock at the door startled me. When I opened it, Lara stood there, holding a bag in her hand and flashing her warm, familiar smile.

“Hi, Sis,” she greeted, stepping inside and pulling me into a hug.

“It’s good to see you, Lara,” I said, shutting the door behind her. “What brings you here?”

“Where’s my little man?” she asked, looking around for Jasper.

“He’s in the living room. I didn’t expect you to stop by, but I’m glad you did.”

“Oh, you know me. Darlington mentioned something, and I just had to check on you and Jasper.”

“Auntie Lara!” Jasper’s voice rang out as he ran into the hallway.

“My little prince!” Lara knelt down, catching him in her arms and covering his face with kisses.

“I missed you, Auntie Lara.”

“I missed you too, my darling,” she said, hugging him close. “Have you been a good boy for your mommy?”

“Yes!” Jasper nodded eagerly.

“Good boy. I brought you something special.” Lara handed him the gift bag she’d been holding.

“Thank you, Auntie!” Jasper hugged her tightly before running off to the living room to open his present.

“Thanks for the gift, Lara,” I said with a smile. “You always spoil him.”

“It’s nothing, Sis. I love Jasper, and I love you too. You both deserve the world.”

We settled on the couch with glasses of wine, watching Jasper play on the carpet rug with his new toy.

“How are you holding up after today?” Lara asked, her tone gentle yet concerned.

“I’m not sure,” I admitted. “I thought I’d be more nervous, but now I just feel… unsettled.”

“Darlington told me about the extra security he arranged. You’re safe, Genie.”

“I know. But Alex…” I trailed off, the mention of his name sending a shiver down my spine. “He’s not someone you can predict. If he wants something, no one can stop him.”

“Do you think he’ll come back for you?” Lara asked, her expression serious.

“That’s what scares me,” I said, my voice shaking slightly. “He’s the one who betrayed me, yet he acts like I’m the one who ruined everything.”

“Narcissist,” Lara said firmly. “That’s what they do, they twist the story to suit their agenda.”

“I don’t even know what he wants,” I said, frustration creeping in. “He looked at me like I was the one who hurt him. It doesn’t make sense.”

“Did he seem remorseful at all?” Lara asked, tilting her head thoughtfully.

“He looked… shocked, maybe even hurt. But why should I care? He destroyed my life. He deserves every ounce of pain he feels.”

“Maybe he’s jealous,” Lara suggested.

“Jealous? Of what?”

“You said he saw you with a client. Was it a man?”

“Yes, but..”

“That’s it,” Lara interrupted. “He’s jealous. He still has feelings for you.”

“Stop,” I said sharply. “He doesn’t. How could someone who cared about me ruin my life? He took everything—my job, my home. If not for Darlington, Jasper and I might not have made it.”

Lara raised her hands in surrender. “I get it. I’m just saying… sometimes, feelings are complicated.”

I shook my head. “I want nothing to do with him.”

“Mama,” Jasper’s curious voice broke through the tension. “Who’s Alex?”

My heart stopped. I turned to see him standing nearby, his wide eyes staring up at me expectantly.