Chapter 71

"You're getting married?" Maxwell's voice was barely above a whisper, his face a mask of disbelief.

Alice nodded, her eyes downcast. She had invited Maxwell to a quiet cafe and near her apartment, knowing this conversation wouldn't be easy. "Yes, Carson proposed last night. After everything that happened with Charlie's kidnapping, we realized life's too short to waste time."

Maxwell sat back in his chair, his coffee untouched. The bustling café seemed to fade away as he processed Alice's words. "I see," he said finally, his voice tight. "And you're sure about this?"

Alice looked up, meeting his gaze. "I am, Max. I know it might seem sudden, but Carson is Charlie's father. We have a chance to be a real family now."

Maxwell's jaw clenched. He had known this was a possibility, had seen the way Alice and Carson had grown closer during the search for Charlie. But hearing it confirmed felt like a physical blow.

"What about us?" he asked, unable to keep the hurt from his voice. "Alice, I tho