My Billionaire Ex Beg For A Second Chance-Chapter 110: Double Invitation

The soft hum of the overhead light filled the modest kitchen as the clink of utensils against porcelain plates echoed gently across the table. Dinner had been relatively quiet, save for Maya’s occasional hum and Nathan’s slow, thoughtful chewing. Katherine sat at the head of the table, watching them fondly, trying not to let her thoughts wander too far. But they did anyway. Always looping back to the same person.

Leonard.

The fact that he now lived directly across the hall from them still sent a ripple of unease through her stomach. It was a constant, looming presence—even when the door was closed. She could almost feel his eyes, hear the creak of his shoes outside, the jingle of his keys, the click of his lock.

She blinked out of her thoughts when Maya suddenly jumped to her feet. "Nathan!" she squealed, grabbing her twin’s hand. "We forgot!"

Nathan’s eyes lit up as he immediately understood what she meant. "Oh yeah!"

Before Katherine could ask what the commotion was about, the twins had dashed down the hallway in a blur of small feet and rustling pajamas. She put down her fork, confused but amused. "No running!" she called after them with no real heat.

Moments later, the twins returned triumphantly, huffing with excitement as Maya held up what looked like a neatly folded card.

"For you, Mommy!" Maya announced proudly as she handed it over. Her fingers were slightly sticky from dinner, but she held the card carefully like it was a treasure. "It’s from Julio!"

Katherine blinked as she accepted it, her eyes skimming the colorful illustration of balloons and a giant cupcake. Across the top in crooked, childlike handwriting were the words:

You’re Invited! Julio’s Birthday Bash!

Next Saturday! Please come!

"It’s his birthday!" Maya chimed in with a big grin. "He gave it to all the kids at school. Julio said we hafta come!"

"Have to," Katherine corrected gently, her eyes still on the invitation. Then she looked up and smiled. "Of course you can go."

The twins’ excited squeals nearly made her wince.

Maya tugged at her sleeve. "We can, really?"

"Promise?" Nathan added, bouncing in place with wide, hopeful eyes.

Katherine nodded. "Yes, I promise. We’ll pick out a present for him on Sunday."

She watched the joy on their faces, and warmth swelled in her chest—but it didn’t completely drown out the unease curling around the edges of her thoughts. Julio. The name was enough to send a pulse of discomfort through her.

Leonard’s nephew.

Of course, Leonard would be there. It was a family party. It was almost a given.

She tried not to show her hesitation, but something in her face must have betrayed her because Maya’s smile faltered.

"Mommy, you look sad," she whispered.

Katherine straightened. "No, no, sweetheart. I’m just thinking." She forced a small smile and cupped Maya’s cheek. "I’m really glad Julio invited you. It’s going to be fun."

Just as she returned to her chair, intending to finish dinner, the doorbell rang.

All three of them looked up at once.

"Stay here and eat," Katherine said softly, already standing. "I’ll get it."

She wiped her hands on a napkin and crossed the living room toward the door, already having a pretty good guess as to who might be on the other side.

When she opened it, there stood Leonard, dressed in casual slacks and a gray sweater. His expression was calm, maybe even a little amused, like he knew she’d be expecting him.

"Katherine," he greeted.

She kept her hand on the doorknob, her body a polite wall between him and the inside of the apartment. "Leonard."

"I just wanted to stop by," he said smoothly, holding a small card of his own—though it was clearly not one of Julio’s colorful invitations. "I’m having a little dinner at my place tomorrow night. Just something simple to celebrate my move." His eyes searched hers, trying to read her reaction. "I’d like you and the twins to come."

Katherine didn’t say anything at first. She blinked, then turned slightly when she heard soft footsteps behind her.

"Uncle Leonard!" Maya exclaimed, running past her and latching onto Leonard’s legs.

Nathan followed, just as enthusiastic. "Are you gonna eat dinner with us?"

Leonard chuckled, crouching to hug both of them. "Not tonight, buddy. I already ate. But I came to ask if you’d come to dinner at my new place tomorrow."

Maya gasped dramatically. "Really?!"

Nathan bounced. "Can we, Mommy? Can we go?!"

Katherine bit the inside of her cheek. She glanced down at the children—eyes shining, faces full of hope—and then looked at Leonard again. He stood patiently, giving her room to decide.

She sighed and nodded. "Of course we’ll come."

Leonard’s expression eased, softening with genuine warmth. "Great. I’ll make something you like."

"I doubt you know what I like," she muttered under her breath.

He only smiled wider. "You’d be surprised."

"Okay! We’ll come!" Maya beamed, throwing her hands in the air.

Leonard leaned forward to ruffle both their heads. "I’ll see you tomorrow, then."

As he turned to leave, he met Katherine’s gaze one last time, and something unspoken passed between them. Not hostile. Not exactly warm either. More like a silent truce held together by two small children and years of regret.

"Goodnight," he said simply.

"Goodnight," Katherine replied, closing the door slowly.

She stayed there for a moment, hand still resting on the doorknob, heart slightly heavier than before.

The twins were already back at the table, excitedly chattering about what kind of food Leonard might make, and what they should wear. Maya wanted to dress up like it was a ball. Nathan just wanted to wear his superhero socks.

Katherine returned and sat down slowly, listening but not really hearing. Her eyes wandered to the invitation still on the table.

So what if Leonard would be at Julio’s party? So what if he lived just across the hall now?

So what?

She swallowed thickly and reached for her glass of water.

She’d just have to keep reminding herself of that.

Over and over again.