My Billionaire Ex Beg For A Second Chance-Chapter 112: Almost Home

Leonard stood in the middle of his apartment, arms folded behind his back, eyes slowly scanning the space for the hundredth time that evening.

Everything was in place.

The floors gleamed under the soft ambient light from the ceiling, the air smelled faintly of sandalwood and lemon—fresh, clean, comforting. The couch cushions had been fluffed to perfection. On the kitchen counter, dishes and platters sat neatly arranged: sautéed vegetables, roasted chicken, creamy truffle pasta, and tiny handmade rolls from the best bakery in town. Not a single peach in sight. He made sure of that—no allergens, no risk. Only the best for them. For Katherine. For the twins.

Leonard walked over to the mirror hanging by the front door and adjusted his collar. A white shirt, dark gray trousers, sleeves rolled neatly to his elbows. Polished, but not overdressed. He wanted to look presentable without making it feel like a business dinner. This wasn’t about formality.

This was about something much deeper.

His pacing resumed. He felt... restless. Like he had too much energy in his limbs and nowhere to funnel it. He’d lived in luxury penthouses, sprawling estates, and even international villas—but tonight, standing in a two-bedroom apartment with thin walls and a view of the parking lot, he felt something close to happiness. Nervous happiness, but still—something real.

The doorbell rang.

His feet moved without command. He reached the door in a flash and pulled it open, and there they were.

Katherine stood just a step back from the doorway, holding a small bag in one hand. The twins flanked her—Nathan bouncing lightly on his heels, Maya craning her neck to peek inside the apartment.

Leonard smiled, wide and warm. His heart leapt at the sight of them.

But that picture-perfect moment frayed slightly when he noticed the man standing just a step behind them.

Felix.

Of course.

"Evening," Leonard greeted, smoothing his smile, his eyes briefly locking with Katherine’s before flicking toward Felix. "Welcome."

Felix gave a polite smirk and nodded. "I know I wasn’t officially invited, but I hope you don’t mind me crashing your dinner."

Leonard chuckled, stepping aside. "Mind? Why would I mind?" he said lightly, though his jaw tightened ever so slightly. "Come in."

He’d anticipated this. Of course he had. It would’ve been too easy, too perfect, if it had just been him, Katherine, and the twins. No stranger hovering at the edge of every glance and conversation. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

As they entered, Katherine handed him the small bag.

"It’s just a cake," she said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Nothing big."

Leonard looked down at the bag like it contained something far more precious. "Nothing is ever ’just’ anything when it’s from you," he replied, glancing at her. His voice softened, "Thanks for bringing something."

Katherine smiled, a little awkwardly, clearly unsure how to take the compliment.

The twins didn’t hesitate. They immediately took off inside, their voices echoing with wonder and excitement as they explored the space.

"Whoa, it’s the same hallway as ours!" Nathan shouted.

"But it smells different," Maya added.

Leonard laughed as he set the cake bag on the kitchen counter. "That’s because your mom’s apartment smells like flowers and books. Mine smells like furniture polish and anxiety."

Katherine gave a breathy chuckle, and for a second, Leonard swore she was genuinely amused.

The twins ran back to them and tugged Leonard’s hands.

"Can we see your room?" Maya asked eagerly.

"Yeah, show us!" Nathan chimed in.

"Of course," Leonard said, leading them toward the hallway. "Let me show you something special too."

He opened the second door and gestured grandly.

"This," he said, "is your room."

The twins’ jaws dropped.

Two identical beds with star-patterned sheets. A small bookshelf filled with both new and familiar storybooks. A shared table with drawing materials. Soft lights shaped like moons and clouds strung across the ceiling.

"You made this for us?" Maya whispered, stepping inside.

"I did," Leonard said. "So if you ever want to sleep over, you’ve got your own space."

Nathan flopped onto one of the beds and bounced lightly. "Cool!"

Katherine leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. Her eyes scanned the room slowly, quietly. Leonard turned to her.

"You really thought this through," she said softly, voice unreadable.

Leonard whispered. "They’re my kids too."

Dinner was next.

The five of them sat around the small rectangular table in the dining area. Leonard tried to be casual as he served everyone, letting Katherine take over when she insisted on dishing out portions for the twins.

Felix sat across from Leonard, quiet for the most part, his gaze flitting between him and Katherine.

"This chicken is good," Maya mumbled with her mouth full.

"Eat slowly, sweetheart," Katherine reminded her gently.

Nathan stabbed a piece of broccoli. "It’s crunchy."

"That means it’s not overcooked," Leonard smiled. "Glad you like it."

"Your apartment is the same as ours," Nathan commented, glancing around.

"Almost," Leonard agreed. "But hopefully I’ve got better snacks."

Maya giggled and leaned close to whisper something to Nathan. Leonard smiled to himself. Seeing them here, happy and comfortable, it made every decision—even the unorthodox ones—feel justified.

Maya suddenly turned to him. "Will you go to Julio’s birthday party?"

Leonard blinked. "Of course I will," he said. "Julio would be devastated if I didn’t show up. Why?"

"Because we’re going too!" Maya beamed. "Right, Nathan?"

Nathan nodded.

Leonard looked at Katherine. "So... maybe we can go together?"

The twins turned instantly to their mother, two pairs of pleading eyes locked onto her like lasers.

Katherine hesitated for just a breath. Then, with a soft sigh, she said, "Sure. We can go together."

"Yay!" Maya clapped.

Leonard felt a surprising warmth rush through his chest. The smile that curled on his lips was impossible to hide. He glanced across the table, and that’s when he noticed Felix—still eating, still silent.

Their eyes met.

Felix raised a brow slightly but said nothing. His expression was neutral, but the challenge was clear.

Leonard met it head-on, his smile calm.

Bring it on.