My Billionaire Ex Beg For A Second Chance-Chapter 113: Space Between Us

Katherine brought the cool rim of the glass to her lips, the tangy taste of orange juice washing over her tongue, but it did little to settle the whirl of thoughts in her head.

She stood alone on Leonard’s balcony, the sliding glass door behind her muted the laughter coming from the living room. The night air was crisp, just shy of chilly, and the city lights glittered far below like a sea of restless stars. From this height, the world felt quiet, almost peaceful—almost.

She glanced down at the drink in her hand, swirling the liquid absently.

Leonard’s apartment was... overwhelming.

Not in a bad way. Everything was elegant, sleek, warm in a way that didn’t try too hard but still clearly took effort. And then there was the room for the twins—thoughtfully decorated, filled with books and stuffed animals they liked. A part of her heart had twisted at the sight.

She didn’t know how to feel.

This man, who once shattered everything inside her, now stood in front of her with open arms—offering rooms, dinners, kindness. She should be suspicious. She should have been on edge. But instead, here she was, sipping juice on his balcony and struggling to push aside the warmth blooming in her chest.

Her eyes shifted toward the glass door just as Felix appeared, walking toward her with a casual grace and hands tucked into his pockets. The ambient light of the apartment cast soft shadows behind him, outlining his tall frame.

"Thought I’d find you out here," he said, his voice low and gentle.

Katherine gave him a faint smile. "Needed a moment."

Felix leaned against the railing beside her, not too close, just enough that she could feel the comfort of his presence.

"So," he said, eyes drifting toward the view. "What do you think about the place?"

Katherine sighed lightly and tilted her head. "It’s nice. Spacious. It screams ’luxury’ in every corner."

Felix smirked. "Typical Leonard. Even when downsizing, he can’t help but go all out."

Katherine chuckled under her breath. "He even had a room ready for the twins."

"I saw," Felix said. He paused before adding, "It was... thoughtful."

They stood in silence for a moment, the city buzzing quietly below, the faint sound of the TV and twin giggles leaking through the glass behind them.

Felix glanced at her sideways. "Does it bother you?"

Katherine met his gaze. "That he moved here? That he’s trying?" She shrugged. "It’s complicated."

Felix gave a small nod, not pushing further. "Well," he said with a soft smile, "at least the twins are happy."

"That’s what matters," Katherine said, her voice firmer now.

They walked back into the apartment together, where Leonard was seated on the rug with Nathan leaning against his side and Maya curled up with a blanket. A large animated dragon flickered across the TV screen.

Katherine took in the sight, the warmth of the room, the way Leonard looked—relaxed, smiling, eyes gentle. He didn’t even notice her watching. For a moment, he just looked like a father. Their father.

She cleared her throat. "We should get going. It’s getting late."

Nathan groaned. "Can’t we finish the movie?"

"You can watch it again at home," Felix said, standing and stretching. "Let’s go, champ."

Leonard helped Maya to her feet and handed her the blanket, which she hugged to her chest.

"Did you like it here?" he asked her.

"I did," Maya said, beaming. "Your room is huge!"

Leonard chuckled. "Anytime you want to come back, the door’s open."

Katherine gathered her things and helped the twins into their coats. Felix opened the door for them and ushered the kids into her apartment across the hall.

But before she could cross the hallway, Leonard took a step forward and gently caught her hand.

His fingers were warm—familiar.

Katherine turned to face him, startled.

"Thank you," Leonard said, voice quiet but rich with meaning. "For coming tonight."

Katherine hesitated. "Thank you for having us."

Leonard smiled at that. "My space is your space too," he murmured. "You can come and go anytime you want."

Her breath caught slightly in her throat. The way he said it—so soft, so sincere—sent a shiver down her spine.

She tried to smile, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. "That’s... generous of you."

What was she supposed to say to that? She swore she didn’t know.

It was too much and yet not quite anything at all. She wasn’t used to people offering things so freely, especially not him.

Leonard leaned closer. His voice dropped even lower, almost playful. "Though next time, do me one favor?"

Katherine blinked. "What?"

"At least tell me who you’re bringing over," he said with a grin, glancing pointedly toward her door. "So I can be a little more... prepared."

Katherine rolled her eyes with a small laugh, a blush threatening to creep up her neck. "That wasn’t planned."

No, really, it wasn’t. She hadn’t asked Felix to come. She just mentioned Leonard had invited her over for dinner, and before she even finished the sentence, Felix was already grabbing his coat with a cheerful, "Great, I’ll come with you."

She hadn’t said no. Didn’t even think to, really.

Not because she desperately wanted him there, but—well, because it was easier. Safer, maybe. Less awkward.

"Still," Leonard said, stepping back. "Fair warning would be appreciated."

Being alone with him, after hours, in his apartment? Ha... no.

Before she could respond, he reached up gently and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

His fingertips were barely there, but her skin tingled from the touch.

"Good night, Katherine," he said, his voice quiet, intimate.

She nodded, trying to maintain her composure. "Good night, Leonard."

And with that, he turned around and slipped into his apartment, the door clicking softly shut behind him.

Katherine stood frozen for a beat too long.

She let out a slow breath and turned back to her own door, her hand still tingling where he touched her, and her heart far less steady than she wanted to admit.