My Billionaire Ex Beg For A Second Chance-Chapter 130: Unfinished Explanations

The soft morning light bled through the edges of the curtains, gently stirring Leonard awake. His eyelids fluttered open, momentarily disoriented before his gaze adjusted to the familiar room.

The twins’ room.

For a second, he stayed still, listening. The rhythmic sound of breathing filled the air—two sets of them. Turning his head, Leonard smiled softly as his eyes landed on Maya, still fast asleep beside him. Her tiny mouth parted slightly, her cheeks flushed with the lingering tint of fever, but far less than last night.

Thank God. Her skin was cooler now. No more burning heat radiating from her tiny body. She looked peaceful. Calm.

His gaze shifted toward the other bed, where Nathan was still curled up under his blue dinosaur blanket. Safe. Dreaming.

A wave of something warm spread through Leonard’s chest. He let out a breath, remembering how last night unfolded.

It was supposed to be Katherine’s turn to stay by Maya’s side. But when he saw the exhaustion weighing down her shoulders—her tired eyes, the way her body sagged when she thought no one noticed—he had stepped in.

She hesitated but eventually nodded. And for the rest of the night, Leonard stayed with Maya.

Carefully, he reached over, pressing his palm lightly to her forehead. Cool. Definitely better. He allowed a small smile to tug at the corners of his lips. "You’ll be yourself again tomorrow," he whispered softly, almost as if reassuring himself.

The sudden vibration against his pocket startled him. His phone buzzed, loud in the quiet room. His entire body stiffened as he quickly grabbed it, rising carefully from the mattress so as not to disturb the kids.

He padded out of the room quietly, closing the door behind him before answering. "Yeah, Becca?"

"Mr. Ford," Becca’s crisp, professional tone filled his ear, "just confirming, you’re not coming to the office again today?"

Leonard sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Yeah. Why?"

"Well..." Becca hesitated, her voice dropping slightly. "I wanted to remind you that today’s the meeting with Tanaka Group. It was rescheduled twice already. They won’t be happy if we postpone again."

Leonard winced. Right. That meeting. "Can’t we push it back a day?"

"I’m afraid not. They specifically flew in just for this today. It’s... delicate," she added gently. "I understand the situation, sir, but..."

Leonard rubbed his jaw, gaze drifting toward the hallway. "Yeah... fine. Fine, I’ll come in. But just for the meeting."

"Understood. I’ll make sure the schedule’s cleared after that."

"Thanks." He ended the call with a sigh and turned—only to nearly jump at the sight of someone standing quietly a few feet away.

Katherine.

She had her arms folded across her chest, dressed in her soft cotton pajamas, hair a little messy from sleep. Her expression wasn’t annoyed, not surprised—just... observing. Calm. Maybe a little tired.

"Morning," Leonard offered first, slipping his phone into his pocket.

"Morning." Katherine’s voice was quiet but even. She tilted her head slightly. "Something important?"

Leonard scratched the back of his head. "Yeah... unfortunately. A meeting I can’t skip." He sighed, voice dropping a little. "Honestly... I really don’t want to go. I’d rather stay with Maya. But..."

Before he could finish rambling, Katherine raised a hand, stopping him gently. "It’s fine, Leonard," she said softly. "You should go. Maya’s doing better anyway."

His gaze softened. "You sure?"

She nodded. "Yeah. Go. You have responsibilities. It’s okay." Her lips curved into a small, understanding smile.

Leonard hesitated for a beat longer, then exhaled. "Alright... I’ll drop Nathan off first before heading there."

"Okay." Katherine smiled again, more genuine this time. "Drive safe."

The familiar routine followed—breakfast together, quiet but peaceful. Nathan chatted a bit about school while Maya, still resting, stayed in her room.

As Leonard drove Nathan to school, Nathan was his not usual little self—half chatty, half grumpy about leaving Maya behind.

When they pulled up in front of the kindergarten, Leonard parked by the gate.

"Alright, buddy," Leonard said, glancing at Nathan through the rearview mirror. "Be good. I’ll come pick you up after work, yeah?"

Nathan unbuckled himself and leaned forward to hug him over the seat. "Okay, Uncle Leonard. Tell Maya I said I love her, okay?"

Leonard’s heart clenched. "I will. Go on now."

Nathan hopped off and disappeared behind the school gate. Leonard stepped out of the car, watching to make sure he went in safely. Just as he turned back toward his car—

"Leonard?"

A familiar voice. Feminine. Slightly surprised.

Leonard turned—and blinked. "Paula?"

Standing a few feet away was Paula, holding Julio’s tiny backpack in one hand and Julio’s small hand in the other. Her brow was raised, and her eyes reflected pure confusion.

"Oh, hey..." Leonard cleared his throat, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Didn’t expect to see you here."

"Same." Paula tilted her head, glancing back toward the school gate where Julio had just run in. "Were you... dropping someone off?"

Leonard shifted awkwardly. "Uh... yeah. Nathan. Julio’s friend."

Paula blinked. "Nathan?" Her confusion only deepened. Her lips parted, realization starting to dawn.

Leonard let out a nervous chuckle, scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah... well. It’s... a long story."

She crossed her arms, her gaze sharpening slightly. "Really now."

"Yeah." He sighed. "I know you probably have... a lot of questions right now, but—"

Before he could finish, his phone buzzed again. Leonard yanked it out, grimacing at the caller ID. Becca.

"Damn," he muttered under his breath. He answered quickly, keeping his voice professional. "Yeah, Becca?"

"Sir, the clients are arriving earlier than expected. Just a heads up."

Leonard clenched his jaw. Perfect timing. "Got it. I’m on my way."

He hung up and turned back to Paula, who was now watching him like he was a puzzle missing half its pieces.

"Look..." Leonard sighed, stepping back toward his car. "I swear, I’ll explain everything. Just... not now. I really have to run. But... I promise." He pointed a finger at her. "I will explain."

Paula raised a brow, crossing her arms tighter. "You better, Leonard."

Leonard chuckled under his breath. "Yeah... I know." He opened the car door, slipping inside. His gaze lingered on Paula, still standing there, looking half bemused and half suspicious.