My Billionaire Ex Beg For A Second Chance-Chapter 83: Three Seats Too Close

By the time the five of them were settled at the restaurant, Katherine was already regretting the decision she hadn’t even made herself.

Katherine sat with Maya on her right and Nathan across from her, squished beside Felix, while Leonard occupied the seat next to Maya. Their table was rounded and made for family-style meals. Normally, she’d have found the layout charming, even homey. But with Leonard here, sitting comfortably like he belonged, it felt more like a slow-burn headache in the making.

She adjusted the napkin on her lap and reached for the glass of water in front of her. Leonard’s presence had been like an unexpected extra guest on a birthday you didn’t want to celebrate. But what was the use of crying over spilled milk—or spilled surprise lunch plans?

The menus had already been taken away, and their orders placed. The twins had chosen their usual safe favorites—cheesy pasta for Nathan and chicken nuggets with fries for Maya. Katherine herself had picked a light salad she likely wouldn’t eat, and Felix had ordered the house special for both himself and the twins to try later. Leonard, as always, went for something expensive sounding, steak with truffle butter.

Once the waiter left, Leonard leaned in slightly, resting his elbow on the table and angling his body toward the kids.

"So," he began, his tone warm and friendly, "tell me what you two did at school today. Anything exciting?"

Maya beamed and kicked her legs under the table. "We made hats from newspaper! Mine had bunny ears."

Nathan added quickly, "And we did painting! I painted a tree and clouds and a sun, but I mixed too much blue and now the clouds look angry."

Leonard chuckled. "Angry clouds, huh? Sounds artistic to me."

"Miss Julia said it’s creative," Nathan replied proudly.

Katherine couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips as she listened. Her gaze flicked to the man across from her, and she studied him through careful eyes. Leonard’s attention was entirely on the twins. He was nodding, laughing softly, asking small questions like, What color were your bunny ears? and Did you keep the hat or leave it in class? It was surreal to watch.

After their little storytelling spree, she took a sip of her water, then gently set her glass down. "And did you two behave while staying with Uncle Felix?"

Both twins immediately turned to Felix with wide eyes and eager nods, clearly hoping he’d confirm their good behavior.

Felix chuckled softly, a rich and familiar sound that made Katherine’s chest feel lighter. "They were little angels," he said, his voice smooth. "Did their homework, helped me cook, and even cleaned up their toys before bed. You don’t need to worry, Katherine."

She let out a soft breath. "Good."

Nathan then leaned forward, excitement returning to his voice. "His house is super big! There’s a movie room with so many pillows!"

Maya nodded excitedly. "And a swing chair in the backyard! Mommy, can we go stay there again? With you this time?"

Katherine blinked, caught off guard by the request. "I... I don’t know. That’s not really up to me."

Before the kids could pout, Felix leaned in, his arm resting casually on the table. "You don’t need to ask," he said easily. "You can come anytime. Play, stay, eat, nap, whatever. My place is always open to you guys."

Maya’s eyes grew wide. "Really?"

Felix nodded. "Anytime."

It was such a simple thing to say, but the warmth in his tone made Katherine’s heart ache a little. Felix always had a way of speaking that made others feel safe. Welcomed.

Then, just as she was letting herself enjoy the moment, Leonard’s voice came from the other side of the table.

"My house is big too. You are more than welcome to come visit."

The twins turned their heads quickly. "Really?" Nathan asked.

Leonard smiled. "Of course. Big garden, too. And a pond. You can feed the koi fish."

"That sounds awesome!" Maya said.

"Only if your mom allows, of course," Leonard added smoothly, glancing at Katherine with something unreadable in his gaze.

Katherine nearly sighed out loud. Of course. Now the decision was being passed to her like a hot potato.

She felt the weight of two small pairs of eyes staring at her.

Before she had to form a response, the waiter arrived with their food. An actual lifesaver.

"Ah, perfect timing," she murmured.

Maya clapped her hands in delight while Nathan was already reaching for his fork.

Leonard didn’t miss a beat. He carefully took Maya’s chicken nugget plate and began cutting the pieces into smaller bites. "Don’t want you to burn your mouth, little lady," he said gently.

Then, seeing Nathan had a bit of ketchup smeared on the side of his cheek, he reached over with a napkin and dabbed at it.

Katherine blinked.

It was automatic, casual. Leonard was sitting here, acting like he’d done this a hundred times. As if he was the father he had never been.

Felix didn’t say much during the meal, but Katherine caught him glancing across the table now and then. He was letting things play out, giving space, but she knew Felix. He was watching. Measuring.

The conversation flowed lightly around the table—mostly led by the twins with Felix listened with quiet amusement. Leonard joined in too easily.

And Katherine... found herself watching more than speaking.

She picked at her salad, her mind drifting somewhere else.

She had imagined a lot of things over the years.

Arguments.

Silence.

Regret.

But she had never imagined this.

She never pictured Leonard at a lunch table, helping their daughter cut her food and dabbing at their son’s cheek. She never imagined a quiet moment with all of them sitting together like a family—even if it wasn’t a whole one.

Because this... this wasn’t what she had known with Leonard before. This wasn’t the man who disappeared for business trips and came home smelling like guilt.

This version of him felt like a stranger wearing a familiar face.

And maybe that’s what unsettled her most.