My Billionaire Ex Beg For A Second Chance-Chapter 93: New Door

Katherine sat on the edge of her bed, a wooden hairbrush in hand as she pulled it slowly through her waves. She stared at her reflection in the vanity mirror, watching her own thoughtful expression. A frown tugged lightly at her lips.

"I can’t keep it like this forever..." she murmured under her breath.

She exhaled slowly, setting the brush down and folding her hands in her lap.

The twins.

She’d done her best to give them a stable, happy life. They were still so young—innocent, sweet, and full of wonder. But the older they got, the more questions they asked. About their father. About why it was always just the three of them. She couldn’t keep deflecting forever.

They deserve the truth, she thought. But how do you explain something like this?

She bit her lower lip, her brows knitting with worry.

She couldn’t just drop the truth on them like a bomb. No. She had to ease them into it. Slowly. Carefully. She needed to protect their hearts—especially now that Leonard was... here. Back in her life in a way she’d never imagined.

"Baby steps," she whispered, standing up. "Just take it slow, Kath."

The sounds of tiny feet pattering down the hallway reminded her that she didn’t have time to stay lost in her thoughts. She quickly got dressed, then helped the twins into their uniforms, tying shoelaces, brushing tiny curls, and finding missing socks as the morning unfolded in its usual mild chaos.

When everything was finally in place—lunchboxes packed, backpacks slung over little shoulders, coats buttoned—Katherine slung her purse over her arm and ushered them toward the door.

"Ready?" she asked, smiling down at her children.

"Yes, Mommy!" they chirped in unison.

Katherine laughed softly and reached for the doorknob, but just as she turned it, the door across the hall clicked and opened.

"Oh! Katherine, dear!" came the familiar, chipper voice.

Katherine opened the door fully and smiled warmly at the older woman who stood just a few steps away, bundled in a knit cardigan and lavender scarf. Mrs. Lancaster was a longtime resident on the same floor. A bright woman in her early seventies, she had kind eyes and a notorious love for gossip, especially about the tenants of the building.

"Good morning, Mrs. Lancaster," Katherine greeted kindly. "You’re up early today."

"Of course, dear. You know I like to get my walk in before the sun gets too warm," the old woman replied, locking her door. She adjusted her purse on her shoulder and leaned closer with a conspiratorial smile. "But you know, I was hoping I’d see you this morning."

Katherine tilted her head. "Oh?"

Mrs. Lancaster gave the twins a little wave—which they returned shyly—before turning her attention back to Katherine.

"I haven’t seen that charming Felix lately. Has he been around? Or are you keeping him to yourself now?" she teased, giving her a wink.

Katherine felt a warm flush rise to her cheeks. "He’s been busy with work," she said smoothly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You know how it is."

"Mmhmm," the older woman hummed, clearly unconvinced. "Well, you tell him that I miss seeing that handsome face in the hallway."

"I will," Katherine replied with a soft chuckle.

Mrs. Lancaster’s eyes lit up as if she suddenly remembered something even more exciting. "Oh! Did you hear? The apartment across from yours? It’s finally been sold!"

Katherine blinked. "Really? It’d been sitting empty for over a year now."

"Almost eighteen months," Mrs. Lancaster confirmed with a nod. "I was just downstairs chatting with Mr. Greene and he said the paperwork’s all finalized. The new owner’s supposed to move in this week."

"Oh wow," Katherine said, glancing across the hallway at the door in question. It looked the same as it always had: plain, quiet, lifeless. The idea of someone new behind it stirred a bit of curiosity in her.

"Did he say who it is?" she asked.

Mrs. Lancaster’s eyes sparkled. "Unfortunately, no. Mr. Greene’s lips were sealed—can you believe that? The nerve!"

"Well, whoever it is, I hope they’re nice," Katherine said genuinely.

"Oh, I’m sure they will be. But you know me—I’ll keep an eye out," Mrs. Lancaster said with a sly smile.

"I have no doubt," Katherine replied with a small laugh.

Just as she was about to excuse herself, Mrs. Lancaster clapped her hands together as if she remembered something else. "Wait! Before you go—I have something for the little ones!"

She quickly shuffled back to her apartment and disappeared inside. A few seconds later, she returned holding a small plastic bag, the top twisted and tied neatly.

"I just baked a batch of popcakes last night," she said proudly, holding it out. "Thought I’d stop by later to drop them off, but since you’re here now..."

The twins gasped in delight. "Thank you, Mrs. Lancaster!" they chimed.

Katherine took the bag, peeking inside to see the perfectly round, colorful treats. "You’re too kind. Thank you so much."

"Oh, nonsense. It’s nothing. Enjoy, my darlings!" she cooed, waving them off with a smile. "Have a good day at school!"

"Bye-bye!" the twins called as Katherine ushered them toward the elevator.

The doors slid open, and they stepped inside. As the elevator began its slow descent, the twins eagerly pressed their noses to the plastic bag, wide-eyed with admiration.

Lily suddenly looked up at her. "Mommy, what do you think the new neighbor will look like?"

Katherine blinked. "Hmm. That’s a good question."

"Maybe they’ll have a dog," Luke suggested, bouncing slightly on his toes.

"Or maybe they’ll be a baker like Mrs. Lancaster!" Lily added.

Katherine smiled at their excitement. "It could be anyone, really. A couple, a student, maybe even a family like us."

"Do you think they’ll be nice?" Lily asked.

"I hope so," Katherine said softly, brushing a hand through her daughter’s curls. "It’s always nice to have kind neighbors."

I the back of her mind, curiosity lingered.

She hoped, truly, that whoever they were... they’d be kind.