CHAPTER 117: A SIMPLE MORNING

The next morning, when Zeke wakes up, the bed beside him is empty. Cassidy and Claire are already up.

He sits up slowly, runs a hand through his hair, then quietly makes the bed. After washing his face and brushing his teeth, he steps out of the room.

He finds Cassidy and Claire in the living room. Claire is sitting on the floor with her toys, and Cassidy is curled up on the sofa with a mug in her hand.

"Good morning," he says, his voice still a little rough from sleep.

"Morning, Daddy!" Claire beams and runs to him.

Zeke lifts her into his arms and carries her back to the sofa, settling beside Cassidy.

"Morning," Cassidy greets softly, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Did you sleep well?"

Zeke glances at her, warmth in his eyes. "Yeah," he says. "Thanks to you. By the way, I just called Dr. Malcom, my personal doctor."

He gently brushes his fingers through Claire’s hair as she curls up against his side. "He’ll come this afternoon to remove the stitches."

"That’s good," Cassidy murmurs, her eyes drifting briefly to Claire. "She’ll feel better once they’re out."

He lets out a quiet breath, then adds, "I have to go to the office this morning. But I’ll come back before Dr. Malcom arrives."

Cassidy meets his eyes for a moment.

"You don’t have to—"

"I want to," he says gently. "I just want to make sure she’s not scared when it happens."

Cassidy nods gently. "Okay. Are you going straight to the office?"

Zeke gives a short nod. "Yeah."

She looks at him for a second. "Do you want to eat something before you go?"

His eyes brighten a little. "Are you cooking for me?"

Cassidy lets out a quiet chuckle. "No. Clara already made breakfast."

Zeke pauses, then smiles faintly, hiding a small trace of disappointment. "Got it."

He glances at the clock on the living room wall, then back at Cassidy. "I should probably take a quick shower before breakfast."

Cassidy nods. "Sure. Go ahead."

He looks down at Claire, who’s still leaning against him. "Hey, sweetheart," he says gently. "Daddy needs to take a shower. Is that okay?"

Claire looks up and nods.

"I’ll be quick," he promises, brushing her hair back before giving her a kiss on the forehead.

Then he stands, stretches a little, and says softly to both of them, "Be right back."

***

After his shower, Zeke puts on the suit Nolan brought from his villa.

But as he buttons the shirt and adjusts the collar, something else lingers.

A soft scent. Her shampoo. Her soap.

It’s everywhere now, on his skin, in his breath, under his collar. And it stirs something in him he can’t push away.

Then his eyes drop, lower. And he curses under his breath.

Without thinking, Zeke turns on his heels and walks straight back into the bathroom again, shutting the door behind him a little too fast.

Ten minutes later, Zeke comes out again, this time, he’s calmer.

His face is slightly flushed, and his damp hair clings to his forehead. He runs a hand through it, breathing out slowly.

Damn it.

He can still feel the way his body reacted, the heat that built up just from catching Cassidy’s scent on his skin. It got too much, he had to do something about it. Alone. In the bathroom.

It’s humiliating, but necessary.

He buttons up his shirt with steady hands, trying to push the lingering tension out of his chest. He needs to pull himself together.

Cassidy and Claire are just outside. He can’t mess this up.

He straightens his collar, forces a neutral expression, and heads toward the kitchen, each step a reminder to stay in control.

Claire looks up with bright eyes. "Sit next to me, Daddy."

Zeke’s heart softens. He walks over with a small smile and takes the empty seat beside her.

The table is already full, golden omelets, warm toast, and crispy bacon, all still steaming.

They begin to eat together. Claire lets out a happy little sound with each bite, and Zeke finds himself smiling more than he expected. The silence between them isn’t awkward, it’s warm, peaceful, like a quiet morning that just feels right.

Zeke turns his gaze to Cassidy, sitting across from him, quietly enjoying her toast and bacon.

He wants this. Whatever it is between them—to stay a little longer.

Andrew was right. If he truly wants to reach her, to break through those walls, he needs Claire.

Yesterday proved that.

Because of Claire, he got to sleep next to Cassidy again.

Not because she wanted him there.

But because Claire did.

Zeke needs a plan. And he knows he can’t do it alone. He needs Claire. She’s the key. And honestly? Claire would love it if her parents were together again.

So this isn’t just for him. It’s for Claire too. If he wants Cassidy back, he’ll need Claire’s help. Simple as that.

After breakfast, Zeke stands up and grabs his coat.

"I should go," he says softly, glancing at Cassidy, then at Claire.

But before he can take a step, Claire’s eyes well up with tears.

"Can’t you stay?" she asks, her voice trembling. "Do you really have to work, daddy?"

Cassidy lets out a quiet sigh and gently scolds her, "Claire, Daddy has things to do. Don’t be like that."

Claire’s lips wobble into a pout, her head bowing slightly. Being scolded only makes her more upset.

Zeke kneels beside her, gently holding her hands and giving them a little shake. "Hey, princess... I’ll just be gone for a little while, okay? Just a few hours. I promise I’ll come back."

Claire blinks up at him, eyes still glossy. "Promise?"

"I swear," he says, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I’ll be back before twelve. If I’m late, you can call me. Deal?"

"Deal." Claire said.

Then she looks up and says, "Can I take Daddy downstairs? Just to the front door?"

Zeke turns to Cassidy, silently asking for permission.

Cassidy nods. "Alright. "You can walk him down to the front door of the building."

Claire lights up instantly, bouncing on her toes. "Yay!" She turns to Cassidy, grinning. "Help me with my shoes, Mommy, please?"

"Sure, sweetheart."

Cassidy kneels down to help Claire with her shoes, tightening the straps with care. Then the three of them step out of the apartment together and walk toward the elevator.

Zeke and Cassidy each hold one of Claire’s hands, walking in quiet sync. When the elevator doors slide open and they step inside, Zeke catches their reflection in the mirrored wall.

His lips curve into a smile.

For a moment, they look like a real, happy little family. And Zeke makes a quiet vow to himself.

He’s going to make it real.

No matter what it takes.

***