CHAPTER 126: ZEKE SEES RED

After the check-up at the clinic, Zeke keeps his promise and takes Claire to a kids café nearby.

He gives clear instructions to Nolan and the other bodyguards, "Stay alert. Don’t let your guard down."

The café is cozy and colorful, filled with children’s laughter and the occasional cheerful shout from parents keeping an eye on their kids. Padded playsets line the walls, and pastel-colored furniture softens every corner, creating a warm, welcoming space.

Claire’s eyes light up the moment she sees it, sparkling with excitement. With her little feet, she runs toward the trampoline area, where a few kids around her age are already jumping and laughing with joy.

"I’ll go with her, just in case. You can sit and watch from here," Cassidy says to Zeke before heading after Claire.

Zeke then picks a seat where he can still see both of them clearly. He stays relaxed, but his eyes don’t stop following them.

Seeing the joy on Claire’s face, Zeke’s heart softens. A quiet warmth spreads in his chest, and he can’t help but feel happy too.

Zeke also watches Cassidy. He can see every little expression on her face. She looks so much more alive now and more beautiful. So different from how she used to be when they were married. Back then, her expressions felt more like a formality than anything real.

It really seemed like getting a divorce was the best decision for them at the time.

But now that he realizes how he feels, Zeke wants to go after Cassidy. He plans to take it slow.

Back at his villa, when she finally opened up to him, he learned that Cassidy grew up lacking affection. That’s where he wants to start.

He’ll try to get close to her, make her feel safe, and slowly build her trust. Once he sees a chance and knows she’s ready, he’ll let her see how he truly feels. He’s afraid that if he rushes things or confesses too soon, she might push him away or even run away again.

Zeke watches as Claire moves to another area, with Cassidy trailing closely behind, her eyes never leaving their daughter. They’ve now settled near the slide, the one with a pit full of colorful plastic balls underneath. Claire already climbing up, while Cassidy steps into the pit to stay nearby, making sure Claire doesn’t sink too deep into the pile of plastic balls.

"Careful, Claire," Cassidy says, her voice laced with worry. "Don’t go too fast."

"I got it, Mommy!" Claire calls back confidently, without even glancing down.

Cassidy lets out a small breath, smiling a little. That fearless streak definitely didn’t come from her.

From where Zeke’s sitting, the view isn’t great. He can’t see them clearly. So Zeke gets up and walks over to the slide, wanting to watch them up close.

Zeke takes out his phone carefully, making sure Cassidy doesn’t notice. He starts capturing the moment, snapping pictures of Claire as she slides down, then of Cassidy hugging her when she lands in the ball pit. He even records a short video of the two of them, just for himself.

Satisfied with the photos and video, Zeke slips his phone back into his pocket.

Claire spots him nearby and waves excitedly. "Daddy! Come in!"

Zeke chuckles under his breath, then kicks off his shoes and steps into the slide area without hesitation.

"Are you having fun, princess?" Zeke asks once he’s beside Claire and Cassidy.

"Yes! Super fun!" Claire replies with a big grin.

Zeke ruffles her hair affectionately, smiling wide.

But Claire instantly pulls away with a little pout.

Cassidy chuckles and explains, "She doesn’t like her hair messed up."

Zeke’s smile fades just a little as he turns to Claire. "Oh, I’m sorry, princess. Daddy didn’t know."

Claire crosses her arms, trying to look serious. "It’s okay. But don’t do it again, okay, Daddy?"

"I promise."

After more than an hour of running around and playing, Claire finally starts to slow down, her energy fading.

"Are you done playing, princess?"

Claire nods, looking a little tired but happy.

Zeke crouches down beside Claire, brushing a bit of hair from her forehead. Her skin is damp with sweat, and the back of her shirt is visibly soaked.

"You’re all sweaty," Zeke says, gently touching her shoulder.

Cassidy steps in. "Yeah, she is. I’ll change her shirt real quick." She reaches for the small backpack she always carries, a bag filled with everything Claire might need when they’re out like this. "I brought a fresh one."

Cassidy and Claire head to the restroom to change Claire’s damp clothes. It doesn’t take long. When they return, Claire looks much fresher in a clean shirt, her hair slightly damp from being patted down with water.

Zeke smiles, then turns to both her and Cassidy. "Are you two hungry?"

Claire’s eyes light up. "Yes! I’m really hungry! My tummy’s been growling!"

Cassidy lets out a soft laugh, and Zeke joins in.

"What do you feel like eating, princess?" he asks warmly.

"Burger!" Claire answers instantly.

Zeke glances at Cassidy. "Is she okay with burgers?"

"She is," Cassidy says with a small smile. "But just one."

Zeke nods, then stands up and reaches for Claire’s hand. "Alright then. Let’s go find the best burger we can."

They head to a fast food restaurant that serves burgers.

As they line up at the counter, Zeke glances at the slow-moving line ahead of them. "Should I take her, or do you want to do it?"

Cassidy nods. "You go ahead. I’ll take care of the order."

Zeke then looks down at Claire, who’s still holding his hand. "Come on, princess. Let’s wash your hands first."

While Cassidy waits in line, scanning the menu board above, she suddenly feels a light tap on her back.

She turns and her expression changes from surprise to delight.

"Isaach!" she exclaims warmly.

The two greet each other with a friendly hug and kiss on both cheeks, laughing softly like old friends reunited.

Just then, Zeke returns, still holding Claire’s hand. But his steps slow when he sees them.

Cassidy is smiling, standing close to a younger, good-looking guy. They seem comfortable with each other, too comfortable. She even touches his arm when she laughs.

And Zeke just sees red.

His chest tightens. He can’t look away, but every second of it pisses him off.

***