CHAPTER 139: JEALOUS HEARTS

When Claire woke up in the morning, Cassidy told her that Xavier would be coming over to visit.

Hearing that her favorite uncle was coming to play and visit, Claire got excited. She also asked, "Will daddy come today too?"

Cassidy gently fixed Claire’s messy hair from sleep and said, "I’m not sure, sweetheart. Mommy will ask daddy later."

"But why doesn’t daddy live with us, Mommy?"

Cassidy paused for a moment, unsure how to explain. Then she asked, "Do you want to live with daddy?"

Claire nodded quickly, "I want to live with daddy and mommy."

Cassidy smiled and replied, "I’ll talk to daddy about it later, okay, sweetheart?"

The thought of living with Zeke hadn’t crossed Cassidy’s mind before. After all, they had both just opened up about their feelings. But Claire’s question made her think about it. Cassidy also wanted to spend more time with Zeke. So if Zeke suggested living together, she wouldn’t say no.

She decided she would bring it up with Zeke later. She wanted Claire to experience what it’s like to live with both of her parents.

Cassidy and Claire spent the day as usual. Claire was busy playing with her dolls, building Lego sets, and occasionally chatting and playing with Clara.

Meanwhile, Cassidy was busy managing her brand, Cy. Noire. She was thinking about opening a new store branch in the States.

Not only that, Cassidy was also designing children’s clothing for Little Noire. She had shared her ideas with her team, and they were very supportive of launching the Little Noire line.

After lunch, Cassidy and Claire were in the living room watching TV. Cassidy let Claire watch a Disney movie while waiting for Xavier to arrive.

Just before 1 PM, around 12:30, the doorbell of Cassidy’s apartment rang.

Claire, who had been eagerly waiting for Xavier, jumped up excitedly when she heard the doorbell.

She asked Cassidy, "Is that uncle Xavi?"

"Maybe, sweetheart. Mommy will check who it is," Cassidy replied.

When Cassidy opened the door, she was surprised to see Zeke standing there instead of Xavier.

"Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I thought you weren’t going to show up," Cassidy said as she stepped aside to let Zeke in.

As soon as he walked in, Zeke pulled her into a hug. "I missed you and Claire," he said softly. Then he added with a slight smile, "Aren’t you happy I showed up without telling you? I hope you don’t mind me interrupting your time with Xavier."

There was a hint of jealousy and care in his voice.

Zeke had made sure to come before Xavier arrived. He didn’t want Cassidy and Claire spending time with Xavier without him there.

"Don’t be jealous," Cassidy said, unsure how to ease Zeke’s insecurities. "Claire was asking if you’d come earlier, but I didn’t get to ask you. Good thing you showed up. Come on, Claire’s going to be so happy to see you." She took Zeke’s hand and gently led him toward the living room.

Zeke smiled as their fingers intertwined, happy to follow her lead.

As soon as Claire saw Zeke, she jumped off the sofa and ran toward him. "Daddy!" she called out, her face lighting up with a big smile.

Cassidy let go of Zeke’s hand and stepped aside, letting him hug Claire.

"Hey, my little princess... did you miss me?" Zeke asked softly, lifting Claire into his arms and tenderly brushing her cheek.

Claire nodded happily, hugging his neck tightly while smiling, her tiny, slightly spaced teeth shining bright.

"So, what was my princess doing before daddy came? Were you playing with Sparkle and Browny?"

Claire shook her head and looked up at him. "I was watching a movie, daddy."

Zeke smiled and brushed a little hair from her face. "Oh, did mommy say it was okay? What movie did you watch?"

Claire smiled big. "A prince and princess!"

Zeke smiled softly. "Can daddy watch it with you?"

Claire nodded fast. "Yes! Yes!"

Together with Claire and Cassidy, Zeke watched the movie Cassidy had put on for Claire in the living room.

About half an hour later, the doorbell of Cassidy’s apartment rang again. This time, Cassidy was sure it was Xavier.

Unlike before, Claire didn’t even hear the doorbell. She was so focused on the TV screen, leaning comfortably against Zeke. Every now and then, they both commented on what the characters were doing in the movie.

Watching Claire so completely absorbed and seemingly forgetting about Xavier’s arrival because of Zeke’s presence, Cassidy shook her head with a small smile, feeling a little amused and a bit sorry for Xavier.

Cassidy got up from the sofa and made her way to the apartment door. As soon as she opened it, she saw Xavier standing there with a soft smile, carrying a paper bag in one hand.

"Hey, Cass," he said, pulling her into a quick, warm hug.

"Come in, Xav," Cassidy said, letting Xavier inside.

"Did you tell Claire I was coming to visit?" Xavier asked as he walked beside Cassidy.

"Yeah, I told her, and she was really happy when she heard you were coming," Cassidy explained.

Xavier smiled happily at that. But his smile quickly faded the moment he reached the living room and saw Zeke there.

"Claire, look who’s here," Cassidy said, unaware of how Xavier was feeling.

Hearing her name, Claire turned and immediately smiled brightly when she saw Xavier.

"Uncle Xavi!" she exclaimed, jumping off the sofa and running to him, wrapping her arms around his legs.

"Hey, Claire Bear," Xavier greeted warmly, then added, "Look what I brought for you!" He lifted the paper bag he was holding and gave it a little shake.

Claire’s face brightened as she looked at the paper bag. "Is that a strawberry cake?"

Xavier smiled and gently ran his hand through Claire’s hair. "That’s right. It’s a strawberry cake I made just for you."

Claire jumped up with excitement. "Thank you, Uncle Xavi!"

Xavier passed the paper bag to Cass, who carried it off to the kitchen, leaving the three of them alone.

Zeke, feeling a burst of jealousy as he watched Claire cling to Xavier so closely, stood up and walked over to them.

His jaw tightened slightly as he spoke, "Xavier," his voice steady but his eyes showing a quiet possessiveness.

"Zeke," Xavier replied, his eyes meeting Zeke’s with the same possessive look.

Zeke scowled, clearly displeased. How dare Xavier look at him like that? Who did he think he was to Claire, huh?

Claire, standing between Xavier and Zeke, had no idea about the tension brewing between them.

Cassidy returned and broke the tension between Zeke and Xavier.

"Claire, why don’t you take Uncle Xavier to your playroom? Don’t you want to play with Uncle Xavi?" Cassidy said, clearly sensing the friction between Zeke and Xavier.

"Okay, Mommy. Daddy, do you want to play with me and Uncle Xavi?" Claire asked, looking at Zeke.

Zeke was about to say yes, but Cassidy cut him off, "You just play with Uncle Xavi for now, sweetheart. You and Uncle Xavi haven’t had time alone together in a while. And there’s something Mommy needs to talk to Daddy about."

Cassidy didn’t let Zeke join them, not because she doubted his control over his emotions — she just wanted to give Xavier some time alone with Claire. She knew how much Xavier cared for Claire, and if Zeke joined them, she was sure Xavier wouldn’t be able to fully enjoy playing with her.

After sending them off, Cassidy turned back to Zeke and met his gaze, ready to discuss what was on her mind.

Zeke raised an eyebrow, a hint of teasing in his voice. "Don’t you trust me?"

Cassidy took a deep breath, then stepped closer, gently taking both his hands in hers. Her eyes softened as she said, "I already told you, there’s something I really need to talk to you about." Cassidy gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.

Zeke smiled, amused but curious. "I thought that was just an excuse."

"No, I’m serious," Cassidy replied firmly, a little nervous but determined. "Let’s sit down." She gently pulled Zeke back to the sofa.

They sat side by side, close enough that their shoulders touched.

Zeke glanced at her, eyebrows raised in curiosity. "So, what do you want to talk about?"

Cassidy hesitated for a moment, then looked down before meeting his eyes again. "Earlier, Claire asked me why you don’t live with us," she said quietly.

Zeke was silent for a moment. Then he reached for Cassidy’s hand and squeezed it gently, showing his sincerity. "How about you all stay with me, at my villa, hm?"

Cassidy answered without hesitation, "Okay." Her reply was quick because she had already made up her mind.

Zeke looked surprised. He hadn’t expected Cassidy to agree so fast. At first, he thought she’d want to think it over before giving an answer. But she said yes right away. That made him feel relieved and happy.

He pulled her into a tight hug, his voice full of happiness. "Thank you. I’m so glad you said yes. It means the world to me that we’re going to live together. I can’t wait to start this new Chapter with you both."

Zeke’s smile was wide and genuine, his eyes sparkling as he held her close.

Cassidy smiled back, wrapping her arms around him. "Me too."

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