CHAPTER 165: FLYING HOME TO SWITZERLAND

Cassidy, Zeke, and Claire were lying on the bed in what used to be Cassidy and Zeke’s room back when they were still married and living in the apartment. The three of them rested side by side, with Claire snuggled safely in the middle, nestled between her parents.

"So, sweetheart, how are you feeling today? Did you enjoy our trip to the zoo?" Cassidy asked, brushing a strand of hair gently behind her daughter’s ear as she looked at her.

Claire’s eyes lit up like little crescent moons as she nodded quickly. "Yes, Mommy. I was so happy. The zoo was fun."

Zeke’s voice came in from her other side, he asked curious, "And what about meeting Aunty Nicole and your big sis Arielle? Did you like spending time with them?"

Claire turned her head toward him, her little smile widening. "Yes, Daddy. I liked them. Big sis Arielle is really fun. She knows so many things about princesses and all the Disney songs. I like her."

Cassidy chuckled softly at her daughter’s excitement, while Zeke exchanged a quiet smile with her over Claire’s head.

Zeke reached over and gently pinched Claire’s cheek, a smile spread across his face. "I’m glad to hear that, princess. I’m happy you like them."

Claire giggled softly, snuggling a little closer between her parents.

Claire’s smile faded, replaced by a puzzled look. She tilted her head, her small voice curious. "But Daddy, why did you and Mommy stop living here before? You said you were busy working. So why didn’t Mommy and me stay here with you? Why were we far away before?"

Her words came out one after another, leaving Zeke and Cassidy frozen for a moment. They looked at each other, caught off guard by Claire’s sudden questions.

Zeke felt the need to explain, even if only in the simplest way. He took a quiet breath before speaking. "Daddy and Mommy chose to live apart for a while because of some things," he said gently, his eyes shifting to Cassidy, who looked a little surprised that he would bring up their past in front of Claire.

"Mommy went to Switzerland with you because she wanted some time to rest and travel. And Daddy stayed here in the States to work," he added softly.

Claire didn’t really understand what he meant. She only nodded, letting out a small, innocent "Ohh."

Claire’s face lit up again as if she had just remembered something.

She lifted herself a little and scooted closer to Zeke, then leaned in to whisper in his ear. "Daddy, how’s your plan? Did it already start to work? Will I get a little sister or brother soon?" she asked, keeping her voice low so Mommy wouldn’t hear. It was their secret.

Zeke chuckled, leaning down to whisper back. "Not yet, princess. Making your sibling takes time and effort,"

Cassidy narrowed her eyes playfully, propping her head on her hand against the pillow. "What are you two whispering about? Why don’t you want Mommy to hear, sweetheart? What secret are you keeping from me?" she asked, pretending to pout.

Claire quickly replied with a giggle. "It’s my secret with Daddy. Mommy’s not allowed to know."

Zeke chuckled softly at her answer, while Cassidy only smiled faintly.

"Alright, sweetheart, time to sleep now," Cassidy said gently.

"But I’m not sleepy yet," Claire pouted. Then her eyes sparkled. "Can you sing the Disney song from the movie I just watched, Mommy?"

"Which song, sweetheart?" Cassidy asked, her head now resting against the pillow.

"Let It Go... from Frozen," Claire said eagerly.

Cassidy smiled. "Okay."

She began to sing softly, her voice filling the room. Claire sang along for a while, her little voice mixing with her mother’s, but soon her words grew slower and softer.

Zeke lay still, just listening, his eyes drifting between Cassidy and Claire. There was a rare peace in the moment, something he didn’t want to break.

By the time Cassidy finished the song, Claire’s lashes were already fluttering shut.

Cassidy smiled faintly at the sight, brushing a hand over her daughter’s hair. "She’s out," she whispered.

Zeke smiled softly. "Your sweet voice made her fall asleep so fast. I’m getting sleepy too, baby."

Cassidy let out a quiet chuckle. "Then sleep. Good night, Zeke."

"Good night, baby,"

The next morning, since it was still the holiday, they chose to stay longer in the apartment. After breakfast, the three of them settled in the living room, a Disney movie playing on the screen. Claire was curled up between her parents, eyes glued to the characters she adored.

Cassidy sat relaxed beside her, attention fully on the movie. Zeke, though, kept sneaking glances at her before looking down at his phone. Her words from two days ago echoed in his mind—her plan to go back to Switzerland to meet her Cy. Noire team.

His phone buzzed with a message from Andrew, showing his schedule for the coming week. Zeke skimmed through it, noting that nothing was urgent.

Slowly, he made a decision. With one last look at Cassidy’s calm face, he typed a short reply, instructing Andrew to cancel his in-person meetings and move everything online.

When the movie finally ended, Claire stretched out on the couch and snuggled against Cassidy’s side, her eyes already half-closed with sleep. Zeke reached for the remote, lowering the volume before turning to Cassidy.

"I’ve been thinking," he began, his voice calm. "You mentioned wanting to go back to Switzerland to meet your team. I looked at my schedule, and there’s nothing that can’t be handled online. So... we can go tomorrow."

Cassidy blinked in surprise, her brows lifting slightly. "Tomorrow?"

"Yeah, tomorrow," Zeke answered with quiet certainty.

Cassidy let out a small breath, then smiled. "Alright. The sooner the better."

Zeke’s eyes drifted to Claire, who was still nestled against Cassidy. "And what about Claire? I think we should bring her too. She’ll love it."

"Of course. We’ll bring her," Cassidy said softly, glancing at their daughter with warmth.

Zeke’s expression softened, a gentle smile spreading across his face. "Our first trip abroad together as three. I can’t wait."

The next morning, the three of them were in the car, heading to the airport where Zeke’s jet was waiting.

Claire had no idea what was coming. Cassidy and Zeke had agreed to keep it a surprise, wanting to see her pure reaction.

As soon as they stepped out and the sleek jet came into view, Claire’s eyes grew wide. She clutched Cassidy’s hand tighter, her gaze fixed on the shining aircraft.

"Mommy," she asked, her voice filled with wonder, "where are we going?"

Cassidy smiled, her expression soft yet teasing. "We’re going back to Switzerland."

For a second, Claire just blinked. Then, realizing what her mother meant, she squealed and jumped with excitement, her little feet almost bouncing off the ground.

Her joy filled the air, and Cassidy laughed as she steadied her daughter. Zeke, standing beside them, watched the scene with quiet happiness, his heart warmed by how much this meant to Claire.

Hand in hand, Cassidy guided Claire up the steps of the jet. Zeke followed right behind them, carrying a small bag.

The moment they stepped inside, Claire froze in awe. Her eyes darted from the soft leather seats to the wide windows, then up to the small lights on the ceiling.

"Wow..." she whispered, her voice full of wonder. She let go of Cassidy’s hand and walked forward slowly, her little fingers brushing over the armrest of a seat.

Cassidy chuckled softly at her daughter’s amazement. "Do you like it, sweetheart?"

"I love it!" Claire spun around, her pigtails bouncing. "Can I sit anywhere I want?"

"Yes, you can," Zeke answered with a faint smile, watching her energy with quiet fondness. He set the bag down and added, "But you’ll sit with me and Mommy when the plane takes off."

"Okay, Daddy!" Claire replied brightly before climbing onto one of the seats and sinking into it, her legs dangling far above the floor. She kicked them happily, grinning from ear to ear.

As the engines hummed softly, Claire looked up at Cassidy, her brows furrowed in curiosity. "Mommy... why is this plane different from the one we rode before?"

Cassidy smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind Claire’s ear. "Sweetheart, this one is smaller than the big airplanes we usually ride. It’s a private jet, so it’s just for us. We can go straight to Switzerland without stopping anywhere else."

Zeke leaned closer, a small smirk on his face. "And this jet... it’s mine, princess. If you like it, I’ll let it be yours too."

Claire’s eyes widened. "Really, Daddy?"

"Of course," Zeke chuckled.

Cassidy frowned slightly, her tone firm. "Zeke, I don’t think it’s a good idea to give her something so expensive just like that. She can’t get used to having everything handed to her."

Zeke nodded, conceding to her words. "You’re right. I’ll hold off... for now."

Claire’s eyes fell a little, but Zeke gave her a reassuring smile. "Maybe another time, princess," he said softly.

***