The twins nodded—no expectations, no judgment—just pure acceptance.
A single tear rolled down his cheek. “I didn’t know. I had no idea.”
Lila’s expression softened ever so slightly. “I wasn’t here to punish you. I came because you invited me. You wanted to show me how successful you’ve become.”
He stood slowly, the weight of reality settling over him. “And now I realize I’ve missed six years of my greatest success.”
The wedding planner gently tapped his shoulder. “Five minutes until we start.”
Cassandra was already pacing, visibly furious.
Alexander turned back to Lila and the children. “I need time… I want to get to know them. Can we talk?”
Lila hesitated before nodding. “That depends. Do you want to be a father now, or just a man who got caught?”
Her question pierced deeper than any headline or stock dip ever could.
“I want to be their father,” he replied quietly, his voice cracking. “If you’ll let me.”
The wedding never took place.

