CHAPTER 112: JUST THE THREE OF US

After finding out who Zeke really is, Claire refuses to leave his side. She clings to her father wherever he goes.

Her actions and the way she looks at him make Zeke feel a deep pang of guilt, because now he can clearly see just how much Claire doesn’t want to be apart from him.

Zeke silently makes a promise to himself, to love Claire even more, to give her all the affection a father should. The kind of love she’s always dreamed of.

He may not be able to change the past, but from now on, he’ll make sure Claire never has to feel that kind of loneliness again.

"So, what do you want to do next with Daddy?" Zeke asks as they sit on the floor, surrounded by Claire’s dolls in her playroom. "Anything you want, I’ll say yes to it all."

Claire’s eyes light up. "Really? You’ll say yes to everything?"

"Of course. Whatever my princess wants, Daddy will make it happen. So... is there anything special you want to do with me?"

"I want to go to the amusement park!" she exclaims.

Zeke’s smile falters for a second. He wasn’t expecting that. Not because he doesn’t want to take her but because amusement parks are packed. Crowded. Thousands of people. And he still hasn’t figured out who’s targeting Cass and Claire. If someone tries to hurt them again, that kind of place would be a nightmare.

But he doesn’t want to disappoint her.

"If that’s what you want," Zeke says softly, "then we’ll go to the amusement park."

Claire jumps up, cheering with excitement, then throws her arms around him. "Thank you, Daddy!"

Zeke hugs her tightly, warmth spreading through his chest. "Anything for you, my princess."

"When are we going?" she asks, already buzzing with anticipation.

"We’ll ask your mommy first, okay? If she says yes, then we’re good to go."

Claire nods happily.

In the back of his mind, Zeke is already planning ahead, if they’re really going, he’ll rent out the entire amusement park for a full day. No risks. No strangers. Just safety, fun, and smiles for Claire.

Claire excitedly grabs Zeke’s hand and says, "Let’s ask Mommy!"

Zeke doesn’t argue, he simply follows her with a small smile tugging at his lips.

She drags him toward Cassidy’s bedroom door and knocks twice.

A few seconds later, the door swings open. Cassidy stands there in a bathrobe, her damp hair wrapped in a towel. Clearly fresh out of the shower.

Zeke freezes for a moment, caught off guard. Even though she’s fully covered, the sight of her bare collarbone and the soft skin peeking through the robe stirs something in him. His throat tightens, and he quickly turns his gaze away, a faint warmth creeping up his neck.

"What is it, sweetheart?" Cassidy asks, focusing on Claire, completely unaware of Zeke’s reaction.

"Mommy, Daddy promised to take me to the amusement park!" Claire announces with a grin. "But he said I need your permission first. Can we go?"

Cassidy shifts her gaze to Zeke, who now looks much calmer at least on the outside.

Cassidy arches a brow at Zeke, arms crossed loosely over her bathrobe. "Amusement park?" she asks, half surprised, half amused.

Zeke clears his throat and nods, trying to act calm even though he’s not. "Yeah. I asked her what she wanted to do with me, and that’s what she chose. I couldn’t say no."

Cassidy looks down at Claire, who’s practically bouncing in place.

"Please, Mommy? Can we go? Just us. Mommy, Daddy, and me!" Claire says with a big, hopeful grin, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Zeke doesn’t miss the way Cassidy softens at the sight of their daughter so excited. She sighs, then glances back at Zeke.

"It’s going to be crowded. Are you sure it’s safe?"

"I’ll take care of it," Zeke replies, his voice low but steady. "I’ll make sure the place is secure. If she really wants this, I’ll make it happen."

Cassidy studies him for a moment. There’s a silent understanding in her eyes, a mix of trust, reluctance, and something unspoken that passes between them.

Finally, she nods. "Alright. But I want full details on your plan before we go."

Zeke nods once. "Deal."

"Yay!" Claire jumps up and down, throwing her arms around Cassidy first, then turning to Zeke. "We’re going to the amusement park."

Zeke chuckles, catching her mid-jump. "We are, princess. Just give me a little time to make everything perfect."

Zeke clears his throat and asks casually, "Why are you only just taking a shower?"

Cassidy leans against the doorframe, adjusting the towel on her head. "Georgia stopped by earlier," she says. "I didn’t get the chance until now."

Zeke nods in understanding. "Got it," he replies simply, then gently nudges Claire. "Come on, let’s wait in the living room."

Claire follows him without protest, her hand still holding onto his.

They settle on the couch, side by side. Claire leans half her body into him, resting her head comfortably against his arm.

Zeke glances at the watch on his wrist. It’s already 08.30 P.M.

He gently takes Claire’s small hand and asks, "Is my princess not sleepy yet?"

Claire lets out a tiny yawn and rubs her eyes. "Just a little bit," she whispers, her voice sleepy and soft.

"Then maybe it’s time for bed," Zeke says, brushing a few strands of her hair behind her ear. "If you’re sleepy, just go ahead and sleep."

Claire looks up at him with hopeful eyes. "Can daddy read me a bedtime story?"

Zeke smiles without hesitation. "Of course I can. I’d love to. Come on, let’s go to your room. I’ll stay until you fall asleep."

He gets up and holds out a hand, expecting her to take it. But instead, Claire lifts both arms toward him—clearly asking to be carried.

Zeke chuckles softly, his gaze warm. Without a word, he leans down and lifts her into his arms, holding her close as he walks to her bedroom.

He lays her down gently on the bed and tucks the blanket over her.

"What story would you like to hear?" he asks, sitting beside her.

Claire’s eyes wander up to the ceiling as if searching for an idea. Her lashes flutter, and then she turns to Zeke with a small, hopeful smile.

"Daddy... can you tell me a story I’ve never heard before? A brand new one? Please?" she says.

Zeke smiles gently. "You want a story you’ve never heard before?"

Claire nods eagerly, her eyes wide with anticipation.

"All right. Daddy will tell you one."

Claire gazes up at him, eyes shining with expectation.

"Once upon a time, there was a little prince," Zeke begins, his voice low and calm. "This little prince had everything. Castles, toys, even a tiny dragon who could blow bubbles instead of fire."

Claire lets out a small giggle, already hooked.

"But because he had so much, the little prince slowly forgot how to be kind. As he grew older, he became a proud prince. He thought he didn’t need anyone."

Zeke pauses and glances at Claire, who’s watching him with wide, curious eyes.

"But one day," he continues softly, "the prince’s grandfather summoned him to the palace. He told the prince it was time to marry a princess."

Claire’s eyelids flutter sleepily.

"The prince didn’t know what to say... so he simply nodded and agreed to marry the beautiful princess."

Claire doesn’t answer. She’s already asleep, breathing softly.

Zeke smiles and gently kisses her forehead. "Sweet dreams, princess."

He rises quietly and leaves her room, careful not to make a sound as he closes the door.

Cassidy is already waiting for him in the living room, now changed into her pajamas. Her hair is loose, and there’s a soft calmness in her expression.

"Is Claire asleep?" she asks.

Zeke nods and takes a seat beside her, close but not too close.

"You did well tonight," Cassidy says, her voice gentle, referring to how he’d opened up to Claire about who he truly was.

"You handled it well too," Zeke replies quietly.

Cassidy lets out a sigh. "I let my emotions get the best of me. You must’ve been surprised."

Zeke offers a small smile, his eyes lingering on her face. "You’ve raised her so well," he says softly. "She’s become who she is because of you. So, please stop blaming yourself. I forgave you a long time ago."

Cassidy says, "Thank you for understanding."

Zeke lets out a quiet chuckle, breaking the heavy mood between them. "Of course."

His light tone pulls a small smile from her. The sorrowful air that lingered between them starts to fade, like a shadow slowly retreating.

***