My Billionaire Ex Beg For A Second Chance-Chapter 156: It’s Time

Katherine stood behind Maya, parting her daughter’s silky hair to begin braiding it into pigtails. The little girl wiggled a little in place, more from excitement than discomfort.

Maya beamed up at her, her big brown eyes shining with anticipation. "Please make me pretty, Mommy," she said, her voice filled with hope.

"Of course, sweetheart," Katherine replied, leaning down to press a kiss to the top of her daughter’s head. Maya giggled, the sound a mixture of innocence and joy. Katherine couldn’t help but laugh, her heart swelling with love for the little girl who was already so full of personality.

As she finished adjusting Maya’s hair, Katherine glanced over at Nathan, who was sitting on the couch nearby, quietly watching them. His gaze was focused on the small, wrapped gift in his hands, his fingers tracing the edges as though afraid it would slip away if he wasn’t paying close attention.

The days had slipped by in a blur, and now, suddenly, it was time for Julio’s birthday party.

Earlier that morning, Leonard had stopped by briefly. He said he had something to take care of and wouldn’t be going with them to the party. Katherine had only nodded in response, brushing off with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Not that she expected they would go together...

"Where did Uncle Leonard go?" Maya asked suddenly, her voice lilting with innocent curiosity.

"I don’t know, sweetheart," Katherine murmured, tying a pink ribbon at the base of the braid.

Nathan walked in just then, holding one sneaker and frowning. "Adults really are all busy."

Katherine laughed softly. "We are. But don’t worry, we’ll meet him later at the party."

As the twins got themselves ready—Maya hopping on one foot trying to get her shoes on while Nathan fussed over the gift bag’s handles—Katherine’s thoughts wandered. It wasn’t just Julio’s birthday. It was the day she would inevitably see Claudio and Paula again.

Years had passed. She wondered if they would remember her. If Leonard had told them anything—about meeting her again, about the twins, about... everything.

Her stomach twisted.

She shook the thoughts off and glanced at her phone. 12:45.

Perfect timing.

"Alright, let’s go," she said, gathering her purse and slipping her phone inside.

Nathan and Maya each clutched their chosen gifts with care. Maya held the box with the robot like it was a sacred artifact, while Nathan tucked the storybook under his arm as if it held secrets only he knew.

They took the elevator down and stepped out into the warm afternoon. Katherine drove in silence as the twins chatted in the backseat about what kind of cake Julio might have. Every now and then, she nodded or gave a hum of agreement, her mind distant.

It wasn’t long before they arrived.

The house—no, mansion—loomed in front of them like a memory that refused to fade. Tall wrought iron gates, manicured hedges, and polished windows glinting in the sun. The same driveway. The same steps. It hadn’t changed much.

Katherine parked and sat still for a moment, hands gripping the steering wheel. The nerves she thought she’d buried began to crawl back up her spine. Maybe this was a mistake.

But then two little hands reached from the back and tugged at her shoulders.

"Mom! Come on! We’re going to be late!" Nathan’s voice was urgent.

Maya added, "Let’s goooo! Julio’s waiting!"

With a shaky exhale, Katherine opened her door. "Alright, alright. Let’s go."

They walked to the entrance, Katherine a step behind them, her heels clicking softly against the polished stone. She smoothed her blouse, adjusted her purse, and straightened her shoulders.

Inside, the house was alive with chatter and children’s laughter. The foyer was decorated with balloons in shades of blue and silver, and a large banner that read "Happy Birthday Julio!" hung over the staircase.

Nathan spotted Julio first.

"There he is!" he shouted, taking off with Maya in tow.

Katherine watched as they ran to the birthday boy, who stood near a table stacked with presents. Julio was unmistakably Claudio’s son—same sharp features, same dark, intelligent eyes. He had Paula’s smile though, wide and easy.

"Happy Birthday!" Nathan and Maya said in unison, handing him their gifts.

"Thank you, guys," Julio said, grinning brightly

Katherine finally stepped forward. "Hi, Julio," she said gently.

The boy turned to her, tilting his head. "Are you their mom?"

"I am. I’m Katherine."

Julio nodded. "Nice to meet you."

"You too. Happy birthday, by the way. You’ve got a very cool party."

Katherine smiled at Julio’s bright grin. It’s not a white lie. It’s true. The party really was cool.

The decorations were a vibrant burst of colors, everything in shades of blue and orange, like a bright, tropical sunset. Bright balloons floated near the ceiling, some shaped like rockets, others in the form of animals. In one corner, a table was covered in plates of cupcakes, each decorated with colorful sprinkles, and a punch bowl sat nearby, a cheery mix of fruit slices floating on top of sparkling lemonade.

As her gaze shifted to the backyard, Katherine noticed something she hadn’t seen at first—through the large sliding glass doors, past a group of children gathered around a colorful piñata.

"Hi, there. Are you the twins mom?"

The voice sent a cold jolt down her spine.

She turned.

Claudio and Paula stood a few feet away, smiling politely. Claudio’s hand rested on Paula’s back, their posture relaxed and welcoming until recognition hit them like a wave. Their expressions shifted—Claudio’s jaw slackened, and Paula’s eyes widened.

"Katherine?!"

Claudio’s mouth worked for a moment, as if trying to find the right words, but nothing came out. Paula, standing beside him, seemed equally stunned. Her eyes darted from Katherine to the twins, their chatter still echoing in the background, blissfully unaware of the tension that had suddenly enveloped the corner of the party.

They looked at her as if they had seen a ghost.

Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all...