My Billionaire Ex Beg For A Second Chance-Chapter 191: Not Him, But You

Monday mornings had a rhythm of their own. Katherine found herself settling into the familiar pattern, one that comforted her even when her thoughts were anything but quiet. The soft clink of ceramic as she set down her coffee cup, the muffled sound of cartoon voices from living room, and the low hum of the city waking up beyond the apartment windows, all of it wove together into something steady. Something she could count on.

Leonard had already left.

"I have an early meeting," he’d told her in that low, slightly apologetic tone he used when trying not to make a bigger deal of things than necessary. "I’ll see you tonight."

Katherine had only nodded, tying her robe tighter around her waist. "Drive safe."

And now, it was just her and the twins.

"Nathan, Maya, let’s go! Bags!" she called as she zipped up her own purse and tossed her laptop bag over her shoulder. Her heels clicked across floor as she crossed toward the hallway, straightening the collar of her blouse on the way.

Maya came barreling out first, a flash of energy in sneakers and a crooked backpack. "Ready!"

Nathan followed a beat later, adjusting his shirt. "She forgot her water bottle again."

"I did not!" Maya huffed and turned back toward their room in a dramatic spin.

Katherine chuckled under her breath. Even on tired Mondays, they found ways to fill the silence.

By the time they reached the car, the morning sun had risen enough to paint the apartment building in gold and white. Katherine helped them both into the backseat, then slid into the driver’s side, adjusting the mirror as the twins chattered away about weekend cartoons and the leftover cake at Winston’s house.

"I still think Julio’s mom makes better frosting," Maya announced as they stopped at a red light.

Katherine smiled faintly. "Don’t let Claudio hear you say that."

"Why?" Nathan asked, curious as always.

"Because he takes cake very seriously," she replied with mock gravity.

The twins giggled, and for a brief moment, Katherine allowed herself to laugh with them. The stress from the weekend, the heaviness of returning to Winston’s house, the way Leonard had quietly withdrawn after dinner, lingered somewhere behind her ribs, but it didn’t cling as tightly this morning.

At school, the drop-off was as familiar as ever. Children spilled out of cars, lunchboxes in hand, backpacks bouncing. Parents called out reminders: "Eat your fruit!" "Don’t forget piano practice!", and Katherine joined the chorus as she parked and walked the twins to the front gate.

"Alright, you two." She crouched a little so they could hear her above the morning chaos. "Be kind, stay focused, and try not to argue during science, okay?"

Nathan nodded solemnly. Maya gave her a kiss on the cheek before darting toward the entrance.

"Love you, Mom!" they both said over their shoulders, waving enthusiastically.

Katherine waved back, her smile lingering even as their small forms disappeared into the crowd of students.

It was only when she slid back into the car, silence settling like a shawl over her shoulders, that she allowed her face to relax into something less performative. She was tired.

Not from lack of sleep, necessarily. But from everything else.

She took a moment before starting the engine, her fingers tightening around the steering wheel.

Ten minutes later, she pulled into the parking lot of the office.

The towering glass building shimmered under the morning light, its reflection stark against the pale blue sky. Katherine parked in her usual spot and took a moment to glance at herself in the mirror. Lipstick: intact. Eyes: tired, but passable. She pushed a few loose strands of hair behind her ear and grabbed her laptop bag from the passenger seat.

As she stepped out and walked across the lot, the sound of her heels echoed faintly against the pavement. The breeze tugged lightly at her blouse, and the scent of coffee from the nearby café drifted through the air.

That’s when she noticed the figure standing near the entrance.

At first, she thought it was a client or maybe one of the junior execs waiting for someone. But as she walked closer, the figure turned, and her heart gave a small, involuntary stutter.

Lara Johanssen.

She looked perfectly out of place and yet entirely composed. Leaning lightly against the stone column outside the main doors, her long beige coat cinched neatly at the waist, sunglasses perched in her hand rather than on her face. Her dark red lipstick contrasted sharply with the pale morning light, and her posture, relaxed but clearly intentional, spoke volumes.

Katherine slowed, but didn’t stop walking.

Their eyes met.

Lara smiled. "Good morning."

Katherine returned the smile, though hers was more cautious. "Good morning, Miss Johanssen I wasn’t expecting to see you here."

"Didn’t think I would be, either," Lara replied smoothly. She pushed off from the column and took a step forward, her heels whispering against the concrete. "Though, I’m surprised you know who I am."

Katherine kept her posture steady, fingers lightly curled at her sides. "Mr. Crawfordnmentioned your name."

"Of course he did," Lara said, letting out a soft, amused breath. "He always did have a loose tongue when he wanted to make someone feel special."

"Are you here to see Mr. Crawford?"

"What do you think?"

There was a brief pause, Katherine shifted her weight slightly. "If you’re looking for him, I believe he’s already upstairs. I can let him know you’re here."

But Lara shook her head, smiling with something more cryptic this time.

"Oh no. I’m not here for him." She tilted her head, eyes sharp but unreadable. "I’m here to see you."

Katherine stilled.

It wasn’t fear she felt. Not quite. But there was a shift in the atmosphere, like something invisible had just dropped into place between them. Her fingers tightened subtly around her laptop bag strap.

"...Me?"

Lara’s smile deepened, but there was no malice in it. Only intention. "Yes. Let’s talk. Just you and me."