My Billionaire Ex Beg For A Second Chance-Chapter 209: Testing the Water

The clinking of dishes and the soft rush of running water filled the kitchen. Katherine stood at the sink, sleeves rolled up, shoulders tense as she scrubbed at a plate with more force than necessary. The sunlight streaming in from the small window above the sink caught on the wet strands of hair that had escaped her ponytail, making them glisten like tiny shards of glass.

In the living room, Maya and Nathan were sprawled on the floor, surrounded by the toys Leonard had brought. Maya was making her plush animal hop across the carpet, while Nathan was concentrating on fitting puzzle pieces together, his brows knit in quiet focus. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Leonard lingered by the dining table, watching Katherine’s back. He could feel the thin wall she’d built up since the news segment played earlier. She hadn’t said much after breakfast, speaking only to the twins, her voice polite but clipped when it came to him.

He picked up his coffee cup, took a slow sip, and then set it down. Enough waiting.

Walking toward her, he let his tone stay casual, even curious, though every word was chosen with care.

"So... about that engagement news earlier," he began, leaning against the doorway to the kitchen. "Was it true? I mean... since you’re his secretary, you’d probably know, right?"

Katherine didn’t turn around. "You’re asking if it’s true," she repeated flatly. "And you say you’re not being nosy?"

Leonard chuckled softly, lifting his palms in mock surrender. "I’m just asking. Not prying. Just... interested."

She slammed the plate onto the drying rack, water droplets scattering across the counter. Then she spun halfway toward him, eyes flashing. "Isn’t that the same thing?"

Her tone was sharp, enough to make the twins’ playful chatter in the other room falter for a moment before resuming.

Leonard didn’t flinch. Instead, he softened his voice, tilting his head as though trying to soothe a skittish animal. "Alright, maybe it is. But... I thought we could talk. You’ve been quiet all morning."

"I’ve been quiet because I’m tired," she snapped, turning back to the sink. "And because every time I think about it, I-" She cut herself off, shaking her head.

He stepped closer, his shoes silent on the tile. "You what?"

Katherine let out a heavy breath. "I get angry. And confused. And then angry again. And none of it changes anything, so what’s the point?"

For a moment, Leonard said nothing, just watching her hands move, brisk, efficient, as though scrubbing dishes could scrub away thoughts.

"Hey," he said quietly, "I’m not here to upset you. I just..." He hesitated, making sure the words came out soft, almost hesitant. "I care about you, Katherine. And the twins. I want to know what’s going on so I can... I don’t know. Be here for you."

Her shoulders eased a fraction, but her voice stayed firm. "I know. And I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you."

Leonard smiled faintly. "It’s fine. You’ve got a lot on your plate. Literally."

That earned him the ghost of a smile, quick and fleeting, before she turned back to rinse another glass.

The sound of small footsteps pattering toward the kitchen broke the moment. Maya appeared first, clutching her plush animal, Nathan trailing just behind her.

"Mommy," Maya began, tilting her head, "what’s... engagement?"

Katherine froze, her hands still under the running water. His gaze drifting from the kitchen counter to the twins.

He noticed the slight tension in her frame, the way her fingers stilled for a second. She’d heard the question as clearly as he had.

He’d caught them earlier, eyes glued to the screen as the segment played over and over, Felix’s name, that word flashing bold in the ticker at the bottom: Engagement.

It hadn’t taken a genius to guess what they were wondering.

But Leonard hadn’t said a word.

So that’s what had been swirling around in their little heads all evening.

Maya’s question hung in the air, light but loaded, like a pebble dropped into deep water. Nathan lingered just behind her, chin tucked in, eyes shifting between his sister and their mother, clearly curious but waiting for someone else to bridge the gap.

Leonard kept his expression neutral. He could answer them easily enough. Give them the neat, simple definition they were looking for. But where was the point in that? This wasn’t his conversation to lead.

Besides, part of him wanted to see how Katherine would handle it, if she’d deflect, explain, or let the question slip past like she often did when something brushed too close to topics she didn’t want to touch.

Katherine’s lips pressed together. "It’s... complicated."

Leonard crouched down so he was eye-level with them, smiling warmly. "It’s not that complicated, actually."

The twins turned their attention to him, curious.

"An engagement," Leonard explained, "is when two people decide they’re going to get married. It’s like a promise. They tell everyone they’re going to be together."

Maya’s brows furrowed. "So Uncle Fel gonna marry that lady?"

Leonard tilted his head slightly, as though weighing his words. "If they stay engaged, yes. That’s usually what it means."

Nathan frowned. "But then... does that mean Uncle Felix won’t be here with us anymore?"

Katherine opened her mouth, but Leonard spoke first, his tone gentle, almost sad. "Sometimes, when people get married, their lives change. They might live somewhere else. They might... not be around as much."

The twins looked at each other, their little faces clouded with confusion. Katherine shot Leonard a sharp look over their heads, but he kept his expression serene.

"But you know what?" he continued, placing a hand lightly on each of their shoulders. "You don’t need to worry. Even if Felix... even if Uncle Felix isn’t here with you anymore, I will be. Always. Okay?"

Maya tilted her head. "Always?"

"Always," Leonard said, his smile warm but his eyes sharp with a satisfaction he didn’t bother to hide from himself.

Behind him, Katherine turned back to the sink, the water still running, her knuckles white around the sponge.