Our Daddy

Chapter 50 

Irene couldn’t shake off the tingling sensation in her fingertips as she stood at her doorstep. Her heart was doing weird little flips that she absolutely refused to acknowledge. Sure, Adam’s lips had been surprisingly soft for someone so icy, but that was so not what she should be thinking about right now. 

“Get a grip, girl,” she muttered, giving her burning cheeks a few sha pats. The last thing she needed was to turn into one of those swooning heroines from those romance novels she definitely didn’t read. Nope. Not happening. 

Her internal freak–out was interrupted by the front door flying open. Three adorable tornadoes came barreling out, eyes sparkling with concern. 

“Mom!” they chorused in perfect sync. “What took you so long?” 

“Just wrestling with a stubborn patient,” Irene sighed, kicking off her heels. “Mr. Haven needed some… convincing to cooperate with his physical therapy.” 

Lucas struck his best ‘disappointed parent‘ pose, hands on hips and everything. “Uncle Adam is being bad! He has to listen to the doctor!” The way his little face scrunched up in righteous indignation was too precious for words. 

“Seriously!” Alex nodded wisely. “How does he expect to get better if he won’t follow instructions?” 

Lily bounced around, her curls going wild. “We should totally go give him a talking–to!” 

Watching her kids playing mini–doctors melted away any lingering awkwardness from earlier. Trust her little ones to turn everything 

into an adorable intervention. 

Meanwhile, across town, a very different family drama was unfolding Mike and Jenny sat awkwardly on Anna’s sofa, their fast–food uniforms making them look deeply out of place. When Ethan walked in, they jumped up like startled rabbits. 

“Where on earth have you been?” Jenny’s hands were doing that nervous dance they always did when she was stressed. “We’ve been going out of our minds!” 

“Out.” Ethan was already backing toward the door like the walls might close in on him. 

Before his parents could launch into full interrogation mode, Anna swooped in from the bathroom, face mask still on. “I’ve called a car,” she announced with all the warmth of an ice sculpture. “Find yourselves a hotel.” 

“Wow.” Ethan’s voice dripped with disdain. “Real classy, kicking out your own parents.” 

Mike and Jenny stood frozen between their children, looking lost and uncertain until they finally shuffled out, shoulders slumped in 

defeat. 

Later, in a hotel room that had definitely seen better days, Ethan’s phone buzzed. His heart lifted instantly when he saw who was 

messaging. 

[Did you get home safe?] 

His fingers couldn’t type fast enough: [About that… Anna kicked us out. We’re staying at a hotel tonight.] 

Irene’s response was instant: [What? I’m sending you money right now. Find somewhere safe to stay. Text me the address when you’re settled.] 

“Let me guess – Anna?” Mike tried to sneak a peek at the screen. 

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Chapter 50 

“As if. Ethan’s eyes rolled skyward. “It’s my real sister. You know, the one who actually gives a damn? 

Jenny’s face pinched with worry. “Ethan! Don’t be like that. Anna could do so much for your future…” 

“Right, because throwing us out in the middle of the night is such sierly love. The bitterness in his voice could’ve curdled milk. “Meanwhile, Irene who you all treated like dirt is making sure we have a safe place to stay. But sure, keep dreaming about Anna’s help!” 

Mike shifted uncomfortably. “Well, Irene owes us. We did raise her.” 

“Raised her?” Ethan’s hands clenched into fists. “You mean before you kicked her to the curb when she needed you most? That kind of raising?” 

Morning found Ethan at Silver City Station, his phone becoming his feline once again. 

[Catching the morning train home. I’ll visit again soon, sis.] 

[Stay safe. Door’s always open for you.] The message wrapped around him like a warm hug. 

Just as one sibling bond was strengthening across the miles, three tiny troublemakers were launching their morning assault next door. The triplets, decked out in matching PJs, lined up at Adam’s front door like the world’s most adorable SWAT team. 

“Morning, Butler Grandpa!” Their synchronized greeting could’ve melted stone. 

The butler’s stern expression softened instantly. “Kids… Mr. Haven’s still sleeping…” 

“Perfect timing then!” They marched in like they owned the place. 

Minutes later, they had Adam’s bedroom surrounded. The man himself woke instantly – apparently, CEOs were light sleepers. 

“Uncle Adam!” Lily’s voice was bright enough to pierce through any morning gloom. “Exercise time!” 

Adam squinted at his clock like it had personally offended him. “At this hour?” 

“The air is super clean now!” Alex explained with the patience of a kindergarten teacher dealing with a particularly slow student. 

Thomas stumbled in looking like a zombie, pushing Adam’s wheelchair while fighting a losing battle with consciousness. 

Lucas gave him the once–over and shook his head. “Thomas Uncle, this is bad! No exercise, too much work – you’re gonna end up bald and alone forever!” 

The look on Thomas’s face was priceless. Nothing like getting life advice from a five–year–old to start your day. 

“Uncle Adam! The triplets turned their attention to him. “Don’t forget your stretches! Mom says it’s super important for circulation.” 

Adam found himself pinned by three sets of earnest eyes as Alex demonstrated the upper body movements they’d watched their mom teach. “Like this, see?” 

“And you!” The triplets spotted their great–grandfather trying to sneak past. “Back exercises! Mom says you have to do them three times a day to get better!” 

He surrendered immediately, settling into his prescribed routine. “Alright, alright. You’re worse than your 

mother.” 

As sunlight flooded the room, Adam found himself carefully following the gentle stretching exercises while seated in his wheelchair. 

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Thomas tried his best to keep up between yawns, while their great–grandfather worked through his back strengthening routine with surprising dedication. 

And if anyone noticed how the intimidating CEO’s expression softened whenever tiny hands adjusted his posture? Well, some secrets were worth keeping. 

Back in her kitchen, Irene prepared breakfast with practiced efficiency, occasionally glancing out her window at the morning exercise session next door. Her lips curved into a small smile as she watched her children masterfully managing their reluctant patients. 

Some distances, she reflected, were meant to be bridged by small hands and pure hearts. And some wounds, perhaps, could be healed by more than just medicine.