The Ex-Wife of the Billionaire

Chapter 18

Cole didn't say a word, but left the room with a melancholy expression.

TWO HOURS LATER:

Everything was set for the party. Most of the guests have already arrived, although Cole doesn't seem very happy, for the most part.

Things seemed to be going as planned-however, out of nowhere, a clown unexpectedly appeared. Cole became distracted, and, I have to admit, its tricks were better than the clowns that Sophia and I hired.

"For the last trick of the night, I would like the birthday boy to come on stage," the clown requested.

"So tell me, Cole, what do you want the most?" it asked.

"I want-" Cole started, but was cut off.

"Not so loud! We don't want everybody to hear." Mr. Smitten (the clown) whispered. "Write it down here." He gave Cole a piece of paper, who promptly wrote on it, concentrating hard with his eyebrows furrowed. How cute, I thought silently.

"Okay Cole. Hold this paper to show everyone that I didn't change his request." it said.

"Now, at the count of 3, the lights will turn off. In ten seconds, Cole's wish will come true." the clown boomed, and when the lights turned back on, I had to readjust my sight but I did hear it clearly when Cole whispered reverently, "Pappa."And, truth to be told, there stood Ashton where the clown used to be, and Cole went straight towards Ashton's loving arms.

(FLASHBACK OVER)

By the end of the party, Cole seemed to be the happiest kid in the world. Even though it was slightly awkward, Cole requested pictures, and, among them, was a picture of Ashton, Cole and I.

During the party, I couldn't deny the fact that I felt a bit envious from all the attention Ashton got from Cole, but I shrugged it off, still feeling a little unsettled.

"Let's go" Nick said. In the midst of my thoughts, I hadn't realized that the courtroom had cleared and we were the only ones remaining. Blushing, I walked out of the courtroom-and straight into Ashton.

"Can we talk?" he asked.

I was about to respond with a no until a realization hit me. From now on, I had to talk to him because he now has a say in Cole's life, and there was no way I would let my son be harmed for my sake.

"Okay, but not now. Here." I said, giving him my card, which contained my contact information. "I'd prefer a more secluded area to talk and I don't want my son's life to be ruined by the gossip mill." I stated.

"Understandable," he said.

"I'll call you tomorrow so we can talk in detail." he said.

I nodded and walked away, leaving him standing behind in the entranceway of the courtroom.

Walking outside, I was met with the flashes of the camera and the questions of curious reporters.

"Are you happy with the judge's decision?" one asked.

"Will you try to repeal the decision?" said another.

I ignored them and, with the help of my security, walked to the car, where Nick and Sophia were waiting for me.

"Alex, we can still repeal the court's decision" Nick asked.

"No, Nick, it's time to accept it, and I have to do it for Cole. He wants his father in his life, and I won't take it away from him" I said.

He looked at me as though I have finally learned a life lesson.

"I'm proud of you, and your parents and grandfather would've been proud of you decision as well." He exclaimed with a smile.

I smiled back as I turned to hug Sophia, who was quietly listening to the conversation.

"Thanks for being with me." I said.

"Wouldn't leave you for anything." she smiled.

It only took half an hour to arrive home, where Cole and Daniel, who had left during the break, were waiting for me.

"Mamma, I missed you." Cole said as he caught sight of me, and ran towards me with a huge smile on his face, Daniel appearing behind him.

"I miss you too." I said, making him smile even more.

"Ti amo Mamma, and me and Daniel made you something! Let me go look for it!" Cole exitedly said, and ran away to get his present.

"I hope he didn't tire you out." I said to Daniel.

"The little guy is amazing." he said, smiling at me.

"How do you feel about the judge's decision? You seem to be taking it well." He stated.

"Yeah, I am, and thank you for standing by my side." I said sincerely.

"I know." he said walking towards me.

He came closer, and I didn't stop him. The closer he came, the more anxious I was. When he was right in front of me, it felt as though my breath caught in my throat. He leaned forward, and followed. I didn't stop him, and I didn't feel like doing so anyway. It was time for me to move on, to start a new chapter in my life. Maybe I didn't love Daniel the way he deserves to be loved at this moment, but I realized in that moment that I cared for him deeply, and I was more than willing to give us a chance.

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I KNOW I'VE BEEN GONE FOR ALMOST A MONTH AND I HOPE THAT YOU GUYS ENJOY THE NEW CHAPTER. ALSO, HAPPY NEW YEAR AND I HOPE THIS YEAR BRINGS GREAT THINGS FOR ALL OF YOU.

XxxMaddy