Chapter 67: A Step Toward Change

The next morning, Elias woke up with a new resolve. He had made a promise—not just to Lani and the kids, but to himself.

He couldn't keep pushing them away.

He needed to find balance.

As he got dressed for work, Lani watched him from the bed. "You're thinking hard about something," she noted.

Elias buttoned his shirt, turning to her. "I'm thinking about asking my boss for a schedule adjustment."

Lani blinked, surprised. "Really?"

He nodded. "I'll still work hard, but I won't let it take over my life. I don't want to miss out on our kids growing up."

A slow smile spread across Lani's face. "That's all I wanted to hear."

Elias leaned down, kissing her forehead. "I should've listened sooner."

Lani smirked. "Yeah, you should have."

Elias chuckled. "I'll let you know how it goes."

Just as he turned to leave, Lily and Luca burst into the room.

"Daddy! Are you staying home today?" Lily asked, her eyes hopeful.

Elias knelt to her level, cupping her small face. "Not today, baby. But I promise I'll be home for dinner, okay?"

Lily pouted. "You better."

Luca crossed his arms. "If you break your promise, we're not talking to you for a week."

Elias chuckled. "Noted."

Lani shook her head with a smile. "Alright, go eat breakfast, you two."

As the kids ran off, Elias squeezed Lani's hand one last time before heading to work.

He wasn't sure how his boss would take the request, but he knew one thing for certain.

He was done letting work steal time away from his family.

To be continued…