Two years passed in the blink of an eye.
Alexander and Eleanor had settled into a quiet, content life in their London townhouse. He had shifted his business priorities, no longer sacrificing every waking moment for work. He still attended meetings, made investments, and secured his company's future—but this time, he made it home for dinner.
And now, his world was about to change forever.
Eleanor's screams echoed through the hospital corridor.
Alexander paced outside the delivery room, his hands clenched into fists. His heart pounded in his chest. He had been here before, two decades ago, but he barely remembered it. He had been present for Edward's birth, yes—but only in the physical sense.
That day, he had spent most of his time on the phone, responding to business calls. He had held his son for mere minutes before handing him to the nurse and stepping out to finalize a deal.
Not this time.
This time, he would be there.
The door swung open, and a nurse appeared. "Mr. Whitmore, your wife is asking for you."
Without hesitation, Alexander rushed inside.
Eleanor was exhausted, her hair damp with sweat, but her face was glowing. She was cradling a small, fragile bundle wrapped in a soft blue blanket.
"Meet Edward," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.
Alexander's breath hitched. He stepped closer, staring down at the tiny face peeking out from the blanket. His son. His second chance.
Eleanor smiled tiredly. "Would you like to hold him?"
Alexander's hands shook as he reached out, gently taking his son into his arms. The moment their skin touched, something inside him cracked wide open.
Edward Whitmore was so small, his fingers curling slightly, his breathing soft and steady. In his past life, Alexander had barely looked at him in those first moments. But now, he memorized every detail—his son's delicate features, his tiny fingers, the warmth of his body.
Tears burned at the back of his eyes. He had wasted so much time before. So many lost moments.
He pressed a kiss to Edward's forehead.
"I love you," he whispered. "And I will never let you feel otherwise."
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