Chapter 15

Kathryn’s POV

As I retreated, leaving the door ajar, I was startled to find my ex-husband standing before me. The surprise on his face mirrored my own, and we stood there in silence for what felt like an eternity.

An array of emotions rushed through my mind; they were a tumultuous mix of the affection I once held for him and the resentment I harbored toward him and his family for their treatment of me during our marriage. These emotions often left me seeking solace in the confines of our bedroom, desperate to numb the pain that gnawed at my chest.

But those days are behind me now, several years have passed since our divorce. I should have been fine by now.

The two of us engaged in a mini-staredown, silently taking in each other's appearance after five years apart. Wilhelm’s features hadn’t changed a bit since the night I left home to raise our twins alone. His dark eyes, usually suspicious-looking, briefly softened as they met mine before returning to their cool demeanor.

“My son,” he