Chapter Eight

Adrien

My kids.They were mine, and that knowledge stirred conflicting emotions within me. Rosalie's secrecy left me torn between happiness and anger. Five lost years deprived me of witnessing their first steps, hearing their first words, and celebrating each birthday.

A voice in my head reminded me, "You wanted out; you divorced the woman. What did you expect?" Closing my eyes, I acknowledged the painful truth. Rosalie's silence about her pregnancy was a consequence of my decision, fueled by my resentment.

As I muttered a curse, memories of Serena's revelation about Rosalie's illness on the day we'd signed the divorce papers replayed in my mind. Regret filled me. I had blamed Rosalie for separating me from Yvette, so there was no way she'd have been able to tell me about her pregnancy.

The girl's concerned voice interrupted my thoughts. "Are you alright, sir?"

"I'm fine." I reassured her with a smile, rising to my feet. Addressing the woman accompanying my children, I urged, "Ta