lan turned back to look at her, amusement flashing in his eyes. "Finally remembered to take care of my health?"

"Do you want me to pick up the herbs for you?" she asked, knowing he probably didn't have the time.

"Sure. Thanks," he didn't refuse.

She nodded, lowering her gaze. "Okay. I'll get them and brew the medicine for you."

Seeing her respond so gently, his Adam's apple bobbed. His gaze drifted to her smooth forehead, then down to her slightly pursed, rosy lips.

She seemed exceptionally sweet and proactive tonight.

It felt like a feather gently brushing against his heart, making him desperately want to pull her into his arms just to prove this was real.

Seeing he hadn't moved, she looked up, only for him to take a sudden step forward. Before she could react, he leaned down and pressed an incredibly tender kiss to her forehead.

"Goodnight, Ellie," he murmured, his voice husky but brimming with tenderness and deep satisfaction.

Her body stiffened imperceptibly, but she didn't dodge or push him away like before. Her eyelashes fluttered, and she simply lowered her head. "Goodnight..."

He didn't leave immediately, lingering to gauge her reaction until she turned and slipped back into the master bedroom.

Standing in the hallway, he realized this simple goodnight kiss thrilled him even more than the aggressive one they shared in the dark.

He turned and headed downstairs, walking back to his own living room.

Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, she watched her daughter brush her teeth while she lightly touched the spot on her forehead where he had kissed her.

She could feel him slowly but surely seeping back into her life, her space, and even the heart she thought had gone permanently numb.

Watching her daughter brush her teeth adorably, she let out a soft sigh, seemingly accepting that this was happening.

The next morning.

lan drove an SUV, the trunk packed with picnic food, fruit, and toys for the kids.

He had contacted Xavier to confirm the meeting spot—a wetland park on the east side of the city.

Gavin and his team had gone early to set up a canopy tent, blocking off a spacious area for the kids to run around safely.

At nine-thirty, they pulled into the park's parking lot one after another.

Pr

Princess had tagged along. As soon as lan's black SUV parked, the dog hopped out of the backseat ar lifted an overly excited Evelyn out of the car, while Eleanor got out on the other side to grab their things.

Almost simultaneously, a sleek silver Bentley pulled up next to them. Xavier stepped out of the driver's

seated casualgray T-shirt

looking as refined and gentle as ever.

He opened the back door, and Vivian eagerly scrambled out, running toward Evelyn. "Evelyn!"

"Vivian!"

The two little girls hugged and jumped up and down in excitement.

"I brought you a present!"

"Me too!"

Xavier walked over to lan and Eleanor with a smile. "Need any help with that?"

Eleanor looked up and greeted him. "Xavier, it's been a while."

"It has," Xavier smiled warmly at her.

It was obvious to him that things were progressing between Eleanor and lan.

Although he had once harbored

feelings for Eleanor, it was always more of a natural admiration and sympathy for an exceptional

woman. He knew exactly what she wanted out of life, and he had never

intended to interfere or force

anything.