Flash Marriage to a Stunning CEO (Alistair and Richard) novel Chapter 43

Chapter 43 Family Portrait

“Alistair married someone else?”

Nathaniel had just gotten home from work when he heard the news. He froze. “Are you sure? That can’t be right.”

Cordelia sighed. “He told Eva himself. She said she ran into him outside the kindergarten–he was picking up a little girl. The girl even called him Daddy. And Danny mentioned today that he saw Alistair picking her up a few days ago and telling him not to call him Daddy anymore.”

Nathaniel went quiet for a while, thinking back to how cold Alistair had been the last time he tried to reach him. That conversation had been so final it practically sealed any chance of reconciling with Rebecca.

Eventually, he said, “They’re divorced. If he’s remarried, that’s his own business.”

Cordelia grew anxious. “How can you say that? If he really has moved on, what about Rebecca? What about Danny?”

Nathaniel sank onto the couch with a tired sigh. “He was with Rebecca for six years, and she never really saw what was good about him. Maybe they just weren’t meant to be.”

Cordelia frowned. “That isn’t fair. Back then, she didn’t see it because she didn’t have anything to compare him to–kind of

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like how I used to pick at him all the time. But now, after seeing what Richard’s like, I actually think Alistair was the only one worth trusting. Can’t you try to talk some sense into him?”

Nathaniel shook his head. “Is this really on us? It’s between them. Us pushing for something Rebecca might not even want… it won’t change anything.”

Cordelia fell silent.

He had a point.

They’d been clinging to the hope that Alistair might come back- but had anyone really asked Rebecca what she wanted?

Would she really choose that other life over her own family?

Cordelia’s heart sank.

As a mother, she never wanted to see her daughter caught in this

mess.

But because she was her mother, she felt compelled to help Rebecca see Alistair for who he really was–even if it meant being the bad guy.

If Rebecca wouldn’t come around, Cordelia would eventually

have to take a hard stand.

*****

In the kitchen, a trusted cook recommended by Mabel was busy

Chapter 43 Family Portrait preparing dinner.

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Meanwhile, Alistair was in the living room with Eloise, drawing together.

The soft scratch of pencil on paper filled the room with a soothing, steady sound.

Eloise loved drawing. Whenever she had a spare moment, she’d grab her pencils and start sketching.

Caroline used to work so much that Mabel would keep Eloise company. Now, however, it was Alistair by her side. The person had changed, but Eloise’s smile hadn’t–if anything, she seemed even happier now.

Because now there was a little extra love around.

Eloise started by drawing a little girl with pigtails. “That’s me.”

Then she drew an elegant lady with long, flowing hair. “That’s Mommy.”

Finally, she drew a tall, handsome man. Not that Alistair was bragging, but the kid clearly had talent–each line full of life, even if a bit childish.

Eloise pointed at the handsome figure and asked, “Daddy, do you know who that is?”

Alistair pretended to think hard. “Is it me? But he looks way too handsome to be me…”

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Eloise giggled. “You got it! You’re so smart!”

Alistair played along, dramatically gasping, “You made me look so good–I nearly didn’t recognize myself!”

Eloise shook her head with a smile. “No way, Daddy. You’re

a thousand times–no, a million times–more handsome than

that!”

Alistair’s heart swelled, as if someone had poured honey straight.

into it.

Being a dad to a daughter was pretty incredible.

She changed into comfy clothes and walked over, carrying that soft, familiar scent. “What are you two drawing?”

Caroline examined the picture for a moment and then smiled knowingly. “Looks like a family portrait to me.”

A family portrait?

Someone who had always craved a real family… yeah, that phrase landed deep.

Caroline spoke in that soft, warm voice she reserved for Eloise, “It’s a picture of you, Mommy, and Daddy–all of us together. That’s what a family portrait means.”

Or maybe I’m just reading too much into things.

Chapter 43 Family Portrait

Don’t lose your grip. Don’t let this warmth fool you. No matter how good it feels, it doesn’t belong to you.