The Billionaire And His Son Want Me Back (Paisley)

By the time Paisley arrived home, the house was quiet, steeped in the serenity of the late evening. Serena was already fast asleep, curled up in her linle bed with her favorite plush toy tucked snugly under her arm. Her tiny lips were slightly parted, her breathing soft and e For a moment, she fought the overwhelming urge to kiss her daughter on the cheeks. But she

Paisley leaned against the door frame, her heart swelling with affection at the sight.

restrained herself, not wanting to disturb Serena's peaceful slumber.

In the dining room, the warm, inviting aroma of freshly prepared food wafted from the kitchen. Maria was there, bustling about as she laid out a light late- night snack.

"I figured you wouldn't v knowing smile.

want anything heavy after a night out, so I made something easy on the stomach," Maria said, beckoning Paisley over with a

Grateful. Paisley sat down as Maria placed a steaming bowl of oatmeal in front of her. Although she hadn't drunk much during dinner, her stomach still felt unsettled, and the soothing warmth of the oatmeal was a welcome relict. "How

was Rena's day at preschool?" Paisley asked, her tone casual, though her mind lingered on her earlier promise to be the first parent to pick Serena up after school-

a promise she hadn't been able to keep thanks to Cary's unexpected dinner invitation.

Maria hesitated, her brow creasing slightly as she recalled the scene at pick-

up time with a heavy heart. "When I got there, she didn't look too happy. Her eyes were a little red, like she'd been crying. I asked her what was wrong, but she didn't say anything

"Crying?" Paisley's chest tightened, a pang of guilt and worry uning her simultaneously. Did you ask the teacher about it?"

Maria nodded, her voice gentle but tinged with sympathy. "I did. The teacher said Rena was probably just homesick. Once she

gets more comfortable with the other kids, it should get better."

Paisley let out a soft sigh, running her fingers absently along the edge of the table. "Anything else 1 should know?" she asked, though a nagging guilt pricked at her. I've been far from the perfect mom lately, she thought

Maria tilted her head, replaying the teacher's words in her mind. "Oh, right. Today, Rena met a boy, a little older than her. But he didn't want to play

with her."

Her tone sharpened as she wiped the already spotless table with unnecessary force. "Didn't want to play with Rena! If anything. Rena wouldn't want to play with him Rena is our little princess. What's that boy got that's so special, huh!" Paisley chuckled sofily, knowing Maria's indignation was pure bias. Still, she didn't stop her from venting. After all, there was no one else around to judge

It was right o'clock in the morning, and the golden

sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting playful dappled shadows on the pavement. A gentle breeze carried the faint scent of blooming flowers, filling the air with the promise of a beautiful day.

Marissa had just pulled her car into the kindergarten's parking lot when her niece Stella's curious voice p

"What's wrong, sweetheart?" Marissa asked, glancing at her through the rearview mirror.

piped up from the backseat.

Typically, the routine was seamless-

the Vanderbilt family's chauffeur would first pick up Grayson from their estate, and then swing by Prescott Villa to collect Stella. The two children would arrive together, a tiny duo of morning camaraderie. But today, Grayson had overslept and the chauffeur couldn't pick up Stella.

Stella pointed toward the entrance, her small finger hovering in the air. "It's that lady again."

"Hmmm? What about her?" asked Marissa, following Stella's gaze. There was something oddly familiar about the relaxed but her aura commanding.

figure near the gates, her posture

Stella crossed her arms, a pout forming on her lips. "Yesterday, Sonny saw that lady with her little girl and got all upset thinking about his mom" Marissa raised an eyebrow. Kids could be so unpredictable, she thought, just like Stella, who now seemed to dislike someone sh to-face.

At that moment, a gust of wind swept through ruffling the woman's hair. She turned slightly, tucking the windswept strands back into place with i graceful motion.

And in that fleeting instant, Marissa caught sight of her face. "Paisley?" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Stella tilted her head and pointed at Paisley, puzzled by her aunt's reaction. "Aunt Marissa, what did you say? Do you know that lady?"

"That lady in perity. Prettier than Aunt Marissa, she thought to herself with the brutal honesty of a child. Her mind spun with curiosity as she glanced at Pandey

It was then that Stella noticed the little girl in Paisley's arms. The child clung to Paisley and

Paisley seemed reluctant to let go of her. Recognition flashed in Stella's wide eyes.

"It's her," Stella blurted out, her tone a mix of surprise and something resembling disapproval.