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Mirabel & Tracy POV
Tracy stepped into Mirabel's room, glancing around before spotting her lounging on the bed.
"There you are."
"Oh, Tracy." Mirabel sighed. "I'm so bored with myself."
"Where are your kids?"
"They're with their father."
"And your man?" Tracy raised a brow.
Mirabel exhaled sharply. "That's the thing. For two weeks now, every time Dave touches me… I just feel disgusted. I don't know why."
Tracy smirked knowingly and sat beside her. "Oh, I know that story. It means you're still in love with the father of your kids. You crave his touch, not Dave's. You only want him."
Mirabel frowned. "What?"
"Okay." Tracy leaned closer. "Let me ask you some questions, and I want you to answer honestly, straight from the heart."
Mirabel hesitated, then nodded, lying back against the pillows.
Tracy's voice was calm, probing. "How do you feel when you see him with another woman?"
Mirabel's lips tightened. "Awkward. Weird. A little jealous."
"And Dave?"
"I don't feel anything for him. Honestly, I couldn't care less."
Tracy smiled knowingly. "Now… how do you feel when he touches you?"
Mirabel's cheeks warmed. "Like… there's a spark. My heartbeat races. It feels warm—real. Like a connection."
"And Dave?"
"Ugh." Mirabel shivered. "Disgusted. I want him away from me. That's how it's been ever since I first saw the father of my kids again."
"Good." Tracy tapped her knee. "That's what I wanted to hear. You want Dave gone. You want to reunite with your children's father—because deep down, you're still in love with him."
Mirabel sat up slowly, chewing her lip. "Maybe… but everything you said is true. I'm jealous when other women even talk to him."
"Then confess, babe."
Mirabel shook her head. "But… he has a fiancée."
"Girl, who cares? Are they married?"
"No…"
"Exactly. A fiancée isn't a wife. Engagements can break off anytime."
Mirabel's eyes softened with a flicker of hope. "You're right. Maybe I should tell him how I feel. Whether he accepts me or not—I can live with the truth. At least I won't keep hiding."
"Exactly." Tracy winked. "But what about Dave? How do you plan to break up with him?"
Mirabel sat upright, her hands knotting together. "I… don't know yet. I haven't thought that far."
"You'll figure it out."
Mirabel nodded slowly. "Yes. You're right."
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Lucian POV
"Dad," Cherry's small voice tugged at Lucian's sleeve. "Mummy said you have a fiancée. Is that true? Are you going to marry her soon?"
Lucian hesitated. "Yes and no. I do have a fiancée… but I'm not planning on marrying her. Not the way I once planned with your mother."
Cherry blinked up at him, confused but hopeful.
Charlie, who had been glued to his video game, suddenly perked up. "So, Dad—since we already ate, where should we go next?"
Lucian looked at him. During the trip, Charlie had barely spoken, just nodding when asked something.
"You want to go to the game center? Why?"
Charlie grinned, his eyes sparkling. "Because it's the coolest place here, obviously!"
Lucian's lips twitched at his son's sudden excitement.
"Mum!" Cherry squealed, running into Mirabel's arms for a hug.
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