The Secret Pregnancy of the Billionaire's Ex-Wife

Chapter 272 he Secret Pregnancy of the Billionaire's Ex-Wife Chapter 272: Christmas Preparations and Warm Waters Angela Pov I woke to the sound of muffled giggles and hushed whispers floating through the bedroom door. Stretching my arm across the bed, I Tound Sean's side empty, the sheets already conl After a quick shower, I slipped into a comfortable sweater and jeans before following the sounds of laughter downstairs. The scene that greetedin the living room made my heart swell Sean stood tall beside a massive pine tree, Aria perched on his shoulders as she reached for the higher branches, Ethan carefully unwrapped ornaments from tissue paper, his small face unusually animated as he chattered about their placement. Even Victoria and my father were involved, untangling strings of lights while Glul served hot chocolate in festive mugs.

"Mommy!" Aria spottedfirst, waving excitedly from her father's shoulders. "We're making Christmas cearly!" Sean turned, his green eyes crinkling with warmth. "Three days early to be exact. We thought we'd get a head start." "Mommy, we have a surprise for you, Ethan said, abandoning his ornaments to take my hand. His voice, typically so measured and quiet, bubbled with excitement. "Aria and I made something special, it's for Christmas morning." "It's hanging on the highest branch," Aria added proudly, pointing to crudely wrapped package nestled near the top of the tree. "Dadily helped us hide it there because you're too short to reach!" "I'm not that short," I laughed, crouching down to Ethan's level. "Can you tellwhat it is?" Ethan shook his head solemnly. "It's a surprise. Dat we made it ourselves. His eamest expression, so mature for his five years. combined with the rare animation in his features, brought unexpected tears to my eyes.

"Mommy, why are you crying?" Aria asked, her cheerful expression quickly morphing into concern as Sean lowered her to the ground. She rushed over, placing her small hands on my cheeks. Did we make you sad?* 1 pulled both children into a tight embrace, blinking rapidly. "No, sweetheart. Sometimes people cry when they're very happy. Mommy is just so happy to have such wonderful children who her a special gift" Aria's brow furrowed in confusion. "But happy means smiling, not crying," "Sometimes it's both," I explained, wiping my eyes and giving her the brightest smile I could manage. "See? Happy tears." After a hearty breakfast of Giulia's homemade pastries and strong lan coffee, we continued decorating the tree. I couldn't help noticing how Sean seemed more relaxed here, away from New York's constant pressures, Laughing freely as he lifted the children to place ornaments on higher branches.

"Angela," Giulia approached, drying her hands on a kitchen towel. "Tave a wonderful idea for today-There's a famous natural hot spring nearby very beautiful, very healing. The perfect activity for soch a lovely winter day, no?" "Hot springs?" Aria's ears perked up immediately. "Like a really big bathtub outside?" "Precisely, piccola," Giulia laughed, ruffling Aria's hair. "With minerals that are good for the skin and the soul. What do you think?" Thesitated, glancing at Sean. "It sounds lovely, but I'm not sure if we brought appropriate swimwear." "Not to worry," Giulia waved dismissively. "The spa sells everything we might need. They have the e cutest children's swimsuits." 1/3 Chapter 272: Christmas Preparations and Warm Waters The hot spring resort was built into the hillside, its stone architecture blending seamlessly with the Tuscan landscape.

After check-in, 1, we were led to a boutique where Aria immediately gravitated toward a frilly pink swimsuit adorned with an oversized bow.

*This one, Mommy! It's princess pink!" she declared, holding it against her chest.

Ethan took longer to decide, carefully examining each option before finally pointing to a simple blue and black swimsuit. Unlike his sister's excitement, his selection was thoughtful and deliberate, typical of his quiet nature.

I helped them change, marveling at how quickly they were growing. Had their limbs been this long when we arrived in Italy? Or was I just noticing it now, in this moment of quiet attention? As I prepared to lead them toward the family area, Giulia intercepted us with a conspiratorial smile.

"I've arranged something special," she announced, exchanging knowing glances with Victoria. "A private spring for you and Sean in the VIP section. The children will be perfectly happy with us in the family area." "Oh, but I began to protest.

Victoria stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on my arm. "Let us have this twith them, Angela. They're wonderful children, and we don't get to spoil them nearly enough." Giulia leaned closer, lowering her voice. "You re still young, cara. You and Sean need more private moments together-it's good for a marriage. She winked mischievously. "If you want life advice from a fifty-year-old woman, it's this: enjoy your passion while you're young. Otherwise, you'll regret it later." Heat rushed to my cheeks as I understood her implication. That's very... thoughtful of you," I managed, unable to meet her twinkling eyes.

"It's settled then," Victoria declared, already taking Aria's hand. "We'll meet for lunch in two hours." The private spring was nestled in a secluded grotto, shielded by natural rock formations and lush greenery. Rose petals floated on the steaming surface of the water, their sweet scent mingling with the mineral aroma of the spring. I stood awkwardly at the edge, suddenly self conscious in my modest pale blue one-piece swimsuit. The door opened behind me, and Sean entered wearing only navy and black swim shorts that sat low on his hips.

My breath caught involuntarily.

His torso was a study in contrasts-sculpted muscle beneath smooth skin, marred only by the slowly healing scar on his abdomen, Rather than detracting from his appearance, the mark seemed to enhance his raw masculinity, telling a story of protection and sacrifice Sean approached, his eyes traveling down my swimsuit with obvious amusement. "Did your borrow that from Victoria? It looks like something my grandmother might have worn in the 1950s." It was the most modest option they had," I defended, feeling my cheeks warm again. "Not everyone wants to put everything un display.

"A shame," he murmured, taking my hand. "Be careful here. The stones can be slippery."

He guidedinto the water, his grip firm and reassuring. The heat envelopedinstantly releasing tension hadn't realized I d been carrying. I sank deeper, letting the mineral-rich water rise to my shoulders. 2/3 Chapter 272: Christmas Preparations and Warm Waters "Better?" Sean asked, settling beside me.

I nodded, closing my eyes. "It's perfect."

sparkling water. After arranging A server appeared quietly at the Ught om entrance with a tray of ligh€ Om refreshments-fresh fruit, cheese, and sparkling everything within reach, she asked, "Would you like to arrange for rossage services as well?" Before I could respond, Sean shook his head. "No outside services today, thank you."

Once we were alone again, he moved closer, his shoulder brushingm beneath the water. don't want apyone else touching you today," he said, his voice dropping lower. "Today, 111 be your massage therapist. The intensity in his gaze made my pulse quicken, and I found myself slipping deeper into the warm water, as if it might cool the sudden heat spreading throughthat had nothing to do with the temperature of the spring.

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