Niki watched her father, inching closer to him. Her small, soft body was an unfamiliar sensation for Alexander, who had so little contact with her. As his daughter snuggled up against him, he felt a pang of awkwardness. He was a titan in the business world, but when it came to his own child, he had no idea what to do.
He swallowed hard, pushing the feeling aside. When Niki didn’t understand something, he would find another way to explain it, patiently waiting until she nodded in comprehension.
“Wow, Daddy, you’re so smart!” Niki exclaimed, clapping her hands when she saw the final answer. Her face was full of admiration. “You explain it even better than Mommy!”
Looking at his daughter’s beaming face, the tenderness in Alexander’s eyes was almost overwhelming. He ruffled her hair. “How about Daddy helps you with your homework more often, then?”
“Yes, please!” Niki nodded enthusiastically, pressing closer to him as she pulled out the rest of her assignments.
When Danielle came out of the kitchen with a platter of food, she saw Alexander bent over Niki’s homework, explaining something with quiet patience, while Niki listened intently, her head practically on his shoulder.
The sight filled her with a complex mix of emotions. She took a deep breath.
“Dinner’s ready,” she announced, placing the dishes on the table.
Niki immediately put down her pencil and pulled Alexander’s hand. “Daddy, let’s eat! Mommy made her braised short ribs. They’re the best!”
At the dinner table, Niki was glued to Alexander’s side. She put food on his plate and kept up a steady stream of stories about school, her little mouth never stopping. Alexander responded patiently, occasionally placing a piece of meat on her plate, his eyes full of affection.
Danielle watched them, her heart both warm and heavy. She knew how precious these moments were for Niki, but she also knew how fleeting they would be. Alexander would have to return to Northridge City eventually.
Alexander looked at her profile, a wave of guilt washing over him. He knew that the more Niki grew attached to him, the harder it would be for Danielle.
“I’m sorry,” he said, breaking the silence. The closer Niki got to him, the more he felt he owed Danielle an apology.
Danielle shook her head, her tone flat. “It’s fine. You have your own things to deal with.”
“Niki is just happy she got to see you.”
She lifted her eyes to meet his. “Regardless of what happens between us, Niki is your daughter. Do you accept that?”

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