CHAPTER 1: THE LETTER

Alex's heart pounded.

"Who is your mother?" he asked again.

Lucas held out the wrinkled envelope.

"Mama said to give you this."

Alex took it with trembling hands.

The handwriting on the front stopped his breath.

Emily Harper.

A name he hadn't spoken in nearly eight years.

A woman he had once loved before his life became boardrooms, hospitals, and loss.

His fingers shook as he opened the envelope.

Inside was a letter.

Alex,

If you're reading this, it means the boys found you.

I never wanted it to happen this way.

Seven years ago, we spent one weekend together in Vermont before your accident. We were already drifting apart, and neither of us knew I was pregnant.

When I found out, I tried to reach you.

Your assistant told me you were recovering and didn't want visitors.

Later, I learned what the doctors told you. I was afraid. Afraid you would think I was lying. Afraid people would think I wanted your money.

So I raised them myself.

I never asked you for anything.

But now I am running out of time.

Alex stopped reading.

The words blurred.

Running out of time.

His chest tightened.

He continued.

I have Stage Four cancer.

The doctors say I may only have weeks left.

The boys deserve to know their father.

They deserve you.

Please don't be angry with them.

None of this was their choice.

Love,

Emily.

For a moment, the billionaire who never cried couldn't breathe.

"Daddy?"

Noah's small voice pulled him back.

Alex looked at the boys.

Their eyes.

Their smiles.

The way Lucas nervously twisted his jacket sleeve.

The way Noah stood protectively beside his brother.

They were his.

Every impossible part of this was true.

"Where is your mother?" he whispered.

The boys looked at each other.

Then Lucas answered.

"Hospital."