My Coldhearted Husband'S Regret novel Chapter 142

142 Declined Plea, Accepted Gift

142 Declined Plea, Accepted Gift

“Of course,” Lassured her, offering my gloved hand. “We’ll take it slow.”

“Dad!” Shanice protested, rolling her eyes good–naturedly.

“You certainly did,” I agreed, genuinely proud of her progress.

As if summoned, Shanice appeared, struggling slightly with her skis. She couldn’t be more than ten, with bright eyes and a determined expression that reminded me of

Cora.

I closed my eyes, feeling the familiar tug between guilt and resolve. “I’m sorry, Coco. I

can’t cancel now.”

“That’s not true, and you know it. I love spending time with you, but adults have commitments we can’t always change.”

Yet here I was, patiently guiding another child through the same activity I’d denied own daughter. The irony wasn’t lost on me. But neither was the necessity of the boundaries I was finally learning to establish.

“Please, Mommy?” Her pleading intensified. “I’ll be super quiet during your business talk!”

I didn’t call back. Sometimes, lessons in disappointment were important too.

“Ms. Vance, watch this!” she called before executing a smooth S–turn.

my

The slope opened before us, dotted with other skiers navigating the gentle terrain. I positioned myself slightly ahead of Shanice, demonstrating the wider turns needed for the steeper section.

As we rode the lift for another run, I found myself surprisingly relaxed. The guilt I’d felt about refusing Cora had faded, replaced by the simple pleasure of being present in this moment. Shanice’s enthusiasm was infectious, her determination to master each new skill admirable.

“Perfect,” I encouraged. “Just keep your weight centered.”

21:17

1/6

142 Declined Plea. Accepted Gift

“Tomorrow?” I interrupted gently. “I’m sorry, sweetie, but I already have plans.”

My phone lit up Friday evening, displaying Cora’s name. I answered immediately, pressing the device to my car.

I glanced at the calendar on my desk. Tomorrow was Saturday–my skiing appointment with Beck and Shanice.

Elara’s POV

“Well done!” I clapped, genuinely impressed. “You’re a natural.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” I replied, tightening her boot buckle. “Your understanding of genetic markers is impressive.”

Blue Mountain Resort was already bustling when I arrived. Families piled out of SUVs, couples adjusted each other’s scarves, and solo skiers strode confidently toward the lifts. I spotted Beck waiting near the entrance, tall and athletic in his navy ski jacket.

“Perfect conditions,” I agreed, breathing in the cold air. “Where’s Shanice?”

Beck rejoined us, flushed from his more aggressive skiing. “How’s our future Olympic champion doing?”

“Shall we head up?” Beck suggested, gesturing toward the ski lift. “The slopes get crowded by midday.”

Shanice set her skis down carefully, then dug into her pocket. “I brought something for you.”

She progressed quickly, her determination evident. By our third run, she was making clean turns and gaining confidence.

The crystal keychain caught the sunlight through my jacket pocket, sending fractured rainbows across the snow at my feet. Gifts given, gifts accepted. Boundaries drawn, opportunities embraced. The slope ahead was no longer just about skiing but navigating the treacherous terrain of a life divided.

“Ms. Vance?” Shanice asked as we prepared to disembark. “Will you help me with the steeper part?”

“Who’s Shanice?”

21:17

2/6

142 Declined Plea, Accepted Gift

“I’m glad he does,” I said evenly, though the comparison stung. “But I can’t tomorrow. Next weekend, I promise.”

“Cora.” My voice firmed. “I’m not free tomorrow. But I promise we can go skiing next weekend, just you and me.”

“Smart man,” I said, sharing an amused glance with Beck.

“I said I needed to check first,” I corrected her, keeping my voice even. “I already told Beck and Shanice I’d meet them. It’s half–business, half–social.”

“But I really want to go!” Cora’s voice took on that familiar whine. “Daddy says he’s busy all weekend, and Vivi doesn’t like skiing!”

“That’s wonderful, Coco. I’m sure they’re beautiful.”

“It’s a molecular structure,” Shanice explained eagerly. “The DNA helix. Since you’re helping with my genetics project.”

“But you said we could go skiing!” Disappointment crept into her tone.

The slopes were moderately crowded, but the crisp conditions made for excellent skiing. Shanice was less experienced, so I stayed with her on the beginner runs while Beck occasionally broke away for more challenging terrain.

I caught the past tense, noting how Shanice’s smile dimmed slightly. There was a story there, but not one to ask about on the slopes.

“Elara!” He waved, his smile genuine. “Beautiful day for it, isn’t it?”

“Fine!” The word exploded from her, followed by what sounded like stomping feet. “I don’t want to go skiing with you anyway!”

The emotional manipulation was so transparent–and so effective. My heart squeezed, but I held firm.

“Mommy!” Cora’s voice bubbled with excitement. “Guess what? Daddy came home early and bought me new ski boots! They’re pink with silver stars!”

As I watched Shanice practice her newfound skills, I couldn’t help but imagine Cora on these same slopes. The crystal keychain weighed in my pocket, a tangible reminder of the daughter I’d left disappointed at home.

21:17

3/6

142 Declined Plea, Accepted Gift

“Just like that,” I encouraged as she followed my path. “You’re doing great.”

“Ready for another run?” Beck asked, joining us at the bottom of the slope.

She pulled out a small package wrapped in tissue paper and held it out to me. “To say thank you for helping with my research project.

Silence fell on the other end, followed by a small sniffle.

“I did it!” she exclaimed, skidding to a stop beside me.

Her face was a study in concentration, tongue caught between her teeth as she focused on each movement. When she successfully navigated the steeper section, her triumph was palpable.

“Takes after her mother,” Beck said with a hint of wistfulness. “Caroline was graceful at everything she did.”

“I said I would,” I replied warmly. “Need help with those?”

“Daddy changes his plans for me all the time,” she countered.

Morning arrived crisp and bright. I loaded my ski equipment into my car, having declined Beck’s offer to drive together. Professional boundaries seemed prudent, especially given our potential business relationship.

Surprised, I accepted the gift and unwrapped it. Inside was a delicate crystal keychain, catching the morning light. My breath caught–it was remarkably similar to the one Cora had received from her science fair mentor last year.

“A scientist I’m working with,” I explained. “This meeting is important.”

The call ended abruptly. I stared at the phone, a familiar mixture of guilt, frustration, and sadness washing over me. Setting boundaries with Cora was still new territory- uncomfortable but necessary.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify