The Billionaire's Forgotten Wife
Chapter 45: Is Daddy Still Busy?

Julian was still frozen, struggling to wrap his head around what he’d just learned. His gaze shifted back to Cassidy. "How...?"

But Cassidy remained silent, her face unreadable.

Seeing that she wasn’t going to answer, Julian slowly lowered himself back into his seat, his eyes now fixed on Claire.

And the more he looked, the more he saw it. Cassidy’s mouth, her nose, her brows. There was no doubt anymore. Claire was Cassidy’s daughter.

He cleared his throat and turned to Claire instead. If Cassidy wouldn’t talk, maybe the child would. "So... before coming to America, you lived in Switzerland?"

Claire nodded. "Yes."

Julian’s eyes narrowed slightly. "You said you’re three now?"

Claire nodded cheerfully. "Three, but I’ll be four soon!"

Julian mind already racing. He did the math in his head, quietly, carefully.

Three, almost four.

His gaze shifted slowly to Cassidy. She hadn’t said a word. Just sat there, calm, unreadable as ever. But her silence... said plenty.

Could it be?

Was Zeke the father?

Julian wasn’t sure yet. Not completely. The pieces were starting to line up, but he needed more than just guesses and gut feelings.

Julian gave a faint smile, then asked, "Where’s your dad? Is he still in Switzerland?"

Cassidy instantly tensed. Her breath caught in her chest, and she opened her mouth to cut in, "Claire—"

But it was too late.

"Mommy said Daddy’s out of town for work," Claire said, swinging her legs off the chair without a care in the world.

Julian paused, a crease forming between his brows. Did I get ahead of myself? he wondered.

He softened his tone, trying not to sound too eager. "What kind of work does your daddy do, Claire?"

She grinned. "He works in a big tall building. Like, really high! Almost to the sky!"

Julian gave a small nod, but his mind was racing. That answer didn’t give him much... yet somehow, it only made him more suspicious.

Julian was about to ask more until Cassidy abruptly stood.

"We need to go, Claire."

Without another word, she gently took her daughter’s hand, nodded briefly at Martha, and walked out of the hospital room. Leaving Julian sitting there, still trying to piece it all together.

Outside the hospital room, Cassidy gently ran her fingers through Claire’s hair and whispered, "You did really well in there, sweetheart."

Claire beamed at the praise. "Mommy, who’s Grandpa Julian?"

Cassidy paused, then crouched down to meet her daughter’s eyes. "He’s Mommy dad, Claire. Which means... he’s your grandpa."

Claire blinked, thinking for a moment before saying, "I don’t like Grandpa Julian."

Cassidy’s lips twitched. "Why not?"

Claire pouted. "He asks too many questions. And he’s a little bit silly... like Nico."

Cassidy chuckled, brushing Claire’s hair back. "Yeah. He’s silly."

Cassidy held Claire’s small hand as they walked out of the hospital, passing through the automatic glass doors and into the gentle breeze of the city’s late afternoon.

Claire looked down briefly, then asked softly, "Mommy... is Daddy still really busy? I’m almost four, but I’ve never seen him."

Cassidy’s steps came to a sudden halt. Her breath caught. She looked down at her daughter, who now gazed up at her with wide, hopeful eyes.

"Does Daddy not like me?" Claire asked again, her voice barely a whisper. "Is that why he doesn’t want to see me?"

Cassidy’s heart shattered on the spot. It felt like someone had reached inside her chest and squeezed.

She knelt down and gently cupped Claire’s cheek. "That’s not it, sweetheart," she said softly, her voice trembling. "Daddy is just super busy. But... maybe when you turn four, you’ll get to see him."

Claire looked at her. "Really?"

Cassidy nodded, even though inside, her heart whispered I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for lying.

Claire’s face lit up again. "Then... do you have a picture of Daddy? I want to see what he looks like."

Cassidy paused for a second, then forced a smile. "Daddy doesn’t like taking pictures, sweetheart. He never likes to pose."

Claire nodded slowly, a little disappointed... but accepting.

And as they continued walking, Cassidy kept her eyes low, carrying the weight of that lie quietly in her chest.

***

The next morning, Cassidy and Claire headed to the preschool Cassidy had chosen for her daughter. They drove in a sleek BMW SUV, Cassidy’s new purchase, delivered just the day before.

When they arrived at the school, Cassidy took Claire by the hand and made her way toward the administration building. A warm, friendly female teacher greeted them at the entrance and kindly offered to escort them to the director’s office.

The preschool director stood up with a smile as Cassidy and Claire stepped into the office. She was a neatly dressed woman in her late forties, with kind eyes and an air of professional calm.

"Good morning. You must be Cassidy and Claire. I’m Ms. Bennett, the director here at BrightMinds Academy," she said, extending her hand.

Cassidy shook it with a polite smile. "Nice to meet you, Ms. Bennett. Thank you for seeing us."

"Of course. Please, have a seat," she said, gesturing to the chairs across from her desk. She turned her attention to Claire and smiled warmly. "And you must be Claire. I’ve heard you’re almost four. That’s a very special age."

Claire gave a shy nod as she sat beside her mother.

Ms. Bennett opened a folder. "So, before we move forward with registration, we like to get to know each family a little better. BrightMinds is a play-based but structured preschool, with a strong focus on early cognitive, social, and emotional development. Our days are filled with guided activities, free play, and interactive lessons."

Cassidy nodded, listening attentively.

"If you don’t mind," Ms. Bennett continued, "I’d like to ask a few questions. Just to understand Claire’s learning style and background better."

"Of course," Cassidy replied.

Ms. Bennett smiled and began. "Has Claire been in any sort of daycare or playgroup environment before?"

"No, not formally. She’s been learning at home with me. But she’s very social and curious. I think she’s ready for this kind of setting."

"That’s wonderful. Social curiosity is something we encourage here. Does she have any allergies or medical conditions we should be aware of?"

"None."

"And how does Claire usually respond to new environments? Any separation anxiety?"

Cassidy glanced at Claire, who was now quietly observing the colorful posters on the wall.

"She adjusts pretty quickly, actually. She’s quite independent for her age."

"That’s great to hear. We’ll take it one day at a time. We also encourage regular communication with parents. You’ll get weekly updates, and we’re always open to check-ins."

She looked at Claire again and leaned slightly forward.

"And Claire, do you like to draw? Or maybe build things? What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re playing?"

Claire’s eyes lit up. "I like building houses with blocks! And painting flowers."

Ms. Bennett chuckled. "That sounds perfect. I think you’re going to have a lot of fun here."

Cassidy smiled, feeling a small wave of relief.

Ms. Bennett then handed Cassidy a set of enrollment forms. "Let’s go over the paperwork together, and then I’ll give you both a quick tour of the classrooms."

Cassidy nodded and reached for the pen. "Sounds good."

After the tour, they returned to the office. Ms. Bennett placed a final form on the table and looked up at Cassidy.

"Well, Cassidy, based on everything you’ve shared and what we’ve observed, I believe Claire would thrive here. And luckily, thanks to our rolling admissions program, we can officially welcome her as early as tomorrow—if you’re ready."

Cassidy blinked in surprise. "That soon?"

Ms. Bennett nodded. "Yes. We always keep a few spots open for families moving into the area or transitioning. Claire seems ready. What do you think?"

Cassidy glanced at Claire, who was now flipping through a picture book she’d picked up from the waiting area. She looked calm. Happy. Curious.

Cass turned back to the director with a smile. "We’re ready."

"Great." Ms. Bennett beamed and handed her a welcome packet. "We’ll see Claire tomorrow morning."

Claire looked up. "I’m going to school tomorrow?"

Cassidy laughed. "Yes, baby. Your first day."

Claire beamed. "I’ll wear my rainbow shirt!"

Ms. Bennett chuckled. "That sounds perfect."