THE BILLIONAIRE'S BABIES

SMALL SMILES, BIG WALLS

" Through bedtime stories, games and kindness, Ava slowly wins the twins hearts. Adrian watches from afar, surprised by the change. When he overhears his children laughing for the first time in months, something in him softens ".

The next few days passed in a gentle rhythm.

Each morning, Ava woke to the sound of little feet padding down the hallway. Emma loved helping her pick out outfits for the day, while Ethan followed silently, always carrying his toy car - Lightning.

They read stories, played hide and seek in the garden and baked messy cookies that made the kitchen staff smile. Slowly, the mansion that once felt cold began to breathe again.

One afternoon, as Ava helped Emma tie her shoe laces, Adrian appeared at the door way, phone in hand.

"Emma", he said, his voice low but firm, "Stay inside today. I have guests coming". Emma's face fell. "But we were going to feed the fish!"

Ava glanced at Adrian. "We can stay out of the way, Mr.Cole. The garden is on thee other side of the property".

Adrian hesitated. His dark eyes met hers for a moment - sharp, but thoughtful.

Then he nodded. " Fine.Just be careful".

As he walked away, Emma whispered, "He never lets us play outside when people come".

Ava smiled gently. " Maybe he just worries about you ".

Emma tilted her head, " Do you worry about him?". The question caught Ava off guard. "Your dad?" she chuckled softly. "Well, maybe a little".

That evening, the twins fell asleep early, tired from their adventures. Ava lingered downstairs, tidying up the play area when she heard footsteps behind her.

" Still working?" Adrian's voice came from the doorway.

Ava turned, startled. " I was just cleaning up. The twins had a big day". He nodded slowly, his gaze softening as he looked at the toy blocks scattered on the rug.

" They seem... happier".

" They just needed a little attention", Ava said gently. " Kids feel more than we think". Adrian's jaw tightened. " I suppose I've been too focused on work".

" Or maybe ", she said quietly, " You're just trying not to hurt again". The words slipped out before she could stop them.

Adrian's eyes met hers, guarded but full of something unspoken - grief, maybe.

" Good night, Miss Martin", he said finally, turning to leave. "Good night, Mr.Cole".

When he was gone, Ava exhaled, pressing a hand to her chest. She hadn't meant to speak so boldly. But something about him - the loneliness in his eyes made her want to reach past the walls he'd built

And though she didn't know it yet, Adrian Cole was already beginning to notice the difference she made not just in his children's lives, but in his own.