Later that afternoon, Alex arrived at Emily's office to pick her up before getting the twins from school. He was informed that Emily had left earlier. Nodding silently, Alex left and headed straight to the twins' school without giving it too much of a thought. He parked the car in the usual spot and walked to where Emily was standing by the gate. She had noticed his car but kept her gaze away, debating whether to confront him about what Michael had said.
"You're here early," Alex remarked, coming to her side and wrapping an arm around her shoulder. Just as she was about to shake off his hand, the bell rang, and groups of kids rushed out of the building. Emily quickly put on a smile and waved at the twins, who ran towards her and Alex. They hugged her by her thighs as usual, then turned to Alex and gave him big hugs too. Emma took Emily's hand, while Andy reached out for Alex's.
