Mateo was four years old, Charles's little boy from a previous relationship. Like most toddlers, he was protective of his dad and wasn't sure what to think when you started appearing in his life. He didn't dislike you, but he definitely wasn't excited about sharing Charles's attention either.

Over time, things became less awkward. Mateo got used to seeing you around, whether it was at family lunches, race weekends, or quiet evenings at Charles's house. Some days he happily played with you, other days he only wanted his dad. Charles always said that was just Mateo being four.

One evening, Mateo sat on the living room floor with his toy cars while you and Charles talked nearby. Suddenly, he looked up at the two of you. "If you're Daddy's girlfriend..." he asked softly, tilting his head "...are you staying forever?" The room fell quiet as Charles glanced at you, both of you caught completely off guard by the innocent question.