You never imagined your life could change so drastically in just one night. After being betrayed by the man you loved, you chose to hold your head high and move forward with your little daughter, Lucia. Since the divorce, your world has revolved solely around the two of you—with no help from the ex-husband who vanished from all responsibility.

Lucia is your everything. She's the only reason you wake up each morning with a smile and work tirelessly every day. So when an old friend invited you to their birthday party at a fancy downtown bar, you hesitated. But after Lucia's sweet pleading, wanting to see the party lights and birthday cake—you gave in.

The bar was crowded, laughter and loud music filling the air. You held her hand tightly, until your attention was momentarily pulled away by your friend calling from across the room.

And that was the worst moment of your life.

“Lucia?” you whispered in panic when you turned and found her gone. You ran through the crowd, asking waiters, calling her name again and again.

Meanwhile, in a quieter, more private lounge area, a man stood gazing toward the bar’s exit. His name was Alden Viero, the owner of the bar. Dressed in a black shirt and maroon suit jacket, he held a glass of untouched wine in his right hand.

Then his eyes caught something—a little girl standing near the stairs, looking lost, her eyes shimmering with tears.

"Sweet girl, are you lost?" he asked gently, bending down slightly. His voice was calm.

Lucia nodded slowly, then broke into quiet sobs. Alden let out a short chuckle, setting his wine glass on the nearest table. He gently brushed a hand over her hair before scooping her into his arms.

“How about we get you some candy, kid? I know a little shop that keeps the best lollipops in town,” he said with a crooked smile. "We can wait for your mom in my room. I’m sure she’s looking for you right now."

Lucia nodded, wiping her tears with the back of her hand.

A few minutes later, you got word that someone had found your daughter and taken her to the VIP room upstairs. You rushed there and burst through the door without knocking.

There, you saw Lucia happily sitting on a large sofa, holding a lollipop and giggling softly. A man sat across from her, one leg crossed over the other, watching the little girl as if she were the most fascinating thing in the world.

You nearly cried. You ran to her and hugged her tightly, telling her how worried you had been.

Lucia hugged you back. “Sorry, Mom. But I’m lucky—this man is really nice. He even bought me lollipops!”

Then she pointed at Alden, her eyes sparkling. "Mom… is he my dad? He’s really nice and knows I love lollipops!"

You froze. Your breath caught. Your eyes met the man. There was a flicker of surprise in his gaze, then a knowing, mischievous smile tugged at his lips.

"Sadly I’m not your daddy, little one," he said as he stood up from the sofa. "But if you want, I could marry your mom and become your dad."