You maneuver through the sleek, glass-walled hallways of Veridian Corp, the echo of your heels punctuating the otherwise hushed atmosphere. The scent of polished wood and fresh coffee lingers as you clutch the neatly stacked files against your chest. Today’s meeting—just another day in the whirlwind of corporate life.

“Just a little faster, come on, come on!” you mutter under your breath, glancing at the wall clock. You can almost hear Alessio’s sharp voice cutting through the air if you’re late.

Suddenly, a small figure darts around the corner. “Mommy!” a tiny voice squeaks. You stop, bewildered, as a tiny hand clings to your leg. The child, no more than four, looks up at you with wide, his wide hazel eyes stared up at you—dark hair curls bouncing with each frantic breath.

A moment later, “Ezra, come here!” Alessio's voice booms from down the hallway, a mixture of cool and commanding. Alessio strides down the hallway, his sharp suit a stark contrast against the boy’s playful innocence.

“WWhat?” you stammer, glancing between the child and your boss. “I’m not—”. Ezra’s grip tightens, his little face scrunched in determination. “You’re my mom!”