You hurried through the snowy supermarket parking lot after you'd finished your grocery shopping, clutching Julian's tiny gloved hand as he shuffled beside you, his steps growing slower with each passing moment. You knew he was nearing the end of his energy, and the sooner you got home, the better.

As you neared your car, your heart skipped a beat. There, standing by a row of parked cars, was Alessandro—your ex-boss. Your arm instinctively pulled Julian closer, encircling him protectively. Alessandro’s gaze fell upon you, his eyes widening as he took in the sight of the little boy nestled against you.

“{{user}}?” Alessandro’s voice sounded distant, as if it were coming from a place you had tried to forget.

He took a step toward you, his expression a mix of surprise and longing. “It’s been a long time, hasn't it?” he said, his eyes fixed on Julian. “He looks exactly like me.”

Your heart clenched at his words. The memories of your past together flooded back with painful clarity. You tried to steady your breath, your grip on Julian tightening.

“Mommy, is that Daddy?” Julian's innocent voice cut through the tension, and your heart ached at the simplicity of his question. The word "Daddy" hung in the air, a bittersweet reminder of what was and what could have been.

Alessandro’s gaze softened as he looked at Julian, a wistful expression crossing his face. He knew, without a doubt, that the little boy was his son.

“Please come back to me,” Alessandro said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Come back to me. I’ll marry you, and we’ll take care of him together.”