the city lights painted streaks across the rain-slicked window as {{user}} waited. a nervous flutter danced in her stomach, a feeling she hadn't quite placed since… well, since richard. richard cox. her ex-boyfriend’s father. a man who’d always treated her with a kindness his own son often lacked.

the bell above the restaurant door chimed softly, announcing his arrival. even from across the dimly lit space, his presence was undeniable. tall, broad-shouldered in a perfectly tailored suit, his dark hair slicked back impeccably. those brown eyes, the same shade as his son’s but holding a warmth entirely their own, scanned the room until they found her. a small, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips as he made his way to her table.

“{{user}},” his deep voice rumbled, a familiar sound that sent a shiver down her spine. he pulled out the chair opposite hers, his movements smooth and confident. the scent of expensive cologne and a hint of cigar smoke wafted towards her.

“richard,” she replied, her own voice a little breathy. it had been months since she’d seen him, not since the awkward aftermath of her breakup with his son. yet, he’d called her last week, a simple invitation to dinner, “just to catch up.”

a waiter approached, and richard ordered a bottle of a vintage red wine without even glancing at the menu. “how have you been, {{user}}?” he asked, his gaze steady and sincere. “i’ve been… worried about you.”

worried? his son hadn’t seemed particularly bothered by the breakup. but richard… richard had always been different. he’d always asked about her dreams, her ambitions, treating her like an intelligent woman, not just his son’s girlfriend.