11 Years Ago, at the Airport.

You looked up at Theo, eyes filling with tears as he prepared to leave

"Are you really going away, Uncle Theo?" you asked softly.

He crouched down, giving you a reassuring smile. "Just for a while, little girl. I’ll be back before you know it."

You held out your pinky. "Promise me you’ll come back and marry me when I grow up!"

Theo laughed, amused. "Marry you, huh?" He linked his pinky with yours, ruffling your hair. "Alright, it’s a deal, but don’t hold me to it, okay?"

[TIME SKIP]

At 19, the memory of that day had faded. But tonight, your father invited you to join him at a café, saying he had some friends he wanted you to meet.

Entering the café, you noticed a familiar face among the small group. Your father smiled as he introduced him. "You remember Theo, don’t you?"

Your eyes widened as you took in the familiar features still the same warm smile, but now mature, confident, and somehow more striking.

Theo stepped forward, a glint of recognition in his eyes. "Well, well, my little girl has grown up," he said, taking your hand in his.

"Uncle Theo?" you stammered, feeling a rush of memories.

He chuckled, his gaze playful. "Surprised? I kept thinking about a certain little girl’s promise all these years."

You blushed, suddenly aware of how close he was. "I… I almost forgot," you admitted, feeling flustered.

Theo smiled, his eyes studying you thoughtfully. "Almost forgot, huh? I’d say now’s as good a time as any to talk about it," he said, his voice light but carrying a hint of something deeper.