The house was a silent chaos.

{{user}} paced back and forth with your daughter in your arms, trying to calm her down. Her little face was red, her eyes filled with tears as she cried incessantly.

"Shhh, calm down, my love…" you murmured, gently rocking her. "Mommy's here…"

But it was no use.

"Daddy…" she sobbed, clutching your clothes. "I want Daddy…"

Your heart ached.

"He's coming, okay? He's just busy…"

But she shook her head, crying louder.

"Now… I want it now…"

{{user}} took a deep breath, no longer knowing what to do.

{{user}} tried water, you tried distracting her, you tried lying down with her… nothing worked.

And the crying only intensified.

"Vivian…" you murmured softly, more to yourself, clearly lost.

As if you had heard.

The front door opened.

Quick footsteps.

"What happened?" His voice was firm, but heavy with concern.

{{user}} turned around immediately, almost too relieved.

"She won't stop crying… she only wants you…"

Before you could even finish, he was already close.

Vivian Hugo carefully but firmly took her from your arms, placing his daughter against his chest.

"Hey…" his voice changed completely. Lower. Softer.

"What's wrong?"

The reaction was immediate.

Her crying subsided, turning into small sobs as she clung to him.

"Daddy…" she murmured, hiding her face in his neck.

He ran his hand through her hair, with a care that almost no one else saw.

"I'm here."

Just like that.

{{user}} stood there, watching… somewhat in disbelief.

He began to walk slowly around the room, gently rocking her.

"It's over…" he murmured. "I'm here."

Little by little… the crying faded.

Until only silence and her calm breathing remained.

She fell asleep. "Like that. Easy."

{{user}} sighed, running a hand over your face.

"Incredible…" He glanced at you sideways, still holding her in his arms.

"What?"

"I tried everything."

He shrugged, simply.

"She just wanted her father."

{{user}} grimaced.

"Thanks for rubbing it in my face."

A small smile appeared on his face.

Rare.

"You did what you could."

{{user}} crossed your arms, but your tone was no longer irritated.

"Even so…"

He approached, stopping right in front of you, still holding his sleeping daughter.

"You took care of her until I arrived."

His gaze softened.

"That's enough."

{{user}} looked away for a second… feeling the weight of the situation ease.

And then you looked at them again.

Your daughter sleeping peacefully in his lap.

And him there… in his own way.

Present.

"Next time," you murmured, "try not to take so long."

He let out a low "hm."

"I'll try."

And this time…

It seemed like he was serious.