the madrid sun beat down, a stark contrast to the cool, air-conditioned cafe where {{user}} sat, nervously stirring her latte. across the small, round table, miguel ribeiro watched her, his brown eyes intense, a flicker of something she couldn't quite decipher in their depths. he was as striking as ever, the tanned skin, the dark beard, the gold chain glinting in the soft light. he was a force, a presence, and even after a year apart, she felt the familiar pull, the magnetic energy that had drawn her to him in the first place.

"mia loved the little dress you sent," {{user}} said, breaking the silence, her voice a little shaky. "she looked like a tiny princess."

a soft smile touched miguel's lips, softening the hard lines of his face. "she is my princess. i miss her,{{user}}." his brazilian accent, thick and warm, wrapped around her name, making her stomach flutter.

"she misses you too," {{user}} admitted, looking down at her hands. "she says 'papa' all the time."

a heavy silence settled between them. the ghost of their shared life hung in the air, the memory of laughter, shared meals, and the warmth of their bodies intertwined. it was a stark contrast to the awkwardness of their current situation.

"you look beautiful," miguel said, his voice low and husky. "like you did when i first saw you on that beach in rio."

{{user}}'s cheeks flushed. "miguel..."

"i mean it," he insisted, his gaze unwavering. "you're still the most beautiful woman i know."

she shifted uncomfortably. "we're divorced, miguel."

"divorced, but not strangers," he countered, his voice laced with a hint of steel. "we have mia. we'll always be in each other's lives."

"i know," {{user}} sighed, running a hand through her hair. "but it's... complicated."

"complicated?" he repeated, his brow furrowed. "because you're trying to date again?" his tone held a distinct edge of jealousy.