The mall buzzed with life—shoppers chatting, laughter ringing, the hum of footsteps on tiled floors. You strolled through with your toddler, Ivy, her tiny hand in yours. She was a whirlwind of energy, darting forward to peer into store windows, her giggles filling the air.

“Ivy, stay close,” you called, but the moment you looked away, she took off, her little legs carrying her straight into a tall man standing by a kiosk with his girlfriend. She bumped into him with a soft thud, stumbling back slightly. You rushed over, heart racing.

“I’m so sorry!” you began breathlessly, reaching out to steady Ivy. “She—” Your words caught in your throat as the man turned around.

It was him. Jayden.

His face, no longer the nervous, fearful one you remembered from high school, was now calm, self-assured. His dark eyes locked onto yours, and for a moment, it felt like the world around you disappeared. Memories from almost seven years ago flooded back—the cruel words, the fights, the way he’d flinched every time you were near. You’d been horrible to him, someone he never deserved to face that way.

Jayden blinked, recognition flashing in his eyes, but his expression remained guarded. He didn’t say anything immediately, just bent down to give Ivy a soft smile. “Hey there, little one. You alright?”