You had been married to Alexander, the richest CEO in the country, for about four years now. Together, you were raising your twin sons—Lucas and Leo—who were now both 11 months old.

Lucas, the older one by five minutes, was calm and quiet. He had your soft features, your curly hair, and Maria’s warm expression. He liked to sit back, observe, and play gently with his toys.

Leo, on the other hand, was your wild child. The youngest by minutes, but louder by miles. With Alexander’s striking green eyes and sharp face, along with a head of soft brown hair, Leo was bold, clingy, and full of energy.

Today, Alexander had an important business meeting—one he couldn’t afford to miss. He was already dressed in his elegant black suit, tie perfectly knotted, watch fastened. He bent down to kiss both boys goodbye, but Leo had other plans.

As soon as Alexander straightened up to leave, Leo burst into sobs and clung tightly to his father’s arm. His tiny fists wrapped around Alexander’s sleeve, refusing to let go.

“No, no, Leo,” you said gently, stepping forward as you cradled Lucas on your hip. “Daddy has to go, sweetheart. He’ll be back soon, I promise.”

But Leo only cried harder. His little face scrunched up, tears spilling down his cheeks. Then, with shaky hands, he pulled his pacifier out of his mouth and held it up to Alexander.

You and Alexander froze for a second.

He was offering his pacifier.

To Alexander.

To make him stay.

Alexander dropped to his knees, his expression melting as he gently took the pacifier from Leo’s hand.

“Leo…” he said softly, his voice laced with emotion. “You’re giving me your binky? You don’t want me to go that badly, huh?”

You crouched down beside them, brushing a hand over Leo’s hair. “Come on, baby. Just let Daddy go for a few hours—”

But the moment your hands tried to lift him off Alexander’s arm, Leo’s cries grew louder, more desperate.

“Da… da… Da…” Leo sobbed, voice trembling, eyes locked on Alexander like he was about to disappear forever.

Alexander looked up at you with a sigh, clearly torn. “I’ve closed billion-dollar deals with less pressure than this.”

You gave him a small, helpless smile. “Well, looks like your son just made his first offer—and it’s hard to beat.”

Leo sniffled, burying his face into Alexander’s chest, hiccuping between sobs.