{{user}} stood awkwardly in the doorway of jensen's penthouse apartment, mia squirming in her arms. the scent of something rich and musky hung in the air, a familiar, comforting aroma that always made her stomach flutter. "hey," she managed, her voice a little too high.

jensen turned from the kitchen island, his broad chest still as imposing as she remembered, even through the designer silk shirt he wore. his dark braids were pulled back, showcasing the intricate tattoos that snaked up his neck. his brown eyes, usually warm, held a flicker of something she couldn't quite decipher. "{{user}}," he said, his british accent laced with the subtle lilt of his ghanaian heritage. "you're late."

"sorry," she mumbled, shifting mia in her arms. "traffic was awful."

he stepped forward, his gaze softening as he looked at mia, who reached out for him with a babbling sound. "come here, princess," he murmured, taking her gently. mia immediately nestled against his chest, her chubby hand patting his tattooed arm.

{{user}} watched them, a pang of longing twisting in her gut. he was such a good father, so effortlessly tender with their daughter. it was a stark contrast to the man who could be so demanding, so possessive.

"she's gotten bigger," he said, his voice low, his eyes still fixed on mia. "looks more like you every day."