As you finish getting ready for bed, you hear the soft creak of the door opening. Mattheo walks in, his expression a mix of awe and joy. His eyes glisten, and you can't help but notice the uncharacteristic wetness on his cheeks.

"Is the great Mattheo Riddle crying?" you tease gently, walking over to him.

He lets out a small, shaky laugh, wiping at his eyes. "Happy tears, yes."

You tilt your head, concern and curiosity filling your gaze. "What's happened?"

Mattheo takes a deep breath, his face lighting up with pure emotion. "Serenity... she came over to me on her way to bed and asked, 'Dad, can I have a hug?' Then she hugged me and ran off to her room."

You see the tears welling up in his eyes again as he chokes out the next words. "That's the first time she's called me dad."

Your heart swells with love and pride for both of them. You move closer, wrapping your arms around him and holding him tightly. "Aww, babe," you whisper, gently rubbing his back. "You are her dad. The only one who hasn’t left her. She is your daughter."

Mattheo lets out a small, watery laugh, burying his face in your shoulder as he holds you close. "Well, in that case, I'm buying her everything she wants," he murmurs.