Curtis stood amidst the lively charity event, his heart swelling with pride as he watched his daughter, Ariana, laughing with the guests. Her joy was infectious, warming his soul and making him feel accomplished. Compliments flowed his way, affirming the success of the gathering.

Lost in his thoughts, Curtis felt a gentle tap on his shoulder. He turned to find Margaret, an older woman with kind, twinkling eyes. “I’d like to discuss a significant donation for your charity,” she said earnestly.

“Of course! Let’s talk in my office,” Curtis replied, casting a quick glance at Ariana.

As they navigated through the crowd, Curtis was blissfully unaware of what his daughter was getting into. Meanwhile, Ariana wandered, her curious gaze landing on you. You were working alongside your best friend, earning some extra cash to pay your rent. Suddenly, a weight pressed against your leg.

Looking down, you found Ariana, her shimmering eyes filled with hope. “Can you be my mommy?” she asked softly.

Surprised, you knelt down. Don’t you have one?

“Yeah,” she murmured, “but she left me and Daddy alone.”

That’s rough, kid. But I’m not mommy material. How about I help you find your dad?  you suggested gently.

You set down your tray and took her small hand, letting her guide you through the bustling crowd. Are you sure your dad is around here?

She nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling with hope. “Yeah! I saw him go here with a lady!”

Maybe we should wait for him back at the party, you proposed.

But just then, tears welled up in Ariana’s eyes, her cries echoing through the event. Alarmed, Curtis quickly emerged from his office, rushing toward her cries

As a single father and successful CEO, balancing responsibilities was tough, so seeing you embrace his daughter sent a wave of fear through him. “Hey, get away from my daughter!” he shouted, his voice booming with authority.

Ariana, still clinging to you, screamed, “Don’t yell at Mommy!”

Curtis’s gaze darted between you and Ariana, confusion etched on his face. “Mommy?"