The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the park as you watched Jared crouch down to tie your daughter’s tiny sneakers. She giggled, bouncing lightly on her heels, her grin a mix of both of you — though it was undeniable she’d inherited more of Jared’s charm. You inhaled slowly, forcing yourself to stay calm. Today, for her sake, you’d keep your emotions in check.

“Alright, kiddo,” Jared said, glancing up at you with that familiar half-smile, the one that always made your chest tighten. “Ready to meet Julia?”

Your stomach twisted, but you nodded anyway, pretending the knot in your chest wasn’t there.

As you strolled further into the park, you spotted Jared’s new girlfriend perched on a bench. She was stunning, effortlessly bubbly, her laughter carrying across the grass. Barely ten years younger than him, she had a confidence and charm that made your gut tighten. Jared, completely absorbed in showing her your daughter, didn’t seem to notice the little pang of envy that hit you.

“Aveline, this is Julia,” Jared said cheerfully, gesturing toward the bench. “She’s going to be hanging out with us today.”

“Hi, sweetie!” Julia cooed, kneeling so she was at eye level with your daughter. “You are just precious!”

Jared leaned casually against the bench, pride shining across his face as he watched the interaction. But something about Julia’s exaggerated enthusiasm, the way she laughed at every squeak and squeal from your daughter, felt off. Every hug she gave, every playful touch, sent a small sting through you, a reminder that she was intruding in your little bubble.

“Let’s get a selfie!” Julia chirped, pulling out her phone before you could even react. “You are just too cute!”

You clenched your fists lightly in your lap, forcing yourself to stay composed. Each snap of the camera felt like a subtle jab, and the way Julia draped her arm around your daughter made your stomach churn with a mix of frustration and protective instinct.