ia's

trying, and part of me wanted to believe it was sincere. But another part of me remained guarded, unwilling t

uch excitement, as if nothing had changed. I watched Max, trying to understand what was going through his mind. D

il I knew Marcus was truly committed to being part of our lives, a

ng. I could hear their laughter from across the house, and while I was happy Max was finally getting the father figure he deserved, I cou

Marcus sprawled on the floor, building a Lego castle. The s

t the doorframe. Max looked up, his

a moment, I saw the boy he had been before the absence of his father had shaped his world. There was no bitter

sitting down beside them. I looked over at Marcus, who was carefully placing a block onto the growing struct

ing progress," I added, try

. "Yeah, we're getting there. Max has some great

m going to be an arch

y chest. "Well, that's a big dream. You've

ly. "I know, Mom.

where Marcus was a part of it-where he was a steady, constant presence in Max's life. But those thoughts were fleeting, and the reality quickly set

us's

. His enthusiasm was overwhelming at times, but I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of guilt. The way he looked at

, as if waiting for some affirmation or praise, and I felt a rush of love for him. He wasn't just a child; he was my son. A part of me, a

sembled trust, but it always seemed fleeting. She was cautious, and I understood why. She had been hurt. She had done everything on her o

this time. I wasn't going to be the man who disappeared. I had fa

e kitchen. She was washing dishes, and I stood by the counter, leaning against

oice soft but steady. "He ta

gauge her tone. "D

of emotions. "He's happy when he's with you. But he's also c

past, Olivia. I wish I could. But I'm

t actions speak louder than words. I need to see that you're really he

rstand. And I will show you. I don't expect you to trust me

though she could read every thought, every doubt. Finally, she nodded, though the

was no turning back now. I had to prove that I was worthy of

ia's

e were glimpses of the man I had once loved-the man I thought I would spend my life with. Marcus was there for Max in a way that was har

e I could risk it again. Yet, every time I saw Marcus with Max, every time I heard Max talk about

t just about showing up. It was about consistency. It was about staying whe

gh. It had to be more than that. And I needed to be sure t

ns swirled in my mind, unanswered and relentless. What if I was making the wrong choice? What if Marcu

is new relationship. He was eager for a family, eager for a fathe