rds. She stayed late at the office, stacked her desk with files, and drowned herself in endless marketing reports. If she could jus

a man who disappe

, even when she passed her own reflection in the mirror. She hated it-hated that a stranger could

f a small reward-picking up Liro early from daycare. Just seeing her son's face would be e

he daycare center, Liro's del

om

. She inhaled the familiar scent of crayons and baby shampoo, her heart softening instantly. No matter how chaotic her

she asked, smoothing his c

oudly, holding up a slightly smudged

inosaur? That's amazing. We'll hang i

his baby tooth had recently fallen out.

s," she teased,

time, and the boy who had stolen his toy car. Aira listened with half a smile, her gaze sweeping the street out

k car parked by the curb imm

cars weren't unusual in the city. But then the tinted

so

of effortless command that drew eyes without even trying. His posture was relaxed,

fore instinct tightened her grip on Liro's small hand. Her so

most natural encounter in the world. His gaze flicked down to the little b

tened. Not here

keeping her tone neutral, as if she

ly interest-genuine, focused interest. "Hello, Liro." His voice

and Aira braced herself, ready to tug him away. But children had a way of sens

s though testing Jason's worthiness wit

rdrooms and galas, but a real one-soft at the edges, unguarded. "Dinosaurs, huh? My favorite wa

"The T-Rex!" he declared, his

" He leaned slightly forward, his expression warm. "But you know what? The

che. Jason looked so natural in that moment, so at ease talking to her son, as tho

mind whispered.

firm. "We should go." She tugged gently

small hand. "

on them both. "Goodbye

er pulse betrayed her by racing at the sound. She pulled her son along, forc

the window of their small apartment, staring out at the city lights. Her reflection i

ad seen

e she had drawn so clearly between her world and

't been mocked or dismissed. He had smiled at Liro, real

fied her more

look at her son and see more than a complication-then