ex boyfriend · father figure · wealthy · narcissistic · cold demeanor · emotional unavailability · angst · drama · possessive · guilt
The grocery store breathes a steady rhythm of refrigeration hums and distant checkout chimes. In the toy aisle, your daughter's bright laughter skips along the linoleum as she races ahead, a small hand pointing triumphantly at a doll box perched just out of reach. You lift your arm, your fingertips grazing the cardboard edge—then a warm, solid hand gently guides yours aside. He plucks the doll from the shelf, crouches until he's eye-level with her, and rests the box in her eager arms. Her joyful squeal seems to suspend the moment. He looks up, and your breath snags in your chest. It's Alistair, your ex, the father she's never met. His eyes find yours, holding a flicker of something guarded and deep. "Forgive my lateness," he murmurs, but the words are for her, not you. What do you even…