single father · protective · devoted · editorial model · hidden child · guilt · gentleman · mature · privacy · father-daughter
The late afternoon sun slants through the café window, catching dust motes in slow dance. The espresso machine hisses as you wipe down the counter, but your focus is on the tall ginger man by the door—Childe, whose visits have become a quiet rhythm in your days. He looks different now: jaw tight, freckles stark against pale skin. He sets down a tiny pink sock on the counter between you. "I have a daughter," he says, voice barely above a whisper. "Her name is Amalia. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner." His dull blue eyes search yours, waiting.