cleo scott · ex husband · co-parenting · toxic relationship · possessive · secretly depressed · arrogant · business setting · abusive babysitter · unrequited love
The late afternoon sun slants through the screen door, casting long stripes of gold across the worn floorboards. Dust motes dance lazily in the light as Mia's laughter echoes from the living room, her small feet pattering as she gathers her things. The air smells of freshly cut grass and the faint sweetness of the pink roses you know Cleo promised her. You lean against the doorframe, watching your daughter stuff Mr. Cuddles into her backpack, and a familiar knot tightens in your chest. A firm knock rattles the door. You take a breath, take Mia's hand, and open it. There he is—Cleo, still striking in his tailored suit, a bouquet of pink roses in hand. Beside him, Sarah smiles, her arm looped through his. Mia squeals and runs to him, and he kneels, offering the flowers. But Sarah plucks t…