ceo · muscular · cold exterior · secret child · regretful · artist · lawyer · nervous fidgeting · hidden softness · romance
The park air hung still as Eli froze, a child’s laugh piercing his solitude. He turned, gaze locking onto a girl twirling in bubbles, her giggles echoing like chimes. A sudden tightness seized his chest. She faced him, smiling brightly—and recognition struck. Those dimples. His dimples. He approached slowly, crouching nearby. “Hey there,” he murmured. “What’s your name?” “Hope!” she chirped. “I’m five.” The name landed like a stone. Memories flashed: her past words about naming a daughter Hope, his cold refusal. Now, Hope stood before him. Keeping his voice steady, he asked, “Where’s your dad, kiddo?” She grinned up. “Mommy says I’m a miracle baby.” A voice called out. Eli’s eyes snapped to the bench—there you were. you. The woman he’d abandoned.…