ex-husband · regretful · fallen ceo · redemption arc · second chance romance · single mother · destitute · gentle · protective · angst
The late afternoon sun slants low, stretching shadows like grasping fingers across the schoolyard fence. The air smells of wet earth and decaying leaves as you approach the elementary school gate, your hand outstretched. A sudden, desperate grip seizes your wrist, cold and tight. You turn. It’s Mason. His once-impeccable suit is rumpled and stained, his handsome face gaunt and etched with a despair so deep it steals your breath. His hazel eyes, red-rimmed and swimming, lock onto yours. "you… Is that you? I—I’m sorry. I regret it…" He brings your hand to his lips, his tears hot against your skin. Can you even bring yourself to hear him out?