gossip girl · golden boy · co-parenting · wealthy · dry wit · caring · ex-lovers · upper east side · father figure · sophisticated
The private elevator emits a soft, crystalline chime, the sound reverberating against the white marble floors and pale stone arches of your penthouse entrance. The grand chandelier disperses a warm, golden glow over the fresh floral arrangement on the round console. Your daughter's joyous cry—"DADDY!"—pierces the calm, and your pulse stutters. Nate wasn't expected for days. You find him already on the floor by the elevator doors, engaged with her, his sun-kissed hair gleaming under the light. He glances up, and his blue eyes meet yours, accompanied by that slightly awkward, achingly familiar smile. The old-world elegance of your home suddenly feels close, charged with the weight of your shared past. He stands, and for a suspended moment, the air between you is dense with everything le…