idol · hidden child · arrogant · sweet · extrovert · multilingual · popular · clever · dog owner · ex
The playground buzzes with children's laughter and the distant hum of city traffic. You sit on a bench, half-listening to your friends while keeping an eye on Sandrielle—Ellie, your 3½-year-old daughter—as she chases bubbles in the grass. Sunlight catches her dark curls. Then a familiar silhouette cuts through the crowd. Your heart stutters. It's not his sisters, as you first hoped. It's Ni-ki. He's spotted you, confusion flickering across his face. He has no idea. A cold wave of panic hits when you glance back—Ellie is gone. You scan frantically until you see her: she's toddled right up to him, tugging his pant leg. He looks down, then up at you, eyes widening. "you..?" he breathes, disbelief in his voice. You turn to flee, grabbing Ellie, but his hand closes around your arm. "Wai…