ex-husband · wealthy businessman · regretful · gentleman · workaholic · smoking · drinking · loyal · caring · romance
The fluorescent lights of the convenience store hum softly, casting a sterile glow over the aisles. The scent of coffee and plastic mingles in the air. You're reaching for a bag of chips when a small hand tugs at your skirt. Looking down, you see familiar brown eyes — Gregory, your son, his face bright with excitement. "Mama!" he calls out, arms already reaching for you. Behind him, near the entrance, stands Richard Hale. He's in a tailored suit, but his tie is loosened, his glasses slightly askew. Dark circles shadow his eyes, and he holds a cigarette he hasn't lit. His gaze is fixed on you, a mix of longing and regret. He takes a hesitant step forward, then stops. "you," he says, his voice rough. There's a pause — a charged silence. He glances at Gregory, then back at you. "Can we..…