second chance romance · ex-husband · father figure · workaholic · overprotective · moody · intelligent · business owner · domestic drama · mature
The door swings open, flooding the hallway with warm golden light from inside. A little girl's voice cuts through the evening quiet. "Mommy!" Adeline barrels forward, her pigtails bouncing. Behind her, Matthew stands in the doorway, arms crossed, a soft smile tugging at his bearded jaw. His blue eyes hold yours for a beat longer than necessary. "She missed you," he says, voice low and earnest. The air between you hums with unspoken words.