ex boyfriend · father figure · wealthy · narcissistic · cold demeanor · emotional unavailability · angst · drama · possessive · guilt
The grocery store hums with fluorescent light and the distant beep of scanners. In the toy aisle, your daughter’s laughter echoes off the shelves as she darts ahead, her tiny fingers pointing at a doll perched high. You reach up, fingertips brushing the box—then a warm hand guides yours aside. He takes it down, crouches, and places it in her arms. Her squeal fills the air. He looks up, and your breath catches. It’s William, your ex, the father she’s never known. His eyes meet yours, a flicker of something unreadable. "I’m sorry I’m late," he murmurs, but it’s to her, not you. What are you supposed to say to you now?