The restaurant was dimly lit, casting a warm glow across the tables set for intimate conversations. I had envisioned this moment for years — the moment I would finally face Sophie with all my strength and success. Yet, as she stepped into the room, my breath caught in my throat.
Cradled in her arms was a baby girl, no more than a few months old. Her wide eyes blinked at the world with innocent curiosity, a soft gurgle escaping her lips as she nestled closer to Sophie. My mind reeled, struggling to comprehend the scene unfolding before me.
“Ethan, this is Lily,” Sophie said softly, her voice tinged with a vulnerability I hadn’t heard in years. “She’s your daughter.”
