Chapter 4 A Father's First Look

The morning sunlight spilled through Amelia's bedroom window, warm and golden, but her heart felt heavier than ever. She stood in front of the mirror, brushing Liam's hair with a trembling hand. He fidgeted, dressed in a crisp white shirt and navy blue jeans, looking far too grown-up for a five-year-old.

"Mom," he whined, "why do I have to meet this man? I don't even know him."

Her heart clenched.

"I know, sweetheart," she said gently, crouching to his level. "But remember when you asked about your daddy?"

He blinked up at her, silent.

"Well... you're going to meet him today."

His brows furrowed. "But I thought he was..."

"I know what I said," she interrupted softly, guilt weighing her down. "But I lied. I wasn't ready to tell you before. I was scared. But now... he wants to know you, and I think you should have the chance to know him too."

Liam's expression was unreadable-just like his father's.

"Will he like me?"

Amelia smiled through a sudden wave of tears. "He's going to love you."

Adrian paced his penthouse, checking the time every two minutes. He had canceled all meetings, sent his staff home, and even straightened the place himself.

His heart pounded like it hadn't in years.

How did you meet a son you never knew you had?

What would he say?

What if Liam hated him?

What if he wasn't enough?

The doorbell rang.

Adrian froze.

Then rushed to open it.

Amelia stood there, holding Liam's small hand. The boy's eyes darted around the luxury apartment, wide and curious, but he stayed close to his mother's side.

Adrian dropped to one knee, his breath catching.

"Hi," he said quietly. "You must be Liam."

The boy studied him in silence.

Adrian extended a hand.

Liam looked at it. Then looked at his mother.

Amelia nodded gently. "It's okay."

After a moment, Liam stepped forward and placed his small hand into Adrian's much larger one.

A jolt ran through Adrian's chest.

This was real.

His son's hand.

Warm. Small. Trusting.

"I'm your dad," he said, barely above a whisper.

"I know," Liam said. "Mom told me."

"You... look a lot like me," Adrian said, smiling nervously.

Liam shrugged. "That's what Miss Emma says too."

Adrian chuckled softly, the tension in his chest loosening slightly. "Do you want to come in? I have juice. And chocolate cake. The good kind."

Liam's eyes lit up. "Chocolate cake?"

Adrian nodded. "Double fudge."

Liam stepped inside.

Just like that, he was in Adrian's world.

And nothing would ever be the same again.

The afternoon passed slowly, filled with cautious steps and unexpected laughter. Liam explored the penthouse like a miniature detective-poking at art pieces, peering through windows, asking an endless stream of questions.

Adrian answered every one.

Patiently.

Amelia watched from the couch, quiet, protective, uncertain.

When Liam finally sat on the rug with his cake, Adrian lowered himself beside him.

"Do you like school?" he asked.

Liam nodded. "I'm the fastest runner in my class. And I can draw dinosaurs. Do you like dinosaurs?"

"I love them," Adrian said without hesitation. "Stegosaurus was my favorite."

Liam grinned. "Mine too!"

For a moment, it felt natural.

Normal.

Like a father and son who had always known each other.

Adrian couldn't stop staring at him-his tiny hands, his clever eyes, the way his nose wrinkled when he concentrated. All those things he'd missed. First steps. First words. First scraped knee. He hadn't been there for any of it.

But maybe... he could be here now.

When Liam went to the guest room for a nap, Adrian and Amelia sat alone.

Neither spoke for a long time.

"He's incredible," Adrian said finally, voice thick.

Amelia nodded. "He's always been."

"I don't deserve him," he whispered.

Amelia turned to him. "Then prove you do."

He met her eyes. "Let me be part of his life. I'll do whatever it takes."

She exhaled. "It won't be easy. He's just getting used to the idea."

"I know." He stood and walked to the window. "But I missed five years. I'm not missing another day."

A silence settled between them again-less heavy this time. Less angry.

"Amelia..."

She looked up.

"I'm not just fighting for him. I'm fighting for you, too."

She froze.

"I know I broke you," Adrian said, his voice breaking. "I know I don't deserve another chance. But I can't pretend like I don't want one."

She stood slowly, heart thudding.

"You can't just walk back into my life and expect everything to heal overnight."

"I don't," he said. "But I'm still going to try."

Their eyes locked.

There was so much history in that gaze. So much pain. And love.

"I need time," she whispered.

"I'll give you all the time you need."

That night, as Amelia tucked Liam into bed in the guest room, he looked up at her sleepily.

"Mom?"

"Yes, baby?"

"Do I really get to see him again?"

She brushed his hair back. "Yes. If you want to."

He nodded. "I think he's okay. He doesn't look like a villain."

She smiled. "No. He's not."

"Are you gonna be his friend again too?"

She paused.

Then kissed his forehead. "Maybe."

Liam's eyes fluttered closed.

Amelia stayed there a little longer, her fingers lingering on her son's cheek.

Maybe this was the start of something new.

Maybe it wasn't too late.