Chapter 8 - The Life I Never Expected
Six months later, things were different.
Ava had new shoes.
The electricity stayed on.
We moved into a small but beautiful apartment.
I became head of financial compliance for one of Adrian's companies.
I earned more than I had ever imagined.
But the best part wasn't the money.
It was Adrian.
He became part of our lives slowly.
He never tried to replace Ava's father.
He never demanded anything.
He simply showed up.
School plays.
Doctor appointments.
Birthday parties.
Pancake breakfasts.
Ava adored him.
One night, she asked:
“Mommy?”
“Yes?”
“Can Adrian stay forever?”
I nearly dropped my coffee.
“Ava.”
“What?”
“You can't ask people that.”
“Why?”
“Because it's complicated.”
She looked at me.
“Grown-ups make everything complicated.”
I laughed.
She was right.
Later that evening, Adrian walked me home.
“Your daughter asked me something interesting.”
I blushed.
“What?”
“She asked if I could stay forever.”
I looked away.
“What did you say?”
“I said I'd like to.”
My heart skipped.
“Adrian…”
He took my hand.
“I don't want to rescue you.”
“I know.”
“I don't want to control your life.”
“I know.”
“I just want to be part of it.”
I looked at him.
“Then stay.”
May you like
He smiled.
“I will.”
