Meanwhile, I stayed up late helping my former research team finish their reports remotely, knowing full well I'd never rejoin them.
One year later, Elise toddled across the room for the first time, arms wobbling. Sara burst into tears and hugged me so tightly I couldn't breathe.
"Oliver, thank you," she whispered between sobs. "From now on, let's live a good life together."
I believed her.
I believed her when she said we were a family now. I believed every smile, every tear she shed for me. I thought maybe—just maybe—I had built something real from the ruins.
But now?
Now Francis didn't have to lift a finger. He just had to show up and every sacrifice I made vanished. My ten years of love and labor were erased with one smile from him.
And they welcomed him like nothing had ever happened.
Just as I was lost in thought, Francis spotted me standing halfway down the stairs.
"Ollie, you're awake?" he said, flashing a sheepish smile. "I didn't mean to show up like this—I swear. Elise just wouldn't stop begging me to come home. I really didn't have a choice..."