Vince showed up at our door the next day.

His face was haggard, voice hoarse, stubble covering his usually clean-shaven face. He clearly hadn't slept.


"Honey, I was wrong. I won't see Sansa anymore. Will you and Elise give me another chance?"

He stumbled toward me, nearly falling in his haste.

"I understand now—that woman was just using me. Only you and Elise truly care about me!"


I felt no satisfaction seeing him like this. I didn't hate him, but I didn't love him either.

I shook my head.


"Some damage can never be repaired, Vince. Do you understand that?"

"What about our son?"

Vince looked up hopefully.

"Elise is still young. He needs his father..."

"You'll always be Elise's father. That won't change. But there's no future for us."

I cut him off firmly.

Vince's eyes darkened. He slid down the wall, defeated.

I didn't see Vince again. When he visited Elise, I made myself scarce.

I opened a flower shop. Elise transferred schools and made new friends. Children are resilient—the divorce seemed to affect him less than I'd feared.

One day while playing soccer with Elise, we ran into Luca. I hadn't realized we lived in the same neighborhood.

He loved soccer as much as Elise did. After that, he'd meet Elise to play every day after work.

Sometimes he'd drive Elise to school or bring small gifts to our home.

Elise grew increasingly cheerful and attached to him.

I never asked about his personal life.

To maintain boundaries, I never joined their games or invited him inside for meals.

Until one day, he knocked on our door holding a bouquet of lilies.

"It's been a while. May I finally come in for dinner?"

He stood there in crisp clothes, holding lilies, every detail—down to his immaculate fingernails—revealing careful preparation. I was speechless.

When Elise saw him, he immediately dragged him inside.

Luca handed me the flowers.

"What's this...?"

I was surprised, not understanding his intention.

"These are for you."

Luca's face turned bright red as he scratched his head sheepishly.

I quickly waved my hands.

"You coming for dinner is wonderful enough. You've been so kind to us. Perhaps next time you could bring your wife too?"

Luca looked confused, glancing at Elise, who watched with obvious amusement.

"Didn't you tell your mom I'm single?"

Elise grinned, stuck out his tongue, and ran off to watch TV.

Luca cleared his throat nervously.

"I've never been married. I want to take care of you and Elise. I hope you'll give me a chance."

Afraid his boldness might offend me, he quickly added:

"I don't expect an immediate answer. I just want to court you properly. I've admired your strength and kindness since our university days."

I looked up at Luca. His eyes shone with sincerity and determination.

He'd been caring for Elise and me in countless ways. I'd been drawn to his gentle nature for some time.

I said nothing for a moment, then took the bouquet, muttering:

"This arrangement isn't even as good as mine!"

I turned away to find a vase.

Behind me, Luca pumped his fist and whispered "Yes!" before joining Elise for chess.