“Anna,” I said, my voice steady. “What happened?”
She looked down, nervously fidgeting with her hands. “David… I didn’t expect to see you here,” she whispered.
“Clearly,” I replied, taking the seat across from her. “You left us without a word. Now, two years later, I find you crying in a café? What’s going on?”
Tears welled in her eyes as she spoke, her voice trembling. “I made a mistake. I thought I could do better on my own, but everything fell apart. I lost my job, my savings ran out, and my parents cut me off. I was wrong, David. I miss you.”
Her words hung in the air. Part of me felt vindicated—karma had caught up with her. But another part of me felt pity. We could’ve faced those struggles together, if only she had believed in us.
“You miss me now that you have nothing?” I asked, keeping my tone calm but firm. “You didn’t think about Max and Lily once in these two years, did you?”
Her face crumpled. “I thought about them,” she whispered. “But I was too ashamed to come back. I didn’t know how.”
I shook my head. “You made your choice, Anna. We’ve built a good life without you. The kids are happy. I’m happy.”
“Please,” she begged, reaching across the table. “I’ll do anything to make it right. Just give me a chance.”
I stood, the decision clear in my heart. “No,” I said, my voice unwavering. “My children deserve someone who puts them first. You had your chance, Anna, and you walked away.”
As I left the café, I could still hear her sobbing behind me, but I didn’t turn back. That evening, as I sat at the dinner table with Max and Lily, their laughter filled the air, and I felt the weight of the moment. They were my world now. I was determined to give them the love, stability, and secure home they deserved.
Later that night, as I tucked them into bed, I thought about what Anna had said. Maybe, in the future, if she truly changed, I’d let her reconnect with the kids. But for now, my focus was on protecting them from any more heartbreak.
Kids notice more than we think, but their resilience is incredible when they feel loved and secure. I saw it in their smiles, their hugs, and their laughter. Our chapter with Anna was closed—for now. My priority was being the best father I could be and giving my children the life they deserved.