In tears the Billionaire CEO Signed the divorce,tore up the pregnancy test and left.Six years later

the ink on the divorce papers was barely dry when Clare Thompson Rose from the cold leather chair in the law office her fingers trembled as she placed the pen down as if the act of writing her name had drained the very life from her she avoided looking at the man seated across the table Ethan pierce the man she'd promised to love forever his dark eyes were fixed on the tabletop a muscle twitching in his jaw betraying emotions he refused to show her vision blurred as tears welled up the weight of finality pressed against her chest

like a vice in her purse tucked away like a cruel secret was the shredded remains of a positive pregnancy test she had ripped it apart in the bathroom before their meeting as if destroying it could erase the truth the truth that might have changed everything or maybe nothing at all their love once a blazing fire was now cold Ash and the child she carried would never know the warmth they once shared is there anything else you need the lawyer asked his voice dispassionate just another day's work for him no CLA whispered her voice almost breaking

she stealed herself fingers curling around the strap of her bag without another word she stood and walked out the heels of her boots clicking against the marble floor each step echoing with finality outside the cold wind slapped her cheeks blending with the tears she couldn't hold back any longer she looked up at the slate gray sky the air tasting of salt and regret her hand instinctively moved to her stomach but she dropped it quick quickly no don't think about it now CLA his voice cut through the wind Roar and desperate she hesitated her heart twisting

painfully in her chest she closed her eyes and let the tears fall freely for a brief moment before inhaling sharply willing her legs to move she didn't turn back she couldn't the last thing she heard was the muffled thud of his footsteps stopping behind her as if he too knew that this was the end six years later Ethan stood in his kitchen the soft Morning Light filtering through the curtains casting Long Shadows on the floor the house was silent too silent he poured coffee into his mug his hands steady but his heart felt Hollow the

routine was familiar almost mechanical wake up work out shower drink coffee go to the office repeat the days bled together into a monotonous gray the only thing that broke the sameness of his days was the ache in his chest that never fully went away a constant reminder of what he'd lost he' buried himself in work thinking it would distract him but it never did CLA was gone and so was the best part of him he glanced at the calendar hanging on the wall the date circled in red stared back at him today would have been

their 10th wedding anniversary he let out a bitter chuckle would have been the past tense stung like a fresh wound his fingers clenched around the Mug's handle a sharp knock at the door shattered his thoughts Ethan's brow furrowed as he set set the coffee down and walked toward the door he wasn't expecting anyone when he opened it a man in a brown delivery uniform handed him a large padded envelope Mr Pierce the man asked yes Ethan replied sign here please Ethan scrolled his name quickly took the envelope and closed the door he turned the package

over in his hands there was no return address his gut clenched something about it felt ominous he tore it open carefully inside was a single photograph and a letter his breath caught in his throat when he saw the image it was a little boy with tousled brown hair and bright green eyes cla's eyes the boy smile was wide and mischievous the same kind of smile CLA used to flash at him during Lazy Sunday mornings his hands shook as he unfolded the letter the handwriting was unmistakably Claire's elegant and flowing but tinged with urgency Ethan I

know you probably Hate Me Maybe you've forgotten me by now but I need you to know something something I should have told you 6 years ago this is Lucas he's our son I wanted to tell you but by the time I Found the courage it was too late I convinced myself that you were better off without me without us maybe I was wrong Lucas deserves to know his father and I I can't keep running if you want to meet him if you want to meet us we'll be at Green Leaf Park this Saturday at noon

if you don't come I'll understand but please know that Lucas will ask about you one day and I'll have to find a way to explain explain why his father didn't want to meet him CLA the letter slipped from his fingers fluttering to the floor like a Fallen Leaf Ethan's knees felt weak and he stumbled backward until he hit the wall his heart pounded in his chest his mind spinning with disbelief rage and a tidal wave of regret he ran his hand through his hair trying to make sense of it all a son he had a

son he'd never known about six lost six years he could never get back his mind flashed back to that day in the law office the look in cla's eyes the way she'd walked away without a word the pieces began to click into place he should have chased her down demanded answers fought harder but instead he'd let her go too consumed by his own pride and anger to see the truth he picked up the photograph again his eyes lingering on the boy's face there was so much of Clare in that little smile but he could see

a hint of himself too in the shape of the jaw the arch of the brow his heart swelled with a mix of Wonder and sorrow the clock on the wall read 9:30 a.m. he had 2 and 1/2 hours to decide 2 and 1/2 hours to change the course of his life forever his pulse quickened could he do this could he face CLA after everything that had happened after six years of Silence he took a shaky breath and clenched his fists the thought of missing the chance to know his son was unbearable he couldn't let fear

or Pride stop him this time the wind was cool against cla's cheeks sat sat on a worn wooden bench in Green Leaf Park the sun was hidden behind a layer of gray clouds the air heavy with the scent of damp Earth Lucas played a few feet away kicking a soccer ball around his laughter bright and unbothered cla's hands were ice cold even though she had them buried in her coat Pockets she glanced at her watch 11:58 a.m. 2 minutes 2 minutes until hope would either Blossom or shatter completely her heart thudded painfully her breaths shallow

what if he didn't come could she really handle that a small hand tugged at her sleeve mommy Lucas's voice was soft are you okay she forced a smile I'm fine baby just then the sound of hurried footsteps Drew her attention her heart leapt into her throat she turned her head and there he was Ethan stood a few feet away his chest heaving his eyes locked on hers a lifetime of emotions passed between them in a single shattering moment Mommy who's that Lucas asked his green eyes wide CLA swallowed the lump in her throat tears already

falling that's that's your daddy Ethan's feet felt like they were rooted to the ground his body unable to move as he took in the sight before him cla's eyes were the same a mixture of Stormy gray and emerald green both Fierce and vulnerable but there were new lines on her face subtle marks of time and weariness he hadn't been there to witness his gaze shifted to the boy standing beside her the the boy who was his son Lucas clung to cla's sleeve his eyes curious yet wary the world seemed to tilt beneath Ethan's feet his

mind struggling to process the reality of the moment this is real he thought he's real the emotions he'd bottled up over the last 6 years guilt anger regret hope threatened to boil over he swallowed hard painfully dry he took a tentative step forward his eyes never leaving Lucas hi Ethan managed to say his voice rough almost broken he didn't know how else to begin How could a word so small Bridge a gap so vast cla's eyes glistened with tears but she nodded encouraging him Lucas she whispered kneeling beside their son this is Ethan your dad

Lucas blinked up at Ethan his expression unreadable you're my dad he asked softly the question hit Ethan like a hammer to the chest he nodded unable to trust voice yes he finally rasped I'm your dad Lucas stared at him for a moment longer then tilted his head to the side a small crease appearing between his brows why didn't you come sooner Ethan's heart shattered the weight of the question pressed on him like a thousand bricks he looked to CLA searching for help but her eyes were downcast guilt etched on her face I didn't know Ethan

said his voice trembling I didn't know about you Lucas if I had I would have been here Lucas seemed to consider this his eyes scanning Ethan's face with surprising intensity after a long pause he nodded his shoulders relaxing a little okay he said it wasn't forgiveness not yet but it was a start Ethan let out a shaky breath relief washing through him he crouched down to Lucas's level trying to find the right words I want to know you Lucas if you'll let me Lucas glanced at CLA as if looking for reassurance she gave him a

soft smile and brushed his hair back gently it's okay sweetheart you can take your time Lucas nodded again his small fingers fidgeting with the edge of his jacket can we play soccer he asked looking up at Ethan the request caught Ethan off guard he blinked then let out a small breathless laugh yeah of course I'd love that Lucas smiled a genuine open smile that made Ethan's heart swell he reached out and took the soccer ball from Lucas feeling its familiar weight for the first time in years a spark of joy flickered in his chest the

afternoon unfolded with a fragile tentative Beauty Ethan kicked the ball gently to Lucas watching his son's face light up as he dribbled and ran they laughed together the sound strange yet wonderful in Ethan's ears CLA sat on the bench watching them with a mixture of happiness and sorrow every now and then Ethan would glance at her his heart aching there was so much left unsaid between them a Chasm of misunderstanding standings and pain but for now he focused on Lucas on the Miracle of this moment after an hour of playing Lucas finally collapsed onto the

grass breathless and grinning you're not bad dad he said the word dad sounding both foreign and sacred to Ethan's ears thanks kiddo Ethan replied his chest tightening Lucas turned to CLA mom can we get ice cream CLA smiled sure sweetheart Ethan hesitated he didn't want to overstep didn't want to R in whatever fragile Bridge they were building but before he could say anything Lucas looked at him expectantly are you coming too Dad the invitation made Ethan's throat close up he glanced at CLA and for the first time her eyes softened a hint of the woman

he used to know peeking through the walls she'd built come with us she said quietly if you want to he nodded his voice barely above a whisper I want to the small ice cream parlor was tucked away on a quiet street the kind of place that smelled like sugar in childhood they took a corner Booth Lucas chattering excitedly about his favorite flavors Ethan watched him marveling at the way his son's eyes sparkled when he spoke how many moments like this had he missed how many bedtime stories scraped knees and first words had slipped through his

fingers cla's voice pulled him back to the present vanilla and chocolate swirl she said handing Lucas his cone thanks Mom Lucas said before digging in ice cream already dripping down his fingers fers Ethan smiled faintly then turned to CLA you remembered my favorite he said looking at the cone she handed him mint chocolate chip she Shrugged not meeting his eyes some things you don't forget they sat in silence for a moment the hum of conversation and the jingle of the shops Bell filling the space between them Lucas was absorbed in his treat oblivious to the

tension lingering in the air finally Ethan took a deep breath CLA why didn't you tell me her jaw tightened her eyes fixed on the tabletop I tried she whispered at first but every time I thought about telling you I'd remember how broken we were how much we'd hurt each other Ethan's heart Twisted you didn't trust me she looked up her eyes filled with pain I didn't trust us I thought I was doing the right thing sparing you from more pain from being tied to me when we were falling apart but Lucas Ethan's voice cracked you

thought I wouldn't want him tears wed in her eyes I didn't know and by the time I realized I was wrong it felt like it was too late I was too ashamed Ethan swallowed the lump in his throat the past six years had been a wasteland of Silence misunderstandings and lost time but as he looked at Lucas happily licking his ice cream he knew one thing for certain it's not too late he said softly it can't be cla's gaze met his hope flickering like a fragile flame respond Lucas tugged at Ethan's sleeve Dad look I

made a mustache he grinned ice cream smeared across his upper lip Ethan laughed his chest aching with love that's the best mustache I've ever seen cla's laughter joined his and for a brief moment the years of hurt seemed to fade leaving behind only the sound of their shared Joy Ethan wiped a tear from the corner of his eye for the first time in six years he dared to believe that maybe just maybe there was still a chance to heal what had been broken the drive back from the ice cream parlor was strangely quiet the afternoon

sun dipped low casting Long Shadows across the streets painting everything in Hues of gold and Amber Lucas was in the back seat his head leaning against the window his eyelids fluttering as he fought off sleep The Thrill of the afternoon had exhausted him Ethan's hands gripped the steering wheel his knuckles white his mind raced with questions he hadn't asked yet fears he hadn't voiced beside him CLA sat with her arms folded across her chest her eyes fixed on the road ahead she was there so close he could hear her breathing but a Chasm still separated

them he wanted to say something to bridge the silence but his throat felt tight finally he exhaled and glanced at her CLA can we talk she didn't look at him about what about everything his voice was low strained about Lucas about us her fingers Cur around her elbows and we can't talk now she whispered casting a quick glance at Lucas in the rearview mirror not with him here Ethan nodded his jaw clenching when she hesitated her gaze dropping to her lap tonight after he's asleep his heart thudded harder in his chest there was a weight

to her words a promise of Truth they'd buried for too long he didn't know if he was ready for what they'd uncover but they couldn't keep pretending not anymore they arrived at cla's apartment just as the last raise of sunlight disappeared Ethan carried a sleepy Luca the boy's head resting on his shoulder his breath soft and warm against his neck the simple Act of holding his son feeling his small weight and hearing his heartbeat made Ethan's chest ache six years of missed bedtimes stories and kisses good night he couldn't get those years back but he

vowed not to lose another moment CLA opened the door stepping aside to let them in the apartment was modest warm and tidy toys were scattered in one corner drawings taped to the refrigerator it was a life he hadn't been part of and the realization settled heavily in his gut Ethan followed CLA to Lucas's bedroom a small space with blue walls and a bed covered in dinosaur sheets he gently laid Lucas down brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead Lucas murmured something incoherent and turned over sinking deeper into sleep they both stood by the

bed watching him for a moment the quiet was thick charged with unspoken words CLA finally broke the silence he's everything to me I can see that Ethan said softly you've done a good job with him she let out a shaky breath I tried but it's hard doing it alone Ethan's heart you didn't have to do it alone Clare flinched and the guilt flashed across her face she turned away walking out of the room Ethan followed her to the living room the air between them tense and raw she crossed her arms and faced him her eyes

guarded I know I made a mistake I should have told you but back then we were falling apart I didn't think you wanted me let alone a baby he ran a hand through his hair frustration bubbling to the surface you a chance CLA you didn't even let me try I was scared her voice cracked her eyes shining with unshed tears you don't know what it felt like to stand in that bathroom holding that test knowing everything was about to change and when we sat in that lawyer's office and you didn't even look at me I

thought was over that we were over Ethan took a step forward his hands shaking I was angry I was hurt but I never stopped loving you she let out a broken laugh tears slipping down her cheeks love wasn't enough to save us then maybe not he said his voice rough but it's enough to try again now isn't it Clare looked at him her eyes filled with a mixture of Hope and despair I don't know if we can fix this Ethan there's too much history too much pain he swallowed hard his chest tightening I don't care

how long it takes I just want a chance to be in his life and in yours she looked away her shoulders trembling I don't know if I can trust you his heart sank then let me earn it silence stretched between them heavy with uncertainty finally she nodded almost imperceptibly wek take it slow for Lucas's sake relief flooded through him it wasn't a promise but it was a chance and that was more than he' had this morning days turned into weeks Ethan became a fixture in Lucas's life a quiet presence who picked him up from school

helped with homework and learned the intricacies of bedtime stories and dinosaur facts they built a fragile routine each day stitching together the pieces of a relationship that had been broken for too long Ethan's bond with Lucas grew stronger but the space between him and CLA remained they were polite careful not to step on the Cracks beneath their feet but the air was always charged the memory of what they'd once shared hovering like a ghost one crisp October evening Ethan arrived at the apartment to find CLA sitting on the balcony a steaming mug in her hands

the sky was painted in shades of pink and purple a chill settling over the city Lucas was at a sleepover the apartment unusually quiet hey he said softly stepping onto the balcony she looked up her eyes weary but soft hey he leaned against the railing beside her the silence stretching out the wind teased strands of her hair and the fading light cast a glow on her face she looked beautiful a Bittersweet ache spreading through his chest do you ever think about that night he asked his voice low the night we signed the papers cla's fingers

tightened around her mug every day he swallowed hard I wish I'd chased after you I wish I'd known how to fight for us she closed her eyes a tear slipping down her cheek I wish I hadn't run he turned to face her his heart pounding we've lost so much time CLA but I don't want to lose anymore she opened her eyes her gaze meeting his For the First Time The Walls she'd built seemed to crack I'm scared Ethan what if we hurt each other again he reached out brushing a strand of hair from her face

we will we're human but maybe this time we'll fight together her lips trembled her eyes search ing his face and Lucas we show him that love isn't perfect Ethan whispered but it's worth fighting for a sobb escaped her lips and she leaned into him her forehead resting against his he wrapped his arms around her holding her tightly as if the world might shatter if he let go I missed you she whispered her voice breaking I missed you so much tears blurred his vision I missed you too for the first time in six years they stood

together the pieces of their their broken hearts slowly tentatively fitting back together the days that followed felt like a delicate balancing act one where a single misstep could send everything crashing down Ethan treaded carefully showing up for Lucas and CLA without pushing too hard every morning he'd wake up with a cautious hope wondering if today would be the day CLA fully let him back in some days she'd smile more easily other days the walls crept back up but each moment they shared chipped away at the distance that still lingered between them one Saturday afternoon they

decided to take Lucas to a Fall Festival at the park the air was crisp with the scent of cinnamon and Freshly Baked Goods Lucas dashed ahead his laughter blending with the sounds of children's games and carnival music Ethan watched him with a soft smile his heart swelling he felt more like a father every day CLA walked beside him her hands tucked into the pockets of her coat the Golden Leaves crunched under their feet as they strolled down the path she glanced at him her eyes warm but uncertain you seem happier lately she said softly he

nodded looking down at the ground for a moment before meeting her gaze I am being here with you and Lucas it's everything I didn't know I was missing she hesitated her breath catching it's been nice having you around Lucas adores you and you he asked quietly his voice trembling cla's eyes shimmered with uncertainty I'm scared to tr trust this Ethan to trust us I know he replied but I'm not going anywhere this time I promise before she could respond Lucas's voice called out Mom Dad come see this the word dad still sent a jolt through

Ethan's heart a mixture of joy and disbelief they followed Lucas to a booth where children were painting pumpkins Lucas grabbed a small round pumpkin and held up a paintbrush can we do this together he asked his eyes wide and hopeful Ethan and CLA exchanged a glance a silent understanding passing between them of course Clare said kneeling beside Lucas Ethan crouched on the other side picking up a paintbrush what should we paint Bud Lucas's brow furrowed in concentration a family of pumpkins like us Ethan's throat tightened and he shared a look with CLA her eyes glistened

but she nodded a small smile breaking through they worked together in comfortable silence their fingers smudged with paint Lucas giggled as Ethan accidentally painted a crooked smile on one of the pumpkins Clare reached out and wiped a streak of paint from Ethan's cheek her fingers lingering just a moment too long when they finished three pumpkins sat side by side one tall one medium and one small each with matching Smiles Lucas clapped his hands his face glowing with pride it's us he said our family Ethan swallowed hard his heart swelling with hope yeah it's us later

that night after they put Lucas to bed Ethan lingered in the living room CLA stood by the window her arms wrapped around herself the Moonlight filtered through the curtains casting a soft glow on her face he took a deep breath his hands shaking CLA we can't keep dancing around this she turned to face him her eyes full of vulnerability I know I want us to be a family not just for Lucas but for us too I want to try again to build something better this time her eyes searched his face looking for cracks or hesitation

what if we fail again we might he admitted but I'd rather try and fail than spend another 6 years wondering what could have been she took a shaky breath tears slipping down her cheeks I'm so tired of being afraid he stepped forward gently cupping her face in his hands then let's be brave together her lips trembled and she closed her eyes when she opened them they were filled with a cautious hope okay she whispered the word was small but carried the weight of everything they'd been through he leaned in his lips brushing against hers tentative

at first but when she responded the kiss deepened years of longing and regret dissolving into a moment of pure unfiltered connection when they finally pulled apart they were both breathless tears mingling with smiles wek take it one day at a time he said she nodded a soft laugh escaping her one day at a time the weeks that followed were filled with cautious Joy Ethan spent more nights at cla's apartment their routines intertwining like Vines growing toward the light they took Lucas on more outings to museums parks and movie Nights on the couch the laughter came

easier the silences less heavy one rainy afternoon Lucas came bounding into the living room clutching a piece of paper his cheeks were flushed with excitement look what I made he exclaimed waving the paper Ethan took it and smiled it was a drawing of three stick figures holding hands under a rainbow above them in wobbly letters were the words my family CLA knelt beside Lucas her eyes glistening it's beautiful sweetheart Lucas beamed can we put it on the fridge absolutely Ethan said his voice thick with emotion they walked to the kitchen together and Lucas proudly stuck

the drawing to the refrigerator with a magnet Ethan's eyes lingered on the simple powerful words my family it felt real now not per perfect not fixed man but real the first snowfall of the Season came in early December the city was blanketed in white the air crisp and clean Lucas bounced with excitement pressing his nose to the window can we go outside please he begged Ethan grinned only if your mom says it's okay CLA laughed already reaching for their coats letun do it they bundled up and stepped into the winter wonderland Lucas squealed running ahead

to make snow angels Ethan caught cla's hand in his their breath mingling in the cold air he squeezed her fingers are you happy she looked at him her eyes shining I'm getting there they walked together the snow crunching under their feet Lucas's laughter echoed through the Stillness a sound so pure it made Ethan's chest ache with joy suddenly Lucas called out letun Build a Snowman a big one they laughed and joined him rolling the snow into large uneven balls Ethan lifted Lucas onto his shoulders so he could place the head on top Clare found stones

for the eyes and a scarf to wrap around the neck when they finished the Snowman stood lopsided and grinning but it felt perfect Lucas clapped his gloved hands together his face lit with joy we did it he shouted Ethan's heart swelled as he looked at his son then at CLA snowflakes dusted her hair her cheeks flushed with cold and happiness he reached out and brushed a flake from her nose I love you he whispered the words tumbling out before he could stop them her eyes widened then softened I love you too it was the first

time they'd said it in years but it felt as natural as breathing Lucas turned his smile wide are we a family now he asked heyan knelt pulling Lucas into his arms yeah buddy we're a family Clare wrapped her arms around them both her laughter mingling with tears the snow fell softly around them the world hushed and perfect and for the first time in a long time they were home