Fernando’s POVMy expensive black car hummed beneath us as we pulled up to the front gate of Richmond Elementary School. The morning sun glistened against the tall white buildings with gold trimmings, casting a regal glow over the prestigious grounds. The lush emerald-green lawns were freshly mowed, and a line of expensive cars filled the drop-off area, driven by chauffeurs in suits and polished caps. It screamed wealth and legacy. Perfect for Henry.Henry sat beside me in the backseat, eyes wide, mouth slightly agape as he pressed his nose to the glass. His small fingers clutched his backpack tightly, his little chest rising and falling with anticipation.“Is this… my school?” he asked, his voice soft and awestruck.“It could be,” I said, smiling at him. “If you want it to be.”He blinked at me, then smiled back, a dimple showing on one cheek. “It’s so… big. And clean.”I chuckled. “That’s how you know they charge an ungodly amount.”Two of my guards stepped out immediately and
Archer's POV The sky was bright, too damn bright. Sunshine spilled over the street outside Kafé Verse like it had something to prove. My sunglasses did little to cut through the glare, and I found myself squinting as I stepped outside, Michael a step behind me, looking more confused than wary—a mistake he kept making with me."What is this about?" he asked, crossing his arms the second we were out of earshot from the rest of his coworkers. The front windows of the café glared like eyes. Ivy, Mateo, and Liam pretended not to stare, but I could feel their curiosity stretching like invisible wires between us.I didn’t answer him right away. I let my gaze drift down the street, scanning for pedestrians, possible eavesdroppers. This wasn’t the kind of conversation I wanted echoing through those walls.Finally, I turned to face him fully."Why is Henry living with you?"Michael blinked, clearly not expecting that to be my first question. "Because I’m the one he chose. He’s comfortable
Michael’s POV The wind was already hot when I stepped out of the cab, and it felt like summer had no intention of backing down anytime soon. I jogged the last few steps toward the front doors of Kafé Verse. Late again. I hated that. But I also knew trying to argue with the traffic would be like trying to reason with a hurricane.As soon as I stepped inside, the familiar aroma of roasted beans, cinnamon, and freshly baked scones hit me like a warm blanket. There was the subtle clinking of mugs, the low hum of conversations, and the comforting chatter of Ivy, Mateo, and Liam working the counter.Ivy caught sight of me first, a wide grin blooming across her face as she waved a cloth in the air like a flag of mockery. "Well, well, well, if it isn't Sleeping Beauty himself, gracing us with his royal presence.""Sorry," I muttered, hurrying past the counter to grab my apron. "I had to prepare Henry to go for an interview in a school and he was being too slow.""You’re lucky I’m not the
Fernando’s POV The morning light filtered through my bedroom windows, casting golden rays over the floor. I sat at the edge of my bed, elbows on my knees, phone in my hand, staring at Michael’s name on the screen. I had been staring at it for ten minutes. Debating what to do.Should I text him?After everything—after a couple days ago, after Henry chose to stay with him instead of me—I wasn’t sure if reaching out would feel intrusive. But this wasn’t about me or Michael. It was about Henry. My son. My blood.So I texted him."I want to register Henry in a school. A good one. Today."I didn’t expect a warm reply. I didn’t even expect a thank you. But Michael responded a minute later with a simple:"Okay. I’ll get him ready."I didn’t know how to read that. Was it reluctant? Neutral? Cooperative? My mind was a sea of questions.Michael had this way of keeping things wrapped in a kind tone even when he wasn’t fine. And after everything—me showing up at his apartment unannounced, my pa
Michael’s POVAs the sun began to dip behind the city skyline, painting the apartment in soft amber light, I knew I was running out of time.Ashley would be home soon.And as much as I hated to admit it, I was nervous.Not because I was doing anything wrong—but because I was doing something big. Henry chose me.And that decision carried weight. Especially with Ashley.I glanced down at Henry, who was standing on the little stepping stool by the kitchen counter, holding a wooden spoon in one hand and a bowl of sliced carrots in the other."Okay, big guy," I said with a smile, handing him a spoonful of honey glaze, "drizzle that right over the chicken thighs, just like I showed you."He grinned, his eyes lighting up as he carefully did as instructed. "Like this?""Perfect. You’re officially my sous-chef."He beamed with pride, his round cheeks flushed from the warmth of the oven and his excitement.We had been working together for over an hour now."Michael?" Henry said after a moment
Fernando’s POV I sat on the edge of Michael’s neatly made bed, my elbows resting on my knees, my hands locked together.For once, our conversation didn’t feel like a negotiation or a courtroom battle. It felt like two men trying to put their egos aside for a boy who mattered more than pride ever could.Michael glanced at the closed door, as though making sure Henry wasn’t listening. Then his eyes flicked back to me. "Fernando, this isn’t about winning or losing. You know that, right?"I gave a small nod, exhaling slowly. "I know. Believe me, I know."His jaw flexed slightly. "It might not look like it, but I get how this must feel for you."I found comfort in the neatness of the room even if I hated to admit it. "I thought... I thought bringing Henry back would be the start of something better. I made mistakes. I kept him away because I thought it was best. And now that I want to be part of his life, he’s gravitating toward you. It hurts."Michael walked over to the desk and lean