I don't like him.

Toronto is a vibrant city, with multicultural metropolises buzzing with energy, where sleek skyscrapers meet artsy neighborhoods, and the air hums with a mix of business ambition, cultural flair, and non-stop city life.

The drive to the company’s guest accomodation was smooth and quiet, with Amelia looking out the window, enjoying the beautiful and familiar view of the city. Even after being away for more than four years, everything about the city felt the same.

It was dark, by the time they arrived at the apartment. The guest accomodation was a tall and magnificent building, with floor-to ceiling windows that overlooked the city’s skylines. Amelia was awed by the beautiful sight of the apartment when she stepped in–chrome finishes, minimalistic decor and spotless marble counters that looked more curated than live in.

She helped Leo with his backpack and settled it on the sofa nearby, “Do you like it here?” she asked, eyeing Leo’s expression.

“Not bad. As long as mommy loves it, Leo loves it.” he smiled, looking up childishly at Amelia.

Amelia’s gaze softened and she smiled, ruffling his hair. “And mommy loves Leo.”

She walked to the window, letting the city lights soak into her tired gaze. Behind her, Leo silently unzipped his pack and pulled out a small, worn dinosaur plush. He clutched it, then climbed onto a sofa.

Amelia turned to him, “You want to pick a room or sleep with mommy?”

“Sleep with mommy,”

Amelia smiled. “Of course, mommy is the best.”

“Not when she’s mad at Leo.”

“I only get mad when Leo does something bad.”

“I know. I know. Mom is always right.” Leo shrugged, his lips carving a small, cute smile.

A knock sounded at the door, interrupting their chat. Amelia paused and frowned slightly before she went to open the door.

Matteo stood on the threshold, hands tucked in his pockets, his expression unreadable. He had removed his suit jacket, rolled up his sleeves, but still looked too polished for the hour.

Surprised, Amelia blinked, “Mr. Lior,” she said, straightening unconsciously. “Everything okay?”

“I wanted to personally confirm that you arrived comfortably. And deliver these–” He held out a folder and a keycard. “Tomorrow’s briefings, and access to your office suite.”

She took them, without touching his hand. “Thank you.”

Matteo’s eyes swept the apartment briefly, noting the silence and unsure of what to say. “Your son settled in?”

“Yeah, he’s resting.”

He nodded, “Of course, he must be tired.”

She nodded, getting impatient and really uncomfortable being too close to him.

But neither of them moved. Matteo looked at her again—really looked this time. Not as a guest or a colleague, but as someone who knew her face in a different light. Her name had triggered something earlier. But now, in her quiet poise and tired eyes, there was an edge he hadn’t expected. Did she really not recognize him or was she pretending not to?

“You look familiar,” he said suddenly.

Her spine straightened. “Sorry?”

“I feel like I’ve seen you before,” he added, testing.

“I don’t think so,” Amelia shook her head.

“At a conference?” he offered, still testing.

Amelia shrugged. “Maybe. I’ve been to many, but not Canada.”

Matteo didn’t press, though something about the way she avoided his eyes made his chest twist. He glanced around again, the walls of this temporary place. Noticing her unease, he finally said, “I’ll see you at 9 a.m., have a good sleep.”

“Thank you,” Amelia nodded, gently shutting the door behind him. She released a deep breath she didn’t know she was holding.

On the other side, Matteo lingered for a second. Then turned and walked away.

Inside, Leo stepped from the hallway and looked at his mother, “The new boss?”

“Yeah,” Amelia nodded.

Leo’s eyes narrowed slightly. “He looks at me weird.”

Amelia smiled faintly, “Everyone looks at you weird, little lion. Probably because you have the same eyes colour with him.”

“I don’t like him.” he said calmly, returning to the sofa.”

“I don’t remember you liking anyone, except uncle Cary. Oh goodness! That reminds me, I haven’t called him, yet. Promised to call him once we got off the plane.”

“You always forget.”

“You never remind me.”

“You didn’t ask me to.”

“Oh my God, Leo.”

Silence followed, before Leo suddenly broke it.

“I don’t like him because he has the same eyes with me. I’m supposed to be the only one who has those, since dad is dead.”

Amelia froze.

When she recovered, she turned to look at the little boy, his expression was neutral. It was always hard for Amelia, even though being his mother, to really guess what was going on in his mind, whenever he kept his expression neutral.

He had once asked her about his father, and she told him he was in heaven. Leo didn’t press, but since then, he had never asked or said anything about his father except for tonight. Amelia was both terrified and uneasy, especially since she couldn’t actually tell what he was thinking.

She had no idea who the man she had slept with that night was. Even before she left the country, she had gone to that bar to search for him, but how could she find him, when she didn’t even remember anything about him, apart from being a bartender? it was like finding a needle in an ocean.

Amelia reached the sofa and sat down, she studied Leo for a while before she pulled him close, stroking his hair. “There are many of those eyes around the world, Leo. And he’s older than you, so, he got his, before you.”

Leo pouted and shrugged, he hugged her back, melting into her warmth—one he’d always loved and will continue to love.