The terrible storm had passed late in the evening, allowing the group to return home. The streets of Denver were almost flooded by the rain, with broken trees decorating the roads. Despite the havoc, everyone had made it back safely, carrying wonderful memories and beautiful experiences with them.

Two weeks had passed since the last events—everyone's life had gone back to normal, and the daily routine had taken hold of them again, without a second thought. Time never waited, did it?

Today was an exceptionally pleasant day—the sun shone over the streets of Denver, which were once again starting to buzz with life. The sky was crystal clear, with white clouds dancing back and forth, playing with the sun's rays. Children were back to playing, chasing each other through the large neighborhoods, their rosy faces adorned with bright smiles from exhaustion. The weather was perfect for long walks or relaxation. On such warm, sunny days, many people preferred to go outside to blow off steam.

Alexander had been at work since early this morning—his first shifts started at nine and ended around six. Saturdays were definitely busy for him—most people had the day off and went out with their families. The restaurant where he worked was full today, as it usually was on weekends, but somehow Alex didn't quite feel the pressure of the work.

He was managing a relatively small section by himself—six tables in total. Four tables were for four people, and two were for eight. It wasn't a task that would challenge him, and the blond handled it with ease. His uniform was clean and looked good on him—a pearl-white shirt with the black logo of the beautiful restaurant and comfortable black pants. Always smiling brightly, charming, talkative, and sociable, he won over the hearts of his customers, and they almost always left satisfied, returning again and again. The joy he felt working in restaurants, being so close to his big dream, was incomparable to anything else. His heart seemed to beat differently, and his hands tingled with excitement.

Alexander stood by the waiter's cabinet, his expression one of calm focus, carefully preparing the workspace for the next shift. With habitual, smooth movements, he folded the clean silverware as if each gesture were part of a ritual that brought order and harmony to the space around him. His delicate hands wrapped the white napkins with precision, speaking of experience and care, before meticulously arranging the prepared utensils in the lacquered wooden cabinet. This cabinet, radiating the warmth of the wood and carefully maintained, housed other necessary supplies, each in its rightful place. The workday was nearly over—only a few moments of silence and calm remained, and all that was required of him was a bit more patience. Soon, everything would be finished, and order would reign until the next day, or at least until someone else took over the shift.

The blond-haired boy had just finished his duties and was calmly leaning against the massive cabinet, patiently waiting for new customers when Rachel, the new trainee hostess, quickly approached him. Her nervousness was evident on her beautifully made-up face.

Her smile was innocent and wide, but her eyes darted around anxiously, looking for Alex. The blond noticed her, and a wave of joy filled his soul—she was still incredibly confused, and the new place was unfamiliar to her, which amused him. Somehow, everyone had been strict with her, pushing her to learn quickly, while Alexander had shown patience and understanding—he vividly remembered where he had started and was ready to help.

"Rach, what is it now? Need help with a reservation?" A warm smile appeared on his pale face as he looked at the girl. She only giggled, touched by his kind words, and replied:

"Do you have a free table for four, Alex?"

His sea-blue eyes scanned the area, analyzing the surroundings. In the middle, he spotted an empty table waiting for new customers. The young man turned to Rachel, who was trembling with anticipation, and confidently said:

"Table 117 is free. Seat them there."

"Oh, well... it will be in a moment. They were quite adamant about wanting a smoking table, but when I mentioned that all the outdoor tables were either taken or reserved, a bit of an argument started.
'Damn it, Antonia, what's the big deal if you don't smoke for one damn hour? You'll survive, breathe!'"

A bright laugh escaped Alex's lips—this situation was quite common here. The restaurant had recently opened its outdoor areas—a small summer garden and a slightly larger section everyone referred to as the "VIP area." The name came from the fact that this section had only large tables, and big groups always dined there. Everyone loved working in that section because of the high turnover, but on such a beautiful sunny day, everyone preferred to be outside, and there were hardly any free tables.

"Nope. Olivia is alone in the VIP area, and Margaret left after arguing with the manager—whose name I don't even know." A playful, innocent smile once again colored her face. "He's such a baby. Sometimes I feel like—"

"Rach," the boy chuckled again, tucking a small strand of her chestnut hair behind her ear. "Will you seat the customers?"

The girl laughed brightly and nodded in agreement, heading toward the main entrance of the restaurant. Rachel was incredibly chatty—her ability to keep a conversation going was downright impressive. It helped her shake off the nerves that came with her new job.

The blond boy grabbed a small black tray and slowly walked toward the bar, waiting for Rachel to seat his new customers. His long fingers gently picked up four glass cups and carefully arranged them on the tray. Returning to his cabinet to grab some utensils, he spotted the hostess accompanied by four girls. One of them seemed to immediately capture Alexander's ocean-blue gaze, holding it firmly, as if he couldn't look away.

Penelope Anderson walked with unwavering confidence and grace, standing out among her three friends. Her long, straight blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders and back like silk, carrying the delicate and memorable scent of "Good Girl" by Carolina Herrera. She was dressed in a short dress of stunning turquoise color, which accentuated every curve of her well-toned body, exuding femininity, strength, and undeniable confidence. Her long, elegant fingers, adorned with a perfectly done French manicure, carefully held an expensive silver clutch that matched flawlessly with her sparkling silver shoes and diamond jewelry that graced her wrists and neck. It was clear that Penelope was a woman who not only loved taking care of herself but also radiated pure elegance and luxury.

As she passed by the blond man, he felt his heart skip a beat. His gaze was captivated by her, enchanted by her walk and the scent she left behind. A warm sense of satisfaction spread through his chest as he saw Rachel seat them at table 117. A natural and beautiful smile appeared on his face, lighting up his features and adding to his charm. Alexander grabbed four menus and confidently made his way toward the table of the newly arrived girls. His smile didn't fade as he placed the menus in front of them, and his voice sounded warm and welcoming:

"Hello, ladies! How are you today?"

His voice carried a blend of friendliness and politeness. Workplace etiquette was key for him and his paycheck—it didn't matter who you were in life, here, you had to be professional. Sometimes, it was hard to swallow, considering how challenging working with customers could be.

The women smiled warmly at him, and the unfamiliar beauty responded:

"Hello. We're celebrating something. Recommend a nice white wine for us."

Her light green eyes scanned Alexander from head to toe, radiating sensuality and mystery. The white silk shirt perfectly outlined his muscular body, even hinting at his slightly firmed-up chest. His skin carried the wonderful scent of Calvin Klein's Eternity for Men, a fragrance that had become his constant companion. The veins on his hands stood out prominently, as if perfectly drawn.

She definitely liked what she saw—the moment their eyes met again, a beautiful yet flirtatious smile appeared on her charming face.

"The Royals—a favorite Chardonnay from beautiful Australia."

"House of Cards, huh?" The blonde raised an eyebrow. "I like your choice. Two large bottles, please."

Alexander took out his small white notepad and pen and jotted down the order.

"Would you like anything else, or should I leave you to make your selections?"

"Give us a few minutes, we won't take long."

The boy nodded approvingly and, with smooth steps, headed back to his cabinet. Penelope watched him with open curiosity, even as she continued conversing with her friends, who had clearly noticed the spark of interest in her green eyes. Alexander, on the other hand, had returned to his conversation with Rachel, who was on her break. Smiling warmly and speaking kindly, Rachel tried to keep his attention, but his gaze kept subtly drifting back to the unfamiliar blonde. A faint smile played on her lips, and she bit her lip every time their eyes met.

Alexander's long fingers wrapped around the necks of the two expensive bottles of white wine. The coldness enveloping them reached him as well, causing him to shiver slightly. Placing the bottles on the tray alongside four beautiful wine glasses, he confidently walked towards the table of the four girls, where the sound of their pleasant voices and laughter reached him.

"Have you made your choice, ladies?" His friendly voice reached them once more as he carefully arranged the elegant glasses on the table. Crystal spoke up:

"For me, a Fattoush salad and lasagna. Also, a large mineral water."

"Got it. And for you?"

"I'd like a peach iced tea, a Cobb salad, and crispy sweet potato fries. Could the dressing be garlic mayonnaise instead of yogurt?" Amanda's voice was hoarse from last night's wild party.

"Of course. Personally, I'd pair it with ranch. Would you like to try it?"

"Oh, yes. Absolutely."

Alexander noted down two extra sauces for Amanda's order and turned to Antonia, who was still studying the menu intently. She took a breath and glanced at the boy, waiting for her turn.

"For me, a mint lemonade, potato salad—without pickles, if possible—and poutine."

"Would you like the lemonade small or large?"

"Small, thank you very much."

Alexander began writing—the pen seemed to dance across the white paper, leaving a trail of ink. The words were written clearly and neatly so that the chefs would understand the order. Many arguments had erupted in the kitchen over the handwriting of the waitstaff.

"And for you, miss?"

"Just Penelope," she said with a bright laugh. "No need to be so formal."

"Judging by the expensive wine and your beautiful outfit, it seems like you're celebrating something. Would it be too forward to ask what the occasion is?"

A wide smile spread across Penelope's face—the interest in her made her feel confident and desirable. Her cheeks turned a soft shade of crimson, making her look delicate and lovely. She swept her long hair off her shoulders and spoke confidently:

"I got the broker position, just as I expected—after all, no one is better than me at this game. This is just another step toward the top, which I'm destined for. It'll be fun watching the others try to catch up."

Her confidence sparked a blazing fire in the blonde's chest, and his interest grew with every passing minute. Alexander opened the first bottle of the expensive wine and poured into her glass, staring directly into eyes that seemed ready to pierce through him. Examining and mysterious—damn, those green eyes. Intentionally filling her glass almost to the top, he said:

"Congratulations. The road to the top isn't easy, is it?"

"No, but victory is so sweet. Sweet like a full glass of Australian Chardonnay poured by a handsome waiter."

Her smile, full of flirtation and fun, reappeared on her face. She raised the delicate glass high, filled with the cold wine—the aroma of which reminded her of triumph and strength. Alexander continued to watch the scene, which Penelope maintained with effortless high spirits.

"Thank you for the compliment—"

"I have a question for you," the confident blonde interrupted, swirling her glass. "I want you to make this evening unforgettable. Will you manage that?"

A self-satisfied laugh escaped her lips as she saw the charming stranger's face light up, enjoying her open flirting. He nodded approvingly and confidently said:

"You won't forget it... Penelope."

"I don't doubt it."

Alexander winked at her with a devilish glint in his eyes, then confidently strode toward the kitchen to relay the order. His steps were light yet decisive, and the smile on his face revealed more than just ordinary attention. Penelope watched him until he disappeared from view—her green eyes roamed restlessly, tracking his every move. They revealed a mixture of curiosity and slight excitement.

Antonia, noticing this small moment, gave Penelope a playful nudge with her shoulder, as if silently revealing her secret. Penelope smiled faintly but tried to maintain her air of mystery.

Crystal and Amanda, seated at the adjacent table, laughed quietly and exchanged glances. They observed the unfolding scene like a playful theater performance, enjoying the tension and subtle emotions playing out before them.

Penelope rose from her chair with a grace that attracted everyone's attention in the restaurant. Her slender figure seemed to come alive, like an old painting in an art museum where every line and detail was crafted with precision. With smooth, confident movements, she lifted her glass of white wine high, which sparkled like a ruby under the light. Her delicate hand relaxed elegantly, and her gaze grew more serious. Her voice, soft and laden with emotion, rang clearly:

"To new opportunities and bold decisions!"

At that moment, Penelope seemed to be toasting not only to her company but also to her own hopes and expectations. The air filled with a light buzz as her friends, smiling and excited, joined in the toast, raising their glasses in agreement and support.

Robert entered the restaurant, cheerfully chatting on the phone. His wide smile could be seen from what seemed like miles away, and his eyes sparkled with unwavering happiness. Alexander noticed this while reporting to the service station, accompanied by Kara—the new head waitress. She watched him seriously, trying to make a good impression on the managers.

"Alright, Eli," the brunette's voice reached them. "Yes, I'm glad you liked the photos. The pleasure was mine."

Alexander already understood why such happiness was shining on his best friend's face, which made him smile as well. Everyone had noticed the joy and enthusiasm with which Robert had been photographing the endless beautiful mountains on that hike. Somehow, no one had expected dreams to soar so high.

"Good day, colleagues," the boy said cheerfully. "How's it going, bro?"

"Good, bro," the two guys shared a brief hug. "Table 117 has paid their bill, but the girls haven't finished eating. I'll wait for them and then head out."

"Alright. I'll order a coffee while I start my shift."

"Rob, could you get me a cappuccino, please? I'm in desperate need of coffee; I'm so tired," Alexander asked kindly, while his fingers continued to count the bills.

The brunette patted him on the shoulder and confidently walked toward the bar. His coffee-colored eyes immediately spotted William, who was diligently cleaning wine glasses while chatting with the red-haired Scarlett, who was laughing very loudly at his jokes, which weren't even that funny. Playing with a strand of hair, her eyes remained glued to him, unable to look away.

"What's up, Rob?" the bartender extended his hand towards the brunette. "You're early."

"Time for a coffee, man," Robert's playful laughter escaped his lips. "The usual for me and Alex."

A sunny smile spread across William's face as he nearly finished with the glasses. Nodding approvingly, he made his way to the new coffee machine to fulfill Robert's request, whose self-satisfaction was like calligraphy on his charming face.

His brown eyes scanned the lively restaurant, taking in the vibrant atmosphere. The place was full of life, a wave of warmth and sounds that filled the air. The conversations of the patrons blended with the melody of soft jazz music that flowed smoothly through the space. The saxophone and piano played gently, adding a sense of tranquility and coziness to the setting. The candlelight on the tables cast soft, golden glimmers on the faces of those present, giving the ambiance an intimate and warm feeling. The shadows of the dancing flames moved in sync with the music, as if time itself had slowed down. People seemed to have lost track of time, immersed in the pleasure of their company and the magic of the evening. Every detail—from the muted sounds of conversations to the soft lighting and elegant decor—created the feeling that this was a place to escape from daily life and immerse oneself in tranquility. The moments here were imbued with a sense of timelessness and pleasure, as if everything around was perfect in its harmony.

The girls at Table 117 had finished and were preparing to leave. The slightly tipsy group laughed loudly and enjoyed themselves. Success was something difficult to achieve but beautiful.

Alexander made his way to the table determined to see off his clients and clean up. Their gentle voices reached his ears, mingling with their sparkling laughter. Penelope rose from her chair, and after a moment, her friends followed suit—having had a wonderful time, the girls were ready for a break. Slightly tipsy, Penelope placed her hand on Alexander's chest, sending a jolt through his entire body. Confident, she said:

"You managed to keep your promise."

His blue eyes shone with excitement, and his hoarse voice sounded warm in her ears:

"I'm glad I met your expectations."

"You know," her hand began to slowly descend down his shirt, "only good things are waiting for you."

As Penelope uttered those beautiful yet enigmatic words, she removed her delicate hand from his chest, which was rising rapidly due to his quickened heartbeat. Feeling at ease, she made her way to the exit of the elegant restaurant, followed by her friends. Alexander felt his whole body tingle from her touch, and his penis began to harden. He couldn't quite pinpoint what had sparked his interest, but the desire was definitely evident in his eyes. Trying to shake off the feeling left on his chest, he began to clean up.

On the table was a generous tip, along with a small piece of paper that Alexander picked up with curiosity. The beautiful pink-toned lipstick had left an imprint in the shape of a kiss, almost covering the entire note. Beautifully written were the words "Penelope" and a phone number.

His stomach filled with euphoria and satisfaction as he read the note. An involuntary smile spread across his pale face as he tucked the note into the back pocket of his pants, knowing he would seek out the mysterious beauty again. With just a few words, she had managed to spark his interest—no one had ever captured his attention in such a way before.

Alexander got into his red Renault and started the engine, ready to head home. The fatigue from his shift seemed to fade against the euphoria stirred by the unknown blonde. A woman with confidence, beauty, and impeccable style, yet somehow so mysterious. Not everyone can ignite such a strong reaction with so few words and set a fire in your stomach. Her enigma had evoked an indescribable intrigue within him.

The red Renault navigated through the bustling streets of Denver, which at this time of day were packed with people rushing to get home, be with their families, meet friends, or simply unwind. Alexander couldn't wait to get home, toss his uniform into the laundry, and have dinner with his family. He knew that tonight, everyone would be at the table rather than working, which, unfortunately, had become a common occurrence lately. The young man had been looking forward to this evening with excitement—his stomach was filled with joy and anticipation.

Alexei was a rheumatologist at one of the most prestigious hospitals in Denver—he adored his job, despite how exhausting it could be at times. To him, saving lives and helping people was a divine gift. His dreams were like angelic wings, which many had tried to cut off with doubts and skepticism, but unsuccessfully. His hard work and sleepless nights had yielded fantastic results that many envied him for.
He came home with one goal in mind—to provide a wonderful life for his family and make them happy.
Christina owned her own restaurant in the beautiful center of Denver, as well as in Lakewood. Having built her small empire from scratch, she knew the price of success. Studying culinary arts and management in the splendid Australia, her heart never wavered that this was her life's goal. Divorced and raising her child alone, she had reached the top without relying on anyone.

Fate brought her to Alexei three years after she had gone through her painful divorce—at a moment when she least expected it. An apparently random meeting at a cozy café near Cherry Creek turned into the beginning of something so strong and profound that it seemed as though the universe itself had conspired. Love blossomed between them like a delicate flower unfurling against the cold past, bringing warmth and hope.
But despite this unexpected joy, their path was strewn with challenges. Two young souls, filled with pain and confusion, had to find their place in the new reality. Alexander, with his sad eyes, continued to grieve for his lost mother, whose absence was like a heavy cloud over his heart. And Antoine, carrying anger and resentment, couldn't forgive his father for the dreadful divorce that had shaken his childhood world. His heart was like a stormy sea, filled with hatred and unable to accept the changes brought by his father's new love.

In this complex web of emotions and relationships, the new bond between her and Alexei had to find its place, overcome obstacles, and heal the wounds left by the past.

The fair-haired Alexander carefully backed his car into the parking space next to Antoine's black Suzuki. Carefully avoiding scraping his older brother's car, his hands danced gracefully around the steering wheel, executing maneuver after maneuver.

Christina had settled comfortably on the porch, her long fingers holding "Roman Secrets" by Karen Swan, while a glass of mint tea sweetened with unique homemade honey sat on the glass table. Her lovely green eyes immediately spotted Alex as he walked hesitantly toward the house. A wide smile appeared on her flushed face.

"Hello, Alex!" she said, setting the thick book down on the glass table and rising to pull her stepson into a hug. The young man smiled warmly, returned Christina's affectionate embrace, and said:

"Hi, Mom. How was your day?"

"Tiring. I had to drive to Lakewood for a meeting with the managers; there was some issue with the accountants. I've been on pins and needles all day, I'm so worried."

"Please, relax. You'll rest, and I'll make dinner."

"Oh no, sweetheart. I've ordered pizza," she laughed brightly. "I wasn't in the mood to cook, and you've been working all day. Sometimes we need to pamper ourselves."

Christina lightly stood on her toes and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. His heart was warmed by this gesture. The young man picked up the thick book and the hot cup of delicious tea and headed into the house, followed by his stepmother.

The house was warm and inviting, filled with a sense of coziness and love. Antoine and Alexei were in the living room, enjoying each other's company, playing video games, and eating chips with onion and sour cream. Amused by the game, the two men were frantically pressing buttons and laughing loudly. Terry, who was lying on the soft rug in front of the TV, caught the scent of Alexander and immediately ran to the front door to greet him. His large, furry tail seemed ready to wag off, and his brown eyes gazed at the blonde with much love and joy. The young man crouched down and began to pet him, showering his sweet muzzle with kisses.

"Hello, my big boy!" his voice rose a few octaves, making the puppy jump around him happily. Pulling Terry into a warm hug, Alex felt his heart skip a beat—he had a tremendous love for animals. Terry's large tongue also started giving gentle kisses to the flushed face of the fair-haired young man.

"Alex, could you get the pizzas? They're outside."

The young man stepped back outside. A young delivery person, around thirty years old, was waiting patiently to drop off the order. Alexander greeted him warmly, while the puppy obediently stood by his feet, hoping for attention from the stranger.

"Good evening. Thirty-five dollars, please."

The blonde handed over the money, leaving a tip—his way of showing respect and appreciation for those working in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Those who treated workers in this field poorly had no respect for the job or for themselves. The delivery person visibly appreciated the warm gesture, wished them a pleasant evening, and quickly headed back to his company vehicle.

Terry began to bounce around joyfully, catching the delicious pizza aroma, knowing he would use his charm tactics at the table tonight. The young man was careful where he stepped, making sure not to trample on the puppy's eager paws, which were filled with excitement and anticipation for dinner with his beloved owners.

The large cardboard boxes, smelling of divine pizza, were placed on the big snow-white kitchen table. Christina started filling the plates, while Antoine stood up to get glasses and soft drinks.

"How was your day?" Her happy voice reached everyone, and her smile seemed to light up the entire kitchen. "Oh, it's been so long since we've all had dinner together. So much work, so many commitments."

"My day was great," Antoine said, taking a bite of pepperoni pizza. "We're preparing for the sports festival in Laramie, and the training is really intense. My whole body is sore."

A soft laugh escaped Christina's lips as she watched her son. Her heart was filled with pride and deep maternal love. Her little boy, who had longed for sports since his first steps, was now in his prime, achieving his dream. With each passing year, his passion for volleyball grew, until he finally reached the top—a place on the Denver national team. Christina knew how hard it had been for him, especially since the absence of his father, whom he could not forgive, often troubled him. But despite everything, her son never gave up, and with determination and desire, he continued to pursue his dreams. Seeing him now, Christina realized how strong and resolute he had become, and she was proud of his achievements. She was certain that this was just the beginning of a long and successful journey.

However, she sometimes felt a pang of sadness that he did not want to follow in her footsteps and inherit the restaurants. For some time, she had wanted to talk to him about something, though deep down she already knew the answer she would get.

"Tony, I want to talk."

The forest-green eyes of Antoine locked onto her, looking puzzled. Suddenly, the happy expression was replaced by concern, which didn't escape the attention of anyone in the kitchen, except for Terry, who was patiently waiting for his share of pizza. Alexey sighed quietly, trying to ignore the conversation that was about to follow.

"What is it, Mom?"

"I know we've talked about this before, but now—"

"Oh, come on, Mom."

Antoine rolled his eyes in irritation and continued eating—he would do everything possible to make the conversation as short as possible. Christina sighed in frustration, hoping she could finish her thought without hurting him.

Christina had traveled to Lakewood today because she had encountered an unexpected challenge at the restaurant—problems with the accounting reports that couldn't be ignored. As she began reviewing the financial documents, something immediately caught her eye—the numbers didn't add up, and the balance seemed improbably skewed. After a lengthy and careful review, Christina discovered a significant sum of money missing from the cash register, which caused concern and suspicion of embezzlement. Immediate police intervention was necessary to investigate how the money had disappeared and who was behind the discrepancy. Troubled but determined to uncover the truth, Christina sought the help of the authorities, realizing this was just the beginning of a more thorough investigation.

Richard—her ex-husband and also the regional manager of the restaurant—was also present during the commotion and tried to quell the panic that had overcome Christina, but unsuccessfully. As soon as the police had left the restaurant and begun the necessary investigation, he had something to discuss with her—something that added to her anxiety. Richard insisted that Antoine take on a prestigious position at one of the restaurants, namely as a manager. He wouldn't take "no" for an answer and hadn't even given Christina a chance to explain that Antoine would never accept such a position—his passion lay in sports.

"I know this might upset you, and I'm even afraid it will hurt you. But I talked to your father... He thinks about you and longs to see you continue his work. He believes in you with all his heart. We both want...," she hesitated, searching for the right words, "...we would like you to take on a position that is of utmost importance and—"

"Forget it," he cut her off sharply, continuing to eat.

"Damn it, let her speak!" Alexander struck the table lightly, irritated by Antoine's interruption, but the black-haired young man seemed to ignore him. His temples pulsed, reflecting his internal tension.

"Your father told me that he's not doing this out of selfish motives, but because he wants to leave something truly valuable for you." Christina took a deep breath and continued with uncertainty: "He truly believes in you."

"Do you really believe him?" Antoine's voice became more raspy, like a creaking door, filled with pain and resentment. "He hasn't looked at me, Mom. His mind is obsessed with money and power, with his greed. Don't think he cares about me, understand."

"Maybe he didn't love me, but he undoubtedly loves you. You're blinded by anger, but deep in your heart—"

"No." Antoine shook his head in disappointment, filling the room. "My father stands by you, holds your hand. Biological or not, he is my real father, not that jerk!"

"Tony, blood is thicker than water. And I share his view to some extent." Her voice trembled, exposing her emotions to everyone. "As your parents, we have a duty to leave something for you. We are not eternal."

Alexey squeezed her trembling hand as a sign of unconditional support—whatever happened, he would always be here.

"Then why are your hands trembling?"

Christina swallowed, trying to dissolve the lump in her throat. Her heart ached, knowing that her own child hated his father, but she was powerless against the circumstances. Feeling her eyes start to fill with tears, she took another deep breath and said:

"I don't want you to be like this. I want you to move on."

"Mom." Antoine stood up from his chair, barely restraining his anger. "Even if I burned for this thing, if you wanted it with all your heart and soul... I wouldn't accept it. I owe him nothing."

The black-haired youth clenched his fist.

"He had one duty in his damn life—to love the woman beside him and take care of his child. Did he do that, Mom? NO!"

"I think about you and—"

"Where was he thinking about me when he had mistresses and spent money on hotels and expensive dinners with the savings for my education? Where was he when he moved out without saying a word?"

"Tony, stop." Alexey's low voice sounded through the kitchen, but Antoine, who was too agitated, didn't even hear him.

"Mom, I love you too much... but that man caused us so much pain. While you can forgive, for the sake of my happiness and the sake of the restaurants, I can't. I hate him from the bottom of my soul and he doesn't deserve forgiveness for anything."

Christina was crushed by her son's response—deep in her soul, she knew he was right, but the pain was stronger than her reason. She covered her face with her trembling hands, barely holding back her tears.

"Enjoy your dinner. I'm not hungry."

He leaped over Terry, who had fearfully curled up next to the kitchen table, observing the explosive conversation, and quickly headed towards his room to escape from the discussion that was hurting him so much. His face was flushed with anger and pain. His heart felt like it was about to burst from his chest.

Something inside him broke at that moment, and Antoine turned sharply. Two pairs of green eyes met, looking sadly at each other. His voice, now broken like a piece of glass, echoed once again in the space:

"You know what, Mom? If you're ready... I think someone else deserves that title much more than I do. Just stop crying and look around."

Those were his last words before the wounded boy marched back to his room. In his rage, he slammed the door so hard that a picture hanging on the wall next to it fell to the ground, breaking just like Antoine's dreams of his father changing.

"I'll go calm him down!" Alexander stood up from the table, feeling horrible about what he had witnessed. The blonde boy headed towards his stepbrother's room, trying to calm the storm brewing in his soul once more. Antoine's mind was again engulfed by painful memories and shattered dreams—memories of betrayal and impossibility.

Christina gave in to her tears—bitter tears streamed down her flushed face, and her lungs struggled for a breath. Alexey, who felt awful about everything, gently pulled her to his chest and began kissing her warm forehead. The woman felt helpless and allowed her emotions to overtake her once again, nestling in the embrace of her beloved.

To be strong meant to keep moving forward despite everything... but it wasn't forbidden to cry. It wasn't forbidden to feel weakness or need for support.
It wasn't forbidden to drop the armor and feel human, even if just for a moment.