Samuel stared at the DNA test report in his hand, his heart hammering as if he were about to announce the final results of a global reality show. The bold black letters screamed at him:
Paternity Result: 99.99% probability.
Leo was his son.
"Oh my God," he muttered to himself, pacing across his office. He ran a hand through his perfectly styled hair, messing it up like a panicked shampoo model. "He's really mine."
An overwhelming wave of emotions crashed over him—relief, guilt, joy, and a splash of panic. He had a son. And not just a son, but Leo. The wide-eyed, dinosaur-obsessed little boy who had his stubbornness and, unfortunately, his love for peanut butter on pizza.
He couldn't waste another minute. He picked up his phone and texted Cecilia: Can we talk? It's important.
Later That Day
Cecilia opened the door with a cautious look on her face. Her blond curls were pinned loosely, a few strands falling elegantly across her cheek. She looked effortlessly beautiful in a comfy T-shirt and jeans.
Samuel stood there like a kid on judgment day.
"What is it, Samuel?"
"I did a DNA test. For Leo. And it confirms he's mine," he said, offering her the folded paper like it was a peace treaty.
Her eyes scanned the results, her face unreadable.
"I know I should've told you first," he added quickly. "But I needed to be sure. And now that I know, I want to make things right. I want to be there. For him. For you."
She arched an eyebrow. "You think one DNA result changes five years of silence?"
"No," he said honestly. "But maybe a dinner date can be the beginning. Let me show you I mean it. Just one evening. No pressure."
She looked him over for a long moment. Then, with a sigh, she said, "Fine. One dinner. But if you act weird, I'm bringing Leo next time to grill you."
He grinned. "Deal. I always pass kid interrogations."
Cecilia's POV
My heart was doing jumping jacks.
I still loved him.
There, I admitted it—to myself at least. The sight of him standing at my doorstep, holding that DNA test with guilt all over his face? It tugged at something deep in me. But I couldn't make it that easy. He needed to earn us back. Leo and I weren't some lost keys he could just pick up.
He had to work for it. And tonight? Tonight was his audition. I smiled
That Evening
Samuel arrived early, decked in a charcoal gray suit that screamed "handsome billionaire with regrets." The restaurant was fancy enough to impress but cozy enough to talk. He nervously adjusted his cufflinks while checking his watch for the fifteenth time.
Then he saw her.
Cecilia walked in like she owned the room.
She wore an emerald silk gown with a tasteful slit above her knee, the material flowing like water with each step. Her blond curls were down, bouncing with elegance, and her lips were painted a deep red that made Samuel feel things he hadn't felt since college.
His jaw may have dropped.
He stood up quickly, knocking over a spoon in the process. "Wow. You look... stunning doesn't even cover it."
"You clean up pretty well yourself," she said with a small smile, taking her seat.
Cecilia's POV
Oh, he was drooling.
Good. Let him. I spent an hour choosing this dress and twenty minutes convincing myself not to back out. The way he looked at me? It was worth it.
But I wasn't just here for compliments. I needed to see if his heart had changed or if he was still the same boy in a man's suit.
They ordered. The food was an afterthought.
Their conversation flowed from awkward small talk to comfortable laughter. They talked about Leo, shared funny parenting fails (Samuel once mistook baby shampoo for whipped cream—don't ask), and even reminisced about their college debates over pineapple on pizza.
"You still hate it, don't you?" she teased.
"With the burning passion of a thousand suns," he said, mock dramatically.
They laughed, leaned in, their fingers brushing as they reached for the same napkin.
The tension shifted.
Then came the moment. Their eyes locked. The room seemed to quiet.
He leaned forward. So did she.
And their lips met.
It was soft, hesitant at first, like a question being asked. But then it deepened into something that screamed finally.
Until Cecilia pulled away.
She stood up, breath slightly unsteady. "This isn't right. I... I can't do this."
Samuel blinked, stunned. "Cecilia..."
"I'm scared, Samuel. I don't want to fall for something that might break me again. Leo needs stability. And honestly? So do I."
Cecilia's POV
I wanted to stay.
God, I wanted to stay and kiss him again and tell him yes, let's be a family. But if I said that now, too soon, I'd lose my ground. He needed to know I wasn't just going to fall into his arms without thought. I was still mad. Still hurt. And still protective of my son.
He stood, gently taking her hand. "You don't have to be scared. I love you. I'm not perfect, but I want to be the man you and Leo can count on. I want to build a family. With you."
She looked at him, eyes glassy.
Then she stepped back, grabbed her clutch. "I'm going home."
"Let me drive you," he said softly.
The Ride Home
The car was so quiet, even the GPS didn't dare interrupt.
Samuel focused on the road while sneaking glances at Cecilia, who stared out the window like the city lights held the answers.
He pulled up in front of her apartment building and turned off the engine.
"Cecilia," he said, voice low.
She turned to him.
He leaned in slowly and hugged her. It wasn't a romantic hug. It was the kind that said I'm here. I'll wait. I'm not giving up.
"Goodnight," he said into her hair.
"Goodnight, Samuel," she whispered.
Cecilia's POV
As I walked away, I let myself smile just a little.
Let him chase me. I wasn't going to run too fast.