A LOVE FORGOTTEN

Emily's POV

I had spent the past few days avoiding Ethan like my life depended on it. Every time I turned, his eyes were on me—searching, questioning. Even during his presentation, when I should have been focusing on the science, I felt the weight of his gaze pressing into me, unraveling the walls I had built over the years.

But I couldn't run anymore.

It wasn't his fault.

Ethan had no idea what had happened, no clue about the life we had created together. And no matter how much I wanted to shield Alex from the pain, I couldn't be selfish. Our son had started asking about his father, noticing that everyone at school had one except him. I had brushed off his questions, given him answers that were vague yet comforting. But how much longer could I keep that up?

This was my chance.

So, when I saw Ethan talking to Dr. Torres, my MD, I made a split-second decision to pass by, hoping—praying—that she would call me over. It was time to stop running.

And fate, as cruel or kind as it may be, gave me exactly what I was asking for.

"Emily!" Dr. Torres called, waving me over.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself before walking toward them. My heart pounded so hard I was sure Ethan could hear it. I could feel his eyes on me before I even looked at him. And when I finally did—when our gazes locked—it was like time folded in on itself.

God, those eyes.

My favorite thing about him had always been his eyes. Even now, they were the same—warm, piercing, and impossibly familiar. They held the same intensity that used to make my knees weak, the same silent way of looking at me like I was the only person in the room.

And for a brief, fleeting second, I wanted to run into his arms.

I wanted to ask him how he had been, if he was happy, if life had been kind to him. I wanted to run my fingers through his hair, feel the way it curled slightly at the ends, just like it used to. I wanted to tell him that we had created something beautiful together—that our son had his eyes, his smile, his stubbornness.

But I held back.

He didn't remember me.

And I couldn't afford to be too forward, to overwhelm him with a past he didn't even realize belonged to him.

Dr. Torres, completely unaware of the storm brewing inside me, smiled. "Since Ethan is new in town, I was thinking you could show him around."

I hesitated, just for a second. But this was the opening I had been waiting for. The chance to take slow, careful steps toward whatever fate had in store for us.

I nodded. "Of course."

Ethan's gaze didn't leave me as I reached into my pocket and pulled out a card. My hands were steady, but inside, I was anything but. I handed it to him, and when his fingers brushed mine, a shiver ran down my spine.

Did he feel it too?

If he did, he didn't show it. But something flickered in his eyes—confusion, curiosity, something unspoken.

"If you have any questions or need recommendations, you can call," I said, keeping my voice as professional as possible.

His fingers curled around the card, and for a moment, he just stared at it. As if seeing my name written there meant something.

We said our goodbyes, and I walked away, my heart hammering against my ribs.

By the time I got home, the house was quiet. Alex was already asleep, his tiny body curled under his favorite blue blanket. My sister, Sarah, was still awake, watching a show on the couch.

She looked up as I entered, her brows raising in silent question.

I didn't wait for her to ask. I sank onto the couch beside her and let out a deep breath. "I saw Ethan today."

Her expression turned cautious. "And?"

"I talked to him."

Sarah sat up straighter. "Emily…"

I shook my head. "I've made up my mind. I can't keep running. I can't keep pretending like he doesn't exist." My voice wavered slightly, but I pushed forward. "Alex has started asking about his father. I can't keep lying to him. I won't."

Her expression softened, but there was still concern in her eyes. "I get it. But what about his mother? What if she finds out? What if—"

"I know," I cut in, swallowing hard. "I know the risks. But Ethan is just as innocent in this as Alex is. He didn't do anything wrong. It wouldn't be fair to punish him for something he knows nothing about."

Sarah exhaled slowly, rubbing her hands together. "So what's the plan? Are you going to tell him straight away?"

I bit my lip, shaking my head. "No. I want to see how he reacts first. How he behaves. I'll let him meet Alex, but I won't tell either of them who they are to each other. Not yet."

She studied me carefully. "And see if he behaves well, likes kids. and what If he's different?

"Then I'll walk away," I said, my chest tightening at the thought. "But at least I'll know I tried. At least I won't regret keeping them apart."

Silence settled between us, heavy and filled with unspoken fears.

Finally, Sarah reached for my hand, squeezing it gently. "I understand. I just hope—no, I pray—this works out the way you want it to."

A small, wobbly smile formed on my lips. "Me too."