Three Weeks Later
The quiet booth at the back of The Sunny Side Café had become their spot.
Claire learned that Alexander never married. That he built a billion-dollar investment firm but never found peace. That he kept her mother’s photo in his wallet all these years, even when he could barely remember his own face in the mirror.
And Alexander learned about Evelyn’s life—the sacrifices she made, the lullabies she sang, the joy she found in simple moments with Claire.
One day, over earl grey tea and lemon scones, he reached across the table.
“I know I can’t make up for the years I missed,” he said.
“But if you’d let me… I’d like to be part of your life. In any way you choose.”
Claire studied his face. Her heart was still full of emotion, tangled and raw, but she nodded.
“Let’s start with coffee. One cup at a time.”
