WEEKEND: VANESSA'S APARTMENT

It was a bright Saturday morning, and the house was full of excitement. Ethan and Emma, were already dressed and couldn’t sit still. Today, they were going to the park with Riccardo, the friendly man they enjoyed spending time with. If only they knew. Vanessa knew they saw him as just a friend, unaware of his deeper connection to them.

And though her feelings toward Riccardo were still complicated, she’d agreed to join them today, for the kids. She would keep her distance, giving the twins space to enjoy their day with him.

Vanessa stood in the kitchen, sipping her coffee with a small smile as she...