“Mummy, I got ice cream for you!” Kelly shouted, skipping towards me with a bright smile, holding out a small cup of melting strawberry ice cream. Brenda followed closely behind, but when she saw Ivan, her steps faltered. She gave me a knowing look, her eyes wide with concern.

Kelly stopped just a few feet away from Ivan and tilted her head. “Hey, I remember you,” she said innocently. “You’re the one who came to buy some flowers.”

Ivan's face softened as he crouched down to her level, offering her a small smile. “That’s right. And you helped me pick the best ones,” he said gently, his eyes shifting between...