PART 4: The name that changed everything
They sat on the bottom step of the apartment building.
The girl — her name was Sophie — kept the grocery bag between her feet like a barrier.
The man sat a respectful distance away.
“My name is Marcus Hale,” he said quietly. “Nine years ago, I was engaged to your mother.”
Sophie’s eyes widened.
“She never told us about you.”
Marcus gave a small, sad smile.
“I’m not surprised. We had a big fight the week before our wedding. I said some things I shouldn’t have. She left that same night. I tried to find her for months… but she didn’t want to be found. Eventually I thought she had started a new life somewhere far away.”
He looked at Sophie again.
“I never knew she was pregnant. I swear to you, I never knew.”
Sophie was quiet for a long time.
Then she asked, “Do you have other kids?”
Marcus shook his head.
“No. Just… the one I didn’t know about.”
He glanced up at the building.
“Is your mom okay? Is she sick or something?”
Sophie shook her head.
“She works a lot. Sometimes she comes home crying because the bills are too much. She says we have to be strong.”
Marcus’s jaw tightened.
He stood up slowly.
“Sophie… can I meet your brother? Just for a few minutes. I won’t stay long. I just… I need to see him.”
Sophie looked at him carefully.
Then she nodded.
“Okay. But if you make Leo cry, I’m calling the neighbor.”
May you like
Marcus almost smiled.
“Deal.”
