Second to no one

Chapter 7 : Hope

Her breath caught in her throat, her mind racing. She had been preparing herself for this moment, but now that it was here, she wasn’t sure she was ready. But one thing was clear—she needed closure.

“Come in,” she said, stepping aside to let him in.

As Dominic entered the apartment, his gaze quickly flicked around. He looked at the small living room, the toys scattered on the floor, and then back at her. “I—I didn’t know where else to go,” he said, his voice hesitant. “I’ve been thinking a lot about our conversation yesterday. About... everything.”

Isa remained quiet, watching him carefully. Her heart was still guarded, but she couldn’t help the curiosity bubbling inside her. What was he going to say?

“I know I hurt you, Isa,” he continued, looking down at the floor, his voice heavy with regret. “I don’t expect forgiveness. I just... I need you to know that I never stopped thinking about you. About us. And I know I messed up, but I’m here now. And I want to make things right. Not just for us, but for him, too.”

Isa’s gaze flicked to the corner, where Chase was coloring at the table, blissfully unaware of the conversation unfolding in the other room. It hit her then. Dominic wasn’t just talking about their past. He was talking about being part of their future, of being a part of Chase’s life.

“You don’t get to just show up and expect everything to be fixed,” Isa said, her voice firm, though the tremor in her hands betrayed her calm exterior. “You walked away when we needed you the most. I did it alone. And I’m not sure I’m ready to let you back in.”

Dominic nodded, taking a slow step forward. “I understand. I know I have a lot to prove, and I’m not asking for anything from you right now. But I want to be there for Chase. And if you’ll let me, I’ll do whatever it takes to show you I’m not the same person who walked out all those years ago.”

Isa looked into his eyes, searching for any sign that he was sincere. It was impossible to tell. But for the first time, she saw something different in him—genuine remorse, a desire to make amends.

“I don’t know what to say,” Isa whispered, the emotions swirling inside her. “You’ve already missed so much.”

“I know,” Dominic said, his voice breaking. “And I regret it every day. But I’m here now, Isa. Please... let me show you I can be the man you and Chase need.”

Isa’s heart pounded in her chest. She wanted to believe him. But could she? Could she let him back into their lives after everything that had happened?

“I’ll think about it,” she said softly, though the weight of her words settled between them.

Dominic nodded, his eyes full of hope. “That’s all I can ask for.”

As he turned to leave, he glanced at Chase one more time, his gaze lingering before he stepped out the door. Isa stood there, feeling the heaviness of the decision she had yet to make.

She wasn’t sure what the future held. But for the first time in years, she felt a flicker of something—something that felt a lot like hope.

........

Authors noteee!!!

Sorry sorry I know it's short...... The real book starts after this chapter