Second to no one

Chapter 2: Unspoken Truths

The morning sun filtered through the blinds as I prepared Chase's lunch. His tiny backpack sat by the door, ready for another day at kindergarten. "Mama, can I take my dinosaur today?" he asked, holding up his favorite toy.

"Of course, sweetheart," I replied, ruffling his hair. "Just make sure he doesn't cause any trouble."

After dropping him off, I headed to the clinic. My thoughts were a whirlwind—Dominic's unexpected reappearance had unsettled me more than I cared to admit. I needed to focus; professionalism was paramount.

As I entered my office, I found Dominic already waiting. He stood up, his presence as commanding as ever. "Good morning, Isa," he said, his voice tinged with hesitation.

"Mr. Petrov," I acknowledged, gesturing for him to sit. "Let's assess your shoulder."

He removed his jacket, revealing the muscular build that once felt so familiar. I examined his injury, noting the tension in his muscles. "Does this hurt?" I asked, pressing gently.

He winced. "A bit."

I nodded, making notes. "We'll need to work on strengthening exercises. Consistency is key."

He looked at me, eyes searching. "Isa, I... I didn't expect to see you here."

I met his gaze, keeping my tone neutral. "Life has its surprises."He hesitated, then asked, "Do you have kids?"

The question caught me off guard. I paused, then replied, "Yes, a son."

"How old?"

"Four."

His eyes widened slightly, but he said nothing. The silence stretched between us, heavy with unspoken words.

I cleared my throat. "Let's focus on your recovery. We'll schedule sessions twice a week."

He nodded, but his mind seemed elsewhere. As he left, he turned back. "Isa, if there's anything I should know..."

I cut him off gently. "Take care, Mr. Petrov."

Once alone, I leaned against the door, heart pounding. The past was catching up, and I wasn't sure I was ready.