GOOD TO BE BACK

GOOD TO BE BACK
Lena’s POV

If someone had told me I’d be back in Damien’s office—the very place where everything began, where fear and confusion once lived so loudly—I would have shaken my head in gentle refusal. I would have smiled politely and said no. Not because I hated the place, but because I never thought I’d be strong enough to walk through those doors without flinching.

Yet here I was.
Standing in the lobby with Noah’s small hand wrapped around mine, the familiar scent of polished wood and coffee drifting through the air, my heart steady instead of racing. That alone felt like a victory.
“Mama,” Noah tugged my fingers excitedly, pointing toward a brightly colored corner near the waiting area.

“There’s toys!”
I followed his gaze and laughed softly. Damien had installed a small kids’ station weeks ago—something I hadn’t known about until now. A tiny table, puzzles, toy cars, a shelf of picture books. It made my chest tighten in the best way.
“Can I?” Noah asked, already halfway there.

I looked at Damien. He smiled immediately. “Go ahead, buddy.”
Noah didn’t need a second invitation. He rushed over, plopping down on the carpet like he owned the place. I watched him for a second longer than necessary, my heart swelling. Safe. Happy. Curious. Everything a child should be.
I turned back—and that’s when I felt it.
The looks.

People slowed as they passed. Some stopped entirely. Faces softened, eyes full of something like apology and something like guilt. Condolences layered with regret. A few murmured quiet welcomes. Others simply nodded, as if afraid to say the wrong thing.
I ignored most of it, forcing myself to breathe normally as I walked further in.
This place had once swallowed me whole. Today, it felt… smaller. Or maybe I had simply grown.

Near the coffee station, two women approached me hesitantly. Chloe was one of them—I remembered her clearly. The other, whose name I couldn’t fully recall, hovered beside her, hands clasped nervously.
“Lena,” Chloe said softly. “I just… we wanted to say we’re sorry. For how we treated you before.”
The other woman nodded quickly. “It wasn’t fair. We were wrong.”
I studied their faces. There was no arrogance left there. Just sincerity and discomfort.

“It’s alright,” I said quietly, offering a small nod. And I meant it. Carrying anger felt heavier than forgiveness ever could.
They thanked me and walked away, relief visible in their posture.
I poured myself a cup of coffee, letting the warmth ground me—and that’s when I saw them.
Marcus.
And Abby.

They stood a few feet away, talking softly. Marcus’s ears were tinted pink, his jaw tight in that way he got when he was nervous. He was looking at Abby like she was the only woman in the room. No—like she was the only thing in the room.
Abby noticed first. She looked up and smiled at me, her light blue eyes warm and open. Her dirty-blonde hair was twisted into a loose bun, a few strands framing her face effortlessly. She was beautiful in a way that felt natural, unforced.

“Welcome home,” she said gently.
Something bloomed in my chest.

“Thank you,” I replied.

She glanced back at Marcus, holding his gaze for just a second longer before walking away, leaving behind an atmosphere thick with unspoken feelings.
I raised an eyebrow slowly.

Marcus groaned. “Don’t.”

“Oh, I haven’t even said anything yet,” I replied sweetly, walking closer.

“It’s not what you think,” he said immediately.

I tilted my head. “Oh really? What do I think?”
“Stop,” he muttered. “She’s going to hear you.”

“Me? Hear me?”

I placed a hand on my chest, feigning innocence.

“I’m not doing anything. It’s not like you’re completely blown away by the beautiful lady who was just standing in front of you.”

“He sighed. “Okay. Fine.”

I grinned. “So? Are you dating? What’s
going on? I’ve been away for almost two weeks. I need tea.”
He laughed, rubbing the back of his neck.

“You haven’t changed, Lena.”

“I’m glad,” I said softly. “Keeps things familiar.”

His expression shifted then—softer, more vulnerable. “I’m scared.”
That surprised me.

“I can’t have kids,” he said quietly. “I found out before we broke up.”
The words settled heavily between us.

“And Abby has a son,” he continued quickly. “It’s not why I like her. I really do. She’s fun. She’s different. She’s not… like the office girls.”

Abby had returned quietly, standing close now. She slipped her hand into his, her thumb brushing over his knuckles. Her smile was gentle, reassuring.
I felt tears prick my eyes.

“There are so many ways to build a family,” I said softly. “This is a computer-based generation, Marcus. Science. Adoption. Love. Nothing is impossible.”

He nodded slowly.

“Did you find out before or after we broke up?” I asked.

“Before,” he admitted. “It was one of the things that made me angry. And I’m sorry. I really am. I shouldn’t have treated you the way I did.”

I nodded. “That’s why you were so interested in taking Noah.”
He chuckled weakly. “Yeah. I even made a whole court case about it.”

I laughed despite myself. “I knew. But hearing you say it again… it still hurts.”
“I know,” he whispered.

“You should take your chances,” I said firmly.

“Be bold. Abby seems wonderful. And from the way she looks at you? She’s definitely interested.”

Marcus pulled me into a hug. “It’s really good to have you back, Lena.”
I hugged him tightly.

Across the room, Noah laughed loudly, holding up a toy car.

Finally,everything felt right.