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    <b>141 </b>


    Liam’s POV


    There was a gap that I couldn’t close my eyes upon. It was cold in the bed beside me and Sienna wasn’t present. She had decided to return to her t for some time, but there was still an odd sensation in my chest. By now<b>, </b><b>I </b>was ustomed to her at the dining table sipping coffee while giving me a smile. My sole concern was silence.


    I breathed deeply, taking in the view of the roof that appeared to be all over my head. The experience of going alone was unfamiliar to me, but this time it felt different from when Sienna came back. During that time, I perceived quiet as a trustworthy friend without any emotional attachment. After sensing her proximity once more, the stillness within me prompted my belief that something was not present.


    I gazed at the corner of a room. What happened next? The memory of Sienna sitting on Noah’sp was still fresh in my mind. At that time, her face was so calm that the world seemed unimportant. The uplicated memory unfolded more than I anticipated.


    Trying not to be distracted by the ideas, I closed my eyes again, hoping that I could fall asleep again. In its ce, Sienna’s face persisted. Her quietughter and unassuming gaze at me during my busy work hours were captivating. It was a beautiful moment. When she was anxious, the little pieces seemed to turn round in my head, even when she looked away. Almost immediately.


    Suddenly, I felt like sucking up my breath. “Why is this what?” I asked myself. It was just so soothing.


    Leaning against the bed and hands on my knees, I remained there. There was an unencumbered desire that haunted me, apanied by feelings of shame. The distance between us was too tight, as I knew there must be a gap. Too many words left out, too many old wounds.


    My mind wandered to Noah. That youngster has be the center of all. Over time, his appearance, smile, and sadness had the power topletely melt the walls I had constructed. Despite my desire to always be there for him, I was afraid of failing like Sienna did.


    After that, I ascended to the window. The morning light was sparked by me moving the curtains. It was clear in the sky, and the world outside seemed to be moving along without concern for the turmoil within my heart. Feeling cold, I ce my fingers on the cold ss to see the contrast between the sun’s warmth and the coolness of the window.


    My mind was preupied with the thought that Sienna might be able to move on. Could my current actions be nothing more than a wasteful effort?


    Trying to think things out, I moved my head slightly. The middle was the only ce where I could not stop. My responsibility included proving to Noah, Noah and myself that I could surpass my male counterparts. <fn8695> Newest update provided by find?novel</fn8695>


    The seconds went by quiet. The presence <b>of </b>Sienna’s shadow made it difficult to breathe in the room. The cold kept the storm inside me as Iid my head on the ss.


    Empty. Longing. Guilt. All tangled into one.


    I stood up and removed my phone from the table near the bed. No notes from her. I recognized that I couldn’t ask for anything from her or push her. Sienna needed room. Nevertheless, the weight of wanting her to be in my


    way!


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    The noise of tiny steps made me look. Noah, with his untidy hair and dinosaur pajamas, came in pulling a little robot in his hand. His eyes were half–closed but when he saw me he came right over.


    “Dad.” His voice was rough, still thick with sleep.


    I grinned, trying to seem friendly even if my heart felt ripped. “Morning. You’re awake now?”


    He shook his head, then with no doubt spoke quietly, “I miss Mommy.”


    His talk hurt more than I thought. I bent down, moving his hair softly. “I get it, dear. Daddy needs Mommy too”


    His small face dropped, both hands gripping the robot strong. “When is a Mommying home?”


    I took a deep breath, holding in the rush inside me. I made a small smile. “Just wait okay? When Mommy is ready we will go get her together.”


    Noah’s eyes brightened, as if those in words were thergest pledge in the world. “Really Daddy?”


    I shook my head yes. “Sure! Now, let us eat breakfast first. Dad is going to make something tasty for you.”


    He gave a tiny grin, then came after me in the kitchen.


    I cracked open the fridge, pulling out some eggs, bread and milk. My hands worked on their own like they did when I hurried to make breakfast before going to work. The change was that now a pair of small eyes were looking at me from the chair. Noah sat there still his tiny body slumped a bit, his stare stuck on a red toy robot on the dining table It was gift from Sienna not long ago


    I put the things on the table, looking at Noah once more. He was still watching the red robot, hitting the table now and then like he wanted to see if the toy could move by itself. There was something so sweet in his look, something that made my heart hurt with both joy and sorrow.


    Using my hand, I heated up some butter in a pan. A smoky aroma drifted into the kitchen, where it was softened. My hands moved frequently, but my gaze often retreated to Noah. He was too young toprehend theplicated world of adults, and he didn’tmunicate much. Why? I knew that he was the only reason I had to continue.


    The thought urred <i>to </i>me that Sienna had stood in this location, patiently cooking breakfast. Back then, I hardly noticed. Too preupied with my own thoughts and work priorities. I realized how much I had missed out while trying to do the same.


    I inserted the bread into the toaster, gazing at Noah’s small back. He seemedposed, his small legs hanging low, swinging gently. Inside, there was a strange sensation that felt like I was filling in the gap left by my years of neglect.


    I lowered my gaze, and my heart whispered softly, I desired for him to see me. Not as a stranger, but as his father.


    I whisked an egg into a bowl while keeping it in ce. At times, I paused to look at Noah, who was now carrying the robot. He had unsteady movements that were delicate but considerate. The toy’s small eyes brightened up when he touched a button on its back. His face had a faint smile on its lips, but it was so intense that it made my heart drop like ice.


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    Every day, I wished I had that smile in my life.


    I beat eggs into the pan I turned up my heat and put. The roar intensified, overpowering the kitchen with the aroma of eggs and the toastiness of baked goods.‘ <b>I </b>experienced a moment of serenity, something that had not urred to me in years.


    I was filled with thoughts about Sienna’s constant efforts to protect Noah and her ability to bnce everything without causing any harm. And me? I was just now putting in the effort. Only now that Iprehended the weight and value of this role.


    After taking a deep breath, I realized that myck of passion was the reason for it. For Noah to acknowledge me as his father, I had to be present with my whole being.