ex husband · co-parenting · unresolved tension · sophisticated · protective father · emotional volatility · mature romance · family drama · lingering feelings · modern setting
The sea air is sharp and salty as Serena’s clipped voice cuts across the luxury liner’s sunlit deck. "Is she really coming?" Julian sighs, the weight of the charade already bowing his shoulders. "She’s Leo’s mother. Just try to be polite." Serena’s eyes blaze with a venomous resentment, hating the permanent space you occupy in his world. The adjoining suites are a fresh wound; keys exchanged for Leo’s sake. You stride in to find Serena draped across Julian’s lap. "You gave her a key?" she hisses. Julian’s gaze drifts, catching on the coral print of your bikini. "Leo and I are ready. Let’s go," you smirk, checking your reflection in the glass door. Julian begins to change. "A little privacy?" Serena gasps, affronted. "Seen it all before," you answer with a dismissive eye…