"Mommy, mommy! It is pouring outside!" Axel exclaimed, tugging on Aria's hand. Aria smiled and looked out the window, where the rain was indeed coming down heavily. "Ah yes, it is a real thunderstorm, isn't it?" she said, her eyes gazing into the distance.

Axel nodded excitedly. "Yeah, I love thunderstorms!"

Aria's expression turned thoughtful, and she seemed lost in thought at the moment. " You know Axel, this night reminds me of that night with thunder and lightning..."

Axel looked up at her curiously. "What night, mommy?"

Aria hesitated, then seemed to shake off the memory. "Oh, never mind, sweetie. It is just some old memories. Let's focus on making hot chocolate and enjoy the storm together!"

But Axel curiosity was piqued. "No mommy, tell me! What happened that night?"

Aria sighed

Axel then said, “It’s okay, Mommy. You can tell me when you want. Can we still make hot chocolate?”. I love spending time with you, mommy!

Aria then smiled and said "I love spending time with you too" and then kissed his forehead and made hot chocolate for him

"Hurry up and finish your hot chocolate sweetie because we have to go to bed early since you have school tomorrow and I have to go to work" she said.

Axel nodded and said "Okay mommy! But can you please read a book to me.

"Sure, what book do you want me to read to you?" Aria asked?

Axel exclaimed, "Yay! Read me the story about the toad and ratty. I love toad's adventures!"

Aria said "Alright" and then read the story to him, she then tucked Axel into bed, smiling as he yawned and snuggled under the blankets. 'Goodnight sweetie' she whispered, kissing his forehead.

As she turned off the light, she couldn't help but think about the father Axel never knew. Liam Flynn, the billionaire CEO with the reputation of being ruthless in business. They had met at a conference, and one night had led to...this. Axel.

Aria never told Liam about their son. Besides she was doing just fine on her own. But sometimes like tonight, she wondered what would happen if Liam ever found out.

Meanwhile back at Liam side,

Liam Flynn stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows of his high-rise office, gazing out over the glittering cityscape. His eyes traced the sleek skyscrapers and bustling streets below, but his mind was elsewhere.

Despite his vast wealth and success, he felt a nagging sense of emptiness. He had it all—luxury cars, a penthouse, a closet full of tailored suits. But something was missing. He couldn't quite put a finger on it, but he felt he was living someone else dream, not his own

As he gazed out of the city, he thought about his life's purpose. Was it just to make to money? Was there more to life than this? He felt restless, a sense that there was something he was meant to be doing, but he didn't know what it was.

Liam's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his phone buzzing. He sighed and turned back to his desk, his mind snapping back to the present. He had a meeting to get to and a deal to close. But the feeling of emptiness lingered, a constant reminder that there was more to life than just success.

Aria wakes up early, getting ready for work. She helps Axel, her 5-year-old son, get dressed and ready for school. As they finished breakfast, Aria glances at the clock and smiles. "It's time for you to go school, go get your bag" Aria said.

Axel got down from his chair and went to get his bag. Aria takes his hand leading him downstairs to the car. Aria starts the engine. As she drives him to school, she thinks about her life, grateful for her son.

Meanwhile, Liam is searching for her Aria, unable to shake the memory of their passionate night together. He doesn't know about Aria and Axel's life now. He only knows he needs to find her again.

As Aria drops off Axel at school, she feels a sense of pride and fulfillment. She watches him run into the school, waving goodbye and blowing a kiss before driving away.

Aria drives to work, enjoying the quiet drive. As the financial manager of a successful company (GreenTech Inc), she is responsible for making key decisions that impact the company's future.

Aria arrived at the office, she pulled into her reserved parking spot on the second level of the garage, her Audi A7 tires softly humming on the smooth concrete. She grabbed her bag and stepped out into the cool morning air, clicking on the key fob to lock her car before heading towards the elevator.

Aria stepped into the elevator, her heels clicking on the polished floor. She pressed the button for the 20th floor, where her office was located. As the doors closed, she took a deep breath, preparing herself for the busy day ahead.

The elevator doors opened, and Aria walked out into the bustling office suite. She was greeted by friendly faces - colleagues, who were already sipping on their morning coffee.

"Good morning, Aria! Big day today, isn't it?" her colleagues, John, asked, nodding in her direction.

Aria smiled, nodding in agreement." It certainly is". Aria walked into her spacious office, adorned with awards and recognition for her expertise. She takes her seat behind her mahogany desk, boots up her computer and begin replying to urgent emails, her fingers flying across the keyboard. After a few minutes of typing, her gaze falls on the clock on the wall - 8:36 AM. "I have a few minutes before Rachel arrives with the day's financial report and schedule" Aria said.

Just as Aria continues typing, she hears a gentle knock on the door, Rachel right on cue. "Good morning, Ma'am! Ready to tackle the day?" Rachel says with a smile. "Your schedule is packed, but I got everything under control."

"Here's the financial report and your schedule" Rachel says, handing me a thick folder, I've highlighted the key areas including revenue, expenses and cash flow".

As she finishes reviewing the report, she feels a sense of pride and accomplishment because of a significant rise in revenue then Rachel reminds her of the upcoming merger meeting with Smith & Co which is scheduled at 10 AM the next day.

Aria realizes she needs to prepare and make a note to review the client's portfolio. As Aria gets to work, Maya, her best friend and marketing manager, burst into her office, plopping down into a chair across from her desk. "Hey girl, I'm starting to think you are avoiding me. We haven't hung out in ages!"

Aria looks up from the financial report on her computer, smiling warmly, "Mayaa I'm so glad you're here! I was just thinking about how much I need a friend break. This meeting with Smith & Co investors have been stressing me out."

Maya grins mischievously. "Well, stress less, girl! Let's ditch this and grab lunch instead."

Aria laughs, shaking her head. "Can't I have to crunch some more numbers and make sure our financials are perfect. Besides, I have to pick Axel up from school.

Maya's face lit up. "Ooh how's my favorite mini human doing? I feel like I haven't seen him in ages!"

Aria smiled pulling out her phone to show Maya a picture of Axel. "He's doing great he's currently obsessed with dinosaurs."

Maya giggles, "That's amazing! I need to take him to a dinosaur theme park soon."

Aria glances at her watch, "Well it's time for me to go pick him up from school. But we should plan a play date this weekend, just the three of us!"

Maya nods enthusiastically. "Absolutely, let's hit the dinosaur theme park, Axel would love it!"

Aria stands up, gathering her things. "That sounds perfect." Maya smiles. "Sounds like a plan!" Aria heads out, and Maya calls out, "Drive safe, give Axel a hug for me and tell Aunty Maya says hi!"

The soft hum of chatter filled the office as Aria sat at her desk, finishing the last of her emails. She was scanning through the last document when Rachel poked her head in, a tablet in hand.

“Ma’am, Mr. Howard just sent an update,” Rachel said. “The 10 a.m. meeting with Smith & Co. has been postponed to next week.”

Aria looked up, a little surprised. “Postponed? Did he say why?”

“Something about one of their key investors being unavailable,” Rachel replied. “He said you can take your time reviewing the documents.”

Aria leaned back in her chair, letting out a small sigh of relief. “That’s actually good news. I might finally leave on time for once.”

Rachel smiled knowingly. “Heading to pick Axel up from school?”

“Exactly,” Aria said, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I promised him ice cream.”

Rachel grinned. “Lucky kid. Have fun, Ma’am.”

By 3 p.m., Aria pulled up outside Axel’s school, spotting him in the crowd of kids waiting for their parents. The moment he saw her, his face lit up, and he ran toward her, his little backpack bouncing wildly.

“Mommy!” he yelled, throwing his arms around her waist as soon as she stepped out of the car.

Aria hugged him tightly, laughing. “Hi, sweetheart. How was school?”

“It was fun!” Axel said excitedly. “I painted a big rainbow, and Mrs. Clara said it was so colorful. Oh! And I shared my snacks with Mia ‘cause she forgot hers today.”

Aria brushed his hair back, her smile softening. “That was really kind of you.”

“Can we get ice cream now?” Axel asked, tilting his head, hopeful. “I was sooo good today. And I fell during tag, but I didn’t even cry! I just got up and ran again.”

Aria laughed, kissing his cheek. “Wow, that’s very brave of you. And yes, you definitely deserve some ice cream.”

Minutes later, they sat at a small ice cream shop. Axel swung his legs happily from his chair, his cheeks already sticky as he licked a big scoop of strawberry ice cream.

“Mommy, look!” Axel said, sticking his tongue out. “It’s pink!”

Aria chuckled. “You look so silly.”

“I’m not silly!” Axel giggled. “I’m happy. And when I grow up, I’m gonna buy you ice cream every day. Pink ones, chocolate ones—every kind!”

Aria’s heart melted instantly, and she reached over, kissing his forehead. “That’s so sweet, baby. Thank you.”

Axel grinned, his little nose scrunching. “I love you, Mommy.”

Aria’s chest tightened in the best way, and she smiled, brushing a bit of ice cream off his chin. “I love you too, sweetheart. More than anything.”

They sat there for a while, talking about his rainbow painting, how fast he ran during tag, and how he wanted to draw a giant sun on Monday. When they finally left, Axel hummed happily the entire car ride home.

Meanwhile…

Liam sat in the back of his sleek black car, scrolling through his phone as the city rushed past the tinted windows. His assistant’s voice broke the quiet hum of traffic.

“Smith & Co. had to postpone the merger briefing until you’re available, sir. I’ve rescheduled it for next week.”

Liam nodded slightly, not looking up from his phone. “Fine. Send me an updated report on GreenTech before then—recent projects, leadership profiles, the usual.”

His assistant hesitated for a moment, glancing back at him. “Looking for anything… specific?”

Liam finally set his phone down, his gaze shifting to the window as the city blurred past. “Just want to know who I’m trusting with my money. That’s all.”