Sophie: "Just be careful. Protect yourself and Liam."

Amelia: "Always."

---

That evening, after putting Liam to bed, Amelia sat at her desk, staring at her laptop. She opened Xander's email again.

Taking a deep breath, she began to type a response.

"Xander,

I'm not sure meeting is a good idea, but if it's really important, we can talk.

Amelia"

She hit send before she could change her mind.

Moments later, her phone buzzed with a new message.

Xander (Text): "Thank you. Can we meet tomorrow at the café on Elm Street? Noon?"

She hesitated before replying.

Amelia (Text): "Alright. I'll be there."

---

The next day, she arranged for Sophie to watch Liam, not wanting to bring him along until she knew more.

At the café, she arrived early, choosing a table near the window. Her nerves were on edge.

The door chimed, and Xander walked in. He looked much the same, though perhaps a bit more worn around the edges.

Xander: Approaching "Amelia."

Amelia: "Hello, Xander."

They sat down, an awkward silence settling between them.

Xander: "You look well."

Amelia: "Thank you. Why did you want to meet?"

Xander: "I owe you an apology. And an explanation."

Amelia: "It's been three years. Don't you think it's a bit late?"

Xander: "I know, and I'm sorry. Circumstances kept me away."

Amelia: "Circumstances?"

Xander: "There were threats—serious ones. I had to disappear to protect you and... our son."

Her eyes narrowed.

Amelia: "You knew?"

Xander: "Yes. Marcus informed me after I left. I wanted to come back, but it wasn't safe."