Chapter 6: Reunion
Six years had passed since that fateful night. Ethan had often wondered what had become of Roman, but he had never expected to see him again.
That was until the day they bumped into each other at a coffee shop.
Ethan's eyes widened as he took in Roman's familiar features. "Roman?"
Roman's eyes locked onto Ethan's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other.
Then Roman's expression changed, and he looked away, his voice barely above a whisper. "Ethan."
Ethan's heart racing, he took a step closer. "Roman, what's going on? Why did you disappear?"
Roman's eyes flashed with guilt, and he looked around nervously. "I...I had to leave."
Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Leave? What are you talking about?"
Roman hesitated before pulling out a photo from his wallet. "I had your child, Ethan."
Ethan's world stopped. "What? You...you had my child?"
Roman nodded, his eyes filled with tears. "Yes. I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I was scared."
Ethan's mind reeled as he stared at the photo. A little boy with bright blue eyes and messy brown hair smiled back at him.
"Who's this?" Ethan asked, his voice shaking.
Roman's smile faltered. "That's...that's our son."
Ethan's heart skipped a beat. "Our son?"
Roman nodded, his eyes locked onto Ethan's. "Yes. His name is Max."
As Ethan stared at the photo, he felt a mix of emotions: shock, anger, and...love.
He looked up at Roman, his eyes searching for answers. "Why did you keep this from me?"
Roman's expression softened. "I'm sorry, Ethan. I was wrong to keep this secret from you."
Ethan's heart heavy with emotion, he took a step closer. "I want to meet Max."
Roman nodded, a small smile on his face. "Okay."
As they walked out of the coffee shop together, Ethan knew that his life was about to change forever.