Pretty_Re

After being betrayed by his wife, who had an affair with his best friend, a man tries to rebuild his life, not just as a failed husband, but also as a father fighting for his only daughter. However, his dark past as a mafia involved in the underworld business traps him in a moral dilemma. He respects women who can protect themselves and their families, but he will not hesitate to destroy those who betray him, like his ex-wife. In his quest for justice, he must confront the battle between his heart and the darkness haunting his past.

The Silent Duality

The morning sky was still faintly lit when Leo pulled back the curtains of his bedroom window, letting the sunlight stream into the room. The air was cool, and the sound of birds chirping outside brought a rare sense of peace. But this morning was different. This morning wasn't about work, meetings, or the endless responsibilities that had consumed him lately.

He glanced at the clock on his nightstand, it was still seven in the morning. With light steps, he walked to Sofia's room. The door was slightly ajar, revealing the small figure of a little girl still fast asleep under her favorite mermaid blanket.

Leo smiled softly, then sat at the edge of her bed, gently stroking her hair.

"Sofia, sweetheart… Wake up. Papa has a surprise for you today."

Sofia stirred but kept her eyes closed. In a small, sleepy voice, she mumbled, "Papa is busy again, right?"

Leo froze. There was something in her tone that made his heart sink.

"No, sweetheart," he said gently. "Today, Papa is just for Sofia. Where do you want to go?"

Sofia slowly blinked her eyes open, looking at Leo with a hopeful gaze. "Really, Papa? No phone calls from work? No meetings?"

"Really." Leo cupped her cheek with his hand. "Papa has the day off. So, where should we go?"

Sofia quickly sat up and wrapped her little arms around Leo's neck. "I want to go to the beach! I want to play in the sand with Papa!"

Leo chuckled, rubbing her back. "Alright then, let's get ready!"

The beach was still quiet when they arrived. The sky was bright, and a gentle breeze carried the distinct scent of the ocean. Sofia immediately kicked off her tiny sandals and ran toward the waves rolling softly onto the shore.

"Papa! Look, the water is cold!" she squealed, laughing as the waves touched her feet.

Leo smiled, watching her happiness. He walked closer and took her hand. "Be careful, sweetheart. Don't go too far."

Sofia nodded, then bent down to pick something up from the sand. "Papa! I found a seashell!"

Leo crouched beside her. "Wow, that's a pretty one. Do you want to collect more?"

"Yes! Let's make a seashell castle!"

They started walking along the shore, gathering seashells of different colors and shapes. Every now and then, Sofia giggled when the waves tickled her feet, and Leo couldn't help but laugh along with her.

After collecting a good number of shells, they sat on the sand, enjoying the gentle ocean breeze. Sofia carefully arranged the shells, while Leo watched her with pure affection.

But suddenly, she stopped. She looked at Leo with a serious expression and softly said, "Papa…"

Leo turned to her. "Yes, sweetheart?"

"Promise me… you won't always be busy?" Her voice was quiet, full of hope.

Leo gazed at his daughter, then pulled her into a warm embrace. "Papa will try, sweetheart. I'm sorry if I've been too busy. But Papa always loves you, always."

Sofia didn't reply immediately. She simply rested her head against Leo's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

A moment later, she whispered, "Papa?"

"I love you so much," she said sincerely. "In this world, having Papa is enough for me."

Leo felt a tightness in his chest, emotions welling up in a way he couldn't describe. He pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head, closing his eyes briefly, trying to etch this moment into his memory.

"Papa loves you so much too," he whispered. "I promise, Papa will always be here for you."

Sofia gave a small smile. "Don't just promise, okay? You have to keep it."

Leo chuckled softly. "Of course, sweetheart. Papa will keep it."

They stayed like that, sitting on the sand, listening to the waves and feeling the soft ocean breeze. At that moment, Leo realized nothing in this world mattered more than Sofia. She was his entire world.

5.