Mark’s gaze lingered on Jacob, a mix of wonder and confusion clouding his features. “But… how?”

I had rehearsed this moment in my mind countless times, never sure if it would actually come to pass. I took a deep breath and met Mark’s eyes. “Jacob is four years old, Mark. He came into my life after everything fell apart. He’s my world.”

The implication hung heavy in the air, unspoken but understood. Emily’s face blanched, her grip on Mark’s hand faltering for a moment. I could almost see the gears turning in her mind, the realization dawning that Jacob was not just a product of my life after Mark, but a testament to the choices we had all made.