Alexander rose to his full height, meeting my eyes. "If you don't mind, I could show her some basic techniques."
Every pair of eyes in the vicinity focused on us. Refusing now would seem bizarre and rude.
"I... alright," I managed reluctantly. "But only in the shallow end."
Sofia cheered triumphantly, grabbing Alexander's hand and tugging him toward the children's pool.
I trailed behind them, acutely aware of the curious stares and hushed whispers surrounding us, my pulse thundering in my ears.
In the shallow pool, Alexander patiently guided Sofia through basic swimming movements. His large, sure hands supported her small frame, helping her practice floating on the surface.
"Don't tense up, just relax," he murmured gently. "I've got you. I won't let you sink."
Sofia trusted him completely, following his calm instructions to release the tension in her body. Within minutes, she was floating briefly on her own with his steady support.
"I did it!" she squealed with pure joy. "Mommy, did you see?"
I forced what I hoped was a convincing smile and nodded.
But witnessing their interaction—that instinctive connection, that chemistry born of shared blood—left me emotionally shattered.
This was what Sofia deserved. A father's patient guidance, a father's protective presence.
But I'd stolen these moments from her, robbed them both of each other.
"Anna?" Yekaterina materialized beside me. "You alright? You look like you've seen a ghost."
"I... I need some air," I said shakily. "Please watch Sofia. She's with... she's with that man."
Yekaterina glanced toward Alexander and Sofia, curiosity flickering in her expression. "That's... of course, no problem."
I escaped from the poolside toward a quieter corner of the facility. This rest area featured several benches and was mercifully more secluded.
I collapsed onto a bench, burying my face in my hands, struggling to regain my composure.
But everything was spiraling out of control. The surrounding gossip, the undeniable bond between Sofia and Alexander, my own internal chaos...
"Anna."
I looked up to find Alexander standing before me, water droplets still glistening on his skin under the overhead lights.
"Where's Sofia?" I asked anxiously.
"Playing with the other children." He settled beside me. "Your friend's keeping an eye on her."
Silence stretched between us. I could feel the warmth radiating from his body, that intoxicating masculine scent that made my pulse race.
"Anna," he said quietly. "I need to ask you something."
I regarded him nervously. "What?"
"Five years ago," his voice was soft but deadly serious, "that morning—why did you run?"
The question stopped my heart cold.
"I... I don't know what you're talking about..." I stammered.
"You know exactly what I mean," he turned to face me fully, those penetrating brown eyes boring into mine. "After that night, you left that pathetic note and vanished. Why?"
