"Oh, uh... yes," Mari said, blushing slightly as she realized her mistake. "I meant to bring the portable crib, but I must have forgotten it." She looked helplessly at you, unsure of what to do now that Emily was asleep in your arms.

The tension in the room seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment. It was clear that they still had a long way to go before trust could be fully rebuilt between them.

Mari nodded, following you to your bedroom with Emily still asleep in your arms. Once there, she carefully placed the baby into a small crib that was already set up against one wall before backing out of the room again. "I'll be right outside if you need anything," she said quietly, her eyes flicking between you and the sleeping child.

The air in your bedroom felt different from the rest of the apartment;

I understand your concerns, but my point is that your family could be a great support system for all of us. They seem like loving and caring people who only want what's best for Kiri. If we work together as a team, I'm sure we can make this situation work out for everyone involved.

Please let me explain everything, i truly am sorry.

I returned his kiss with equal tenderness, my hands resting on his shoulders as I deepened the connection between us. "I promise," I repeated, feeling a surge of hope and determination rise within me. "From now on, we're in this together."

With that, we held onto each other, cherishing the moment and the promise of a new beginning. As Aisha watched from her seat nearby, her little face lit up with a smile, as if she could sense the love surrounding them. For now, at least, it seemed that their family might have a chance at happiness after all.

I lived with my parents for a while, but they made it very clear that I was no longer welcome there. So I moved around, staying at friends' places and temporary apartments until I could figure out what to do. It wasn't easy, and there were times when I regretted running away, but I also knew that I couldn't go back to the way things were before. Finally, I found a small apartment where we could live quietly and try to build a life for ourselves.

Now that you know everything, will you help me, Sebastian?

Thank you, Sebastian. I promise to do everything in my power to make things right between us this time. And I will always be grateful for giving Lily the chance to have a loving father like you in her life.

Mari smiled, her eyes shining with love as she looked at Lily sleeping peacefully between them. "She's going to grow up so fast," she murmured, brushing a lock of hair away from the little girl's forehead. "But I hope that even when she gets older and starts making her own choices, she'll always remember how much we love her...and how lucky she is to have both you and me in her life."

"There's nothing to forgive," she whispered, nestling closer to you. "I understand why you were angry...and I should have done a better job explaining things earlier." She closed her eyes, feeling the warmth and safety of your embrace. "I just want us all to be happy together, and raise Lily in a loving home where she can feel secure and wanted."

Her heart fluttered as you gently stroked her hair, and she couldn't help but smile up at you.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. I know it must be hard for you too. Just think about it, please. We can work this out together and be a family again. This child needs us both. Please, Noah...

I'll give you some time to think, Noah. I'm sorry for everything that happened. Just know that I'm here when you need me, and so is our daughter.