From Time

Fast Forward

Not my first time writing but this is my first time doing a fan fiction and also publishing a story. Feel free to like and leave comments good or bad. Tell me if I need to change anything or I don't know😊 just express yourself. Thanks~

                                                   Honey.

I remember it like it was yesterday.
The night he walked up to me at that celebrity birthday party feels burned into my memory—soft lights, too-loud music, and him, moving through the crowd like he already knew I'd end up in his arms. I won't even lie... Aubrey was smooth with it. He had that quiet confidence, the kind that made you listen before you even realized you were listening. He knew exactly what to say—never too much, never too little—just enough to make you curious. And when you least expected it, that's when he got you.

We were friends first. Real friends. Inside jokes, late-night FaceTimes, long conversations that never felt forced. That friendship grew into something deeper, something intimate... and eventually into an engagement and the most beautiful part of both of us—our daughter, Áaela Ariel Graham.

But even good things have an expiration date.

Before Áaela, we had three good years together. After she was born, we added four more—seven years of love, chaos, growing pains, and moments that still replay in my mind when I'm alone. Aubrey is an amazing father; that's never been up for debate. But somewhere along the way, I realized he wasn't ready for a commitment as big and heavy as us. Maybe he tried. Maybe I tried harder. Either way, we unraveled.

We ended on good terms, at least. Last I heard he was dating a model—pretty, effortless, the type of woman the blogs love to talk about. But no matter what's going on in his life, he never misses his time with our daughter. He picks Áaela up every weekend, and he still stops by on Thursdays for their little movie nights. Seeing them together... it does something to me. Not in a romantic way—just that soft spot you keep for someone who gave you a piece of your heart in the form of a child.

And me? I started dating again.

My man now... he's different. He's the CEO of a multi-billion-dollar company, all quiet dominance and tailored suits, and he treats me the way I always hoped someone would. Gentle where he needs to be. Strong where it matters. He's amazing—but he hasn't met Áaela yet. And he doesn't know how complicated things can get when your ex is a superstar who still has a key to every part of your past.

Aubrey doesn't know about him either.
Not yet.

But tonight... I'm telling him.
He'll be picking up Áaela in a few minutes, and I'm hoping—praying—this conversation doesn't reopen doors I've worked hard to close.

7pm

I carried Áaela's Louis Vuitton tote down the stairs while she bounced in place, excitement radiating off her like electricity.

"Are you ready to see Daddy?"

I asked, smiling at her energy.

"Yes! Yes! Yes!"

she yelled, hopping up and down.

I glanced at myself in the hallway mirror, still half-dressed in my black Valentino dress.

"Mommy, you're naked!"

Áaela declared with absolute honesty, pointing at my chest.

I chuckled, shaking my head.

"Mommy knows, baby... but Mommy's gotta take care of her pumpkin patch first."

The doorbell rang just as my phone buzzed—Aubrey. Timing was everything. I rushed to the door, trying to smooth my dress and my nerves.

There he was, leaning casually in the doorway, that signature calm confidence radiating off him.

"Yeah... I know I'm late,"

he said, voice low and smooth.

"Had a couple things to handle... but I wouldn't miss getting my Áaela bear for the world."

Áaela screamed and lunged into his arms, and I had to pause for a second—watching them together never lost its effect. There was something almost unfair about it... the way they fit together so perfectly.

Finally, they separated, and both sets of eyes turned toward me. The tension hit like a spark. I grabbed a bag of snacks and made my way to the kitchen, pretending to be casual. Aubrey followed, leaning against the counter like he owned the space.

"So... you got a date?"

His tone was teasing, but the way he said it... that slow, deliberate Drake cadence... it carried a warning underneath, possessive but playful.

I tried to sound nonchalant.

"Yeah. I'm running a little behind, but I wanted to talk to you about it. We've both been so busy."

He smirked, that half-grin I knew too well, leaning a little closer, lowering his voice.

"Yeah? Running late, huh? You always got someone new lined up so quick?"

His eyes held mine just a beat too long.

"You know... I wouldn't be mad if you didn't."

I felt heat rise to my cheeks.

"Aubrey..."

I said softly, trying to keep it casual.

He tilted his head, smirk still in place, moving just slightly closer, hand brushing against mine almost accidentally—or maybe not.

"I'm just saying... I know what I got, and I don't like to share."

There was a teasing edge in his tone, but the possessiveness? Real. Raw.

I tried to hide my reaction behind a shrug.

"Alright... let's go."

I scooped up Áaela, pressing a kiss to her cheek, and Aubrey took her hand. That lingering look he gave me—like he knew exactly what I was thinking, like he could see everything—made my heart skip. Watching them leave, I realized... some things never really go away, no matter how much time passes.

Ess's Outfit For Her Date.

Aaela's Outfit.