Left Behind // Scarlett Johansson x Daughter

Father and Family

POV RYAN

Talking to Blake about the encounter with Scarlett was an act of bravery that I carried out with a heavy heart. I knew she would be waiting for me, along with the children, at a cozy café nearby, and her silence for a week had torn my heart apart. Facing the reality of the love of my life laying down the law and showing me the harsh truth was painful. It wasn't just about hiding something as momentous as the existence of a child, but also my negligence and lack of responsibility in the situation.

I would have never imagined that instead of coming face to face with Scarlett, after so many years of separation, I would be confronted directly with the little being that she and I had brought into this world. The surprise left me speechless, and my mind started spinning like a runaway carousel.

My eyes instinctively searched the building for Scarlett, fearing that all of this might be an elaborate trap to force me to face my responsibilities as a father. Despite my confusion, I couldn't help but fix my gaze on Yn, the girl standing in front of me.

The little one began to speak, and her huge eyes shimmered with a mix of curiosity and vulnerability. I quickly realized that I must, at all costs, prevent her tears from flowing in the middle of the street. We were still at a safe distance. Taking a small step forward, I tried to convey with gestures that she shouldn't be frightened or move away.

But how could I respond to her now? What could I say to ease her distress? At that moment, I felt as helpless as Blake had made me feel when I confessed my past actions.

"Yn, it was a complicated time..." I began, but was abruptly interrupted. The girl demonstrated the same strong character as her mother.

"No! Don't give me excuses about it being a complicated time because you were divorced. You separated as a couple, not as parents. What the hell is that? I want the truth."

Yn's words left me breathless, and I felt a lump in my throat. The morning coffee was still choking me, and I internally thanked myself for not having had breakfast. Looking around, I noticed that some people had stopped to observe the scene with excessive interest, and I didn't want all of this to turn into a media circus. The weight of the truth and the need to confront my past loomed over me like a storm that threatened to break at any moment.

"If you want to know the truth, come with me to the car," I extended my hand to her. I saw her hesitate, her scrutinizing gaze revealing deep distrust. Good Lord, I was her father! Although my absence in her life had sown that distrust, I was still surprised. Besides, I was a public figure with an impeccable reputation and a family man. I withdrew my hand and gestured for her to follow me, taking the lead. I breathed a sigh of relief when she finally decided to accompany me. Upon reaching the car, I opened the passenger door for her to sit. She glanced around, settled into the seat, and I closed the doors for precaution.

"Well," she said, confronting me.

"The truth is, I won't be able to offer you an explanation that will make you feel better or satisfied. I can only say that I'm sorry."

Yn looked at me, struggling to hold back tears, waiting for more words from me. I felt that I owed her an explanation, although I knew it wouldn't cast me in a good light.

"I started seeing Blake. When Scarlett realized she was pregnant, she told me, and we both agreed that maybe the best thing for you would be to give you up for adoption, so you could have a normal and happy life, something you wouldn't have had with us, famous and divorced parents," I sighed, now regretting that decision, aware that Scarlett had regretted it from the moment she asked for my help to revoke the adoption, but circumstances had made it impossible. "It was selfish, we actually made that decision thinking about ourselves, our careers, and assumed it wouldn't be a healthy environment for a baby. Your mother wanted to get you back, and I tried to help her, but it was in vain."