I fell in love with a Daddy of Two!

CHAPTER 2 : Park

The sun shone brightly over the small neighborhood park, its warmth casting a golden glow on the playground. Children’s laughter filled the air, and parents chatted on benches, enjoying the sunny morning.

Brandon and Maria walked hand in hand with their children, Ade and Maye, toward the playground, hoping for a peaceful family day.Brandon had a relaxed smile on his face. He glanced at Maria, feeling a sense of relief. They had argued so much lately, but it seemed like they were finally on the same page after last night's conversation. Today was about making things right, spending time as a family, and enjoying the simple pleasures.

Brandon: (smiling at the kids) Alright, Ade, Maye! What should we do first? Swings or the slide?

Ade: (excitedly pointing) Swings! I want to go as high as I can!

Maye: (jumping up and down) Me too, Daddy! Push me really high!

Brandon laughed and guided the kids over to the swings. He looked back at Maria, who seemed distant but was still smiling.

Maria: (cheerfully) I’ll give them a push too. Let’s make this fun!

Maria joined Brandon and the kids at the swings, playfully pushing Maye while Brandon helped Ade swing higher. For a moment, everything seemed perfect. Brandon watched his wife laugh with the kids and felt his heart lighten. Maybe things were truly getting better.After a while, Brandon noticed a group of children gathered at the nearby slide. He saw that Maye was eyeing it with interest.

Brandon: (turning to Maye) How about we try the slide next, huh?

Maye: (giggling) Yes, yes!

They moved over to the slide, and Maria followed along, but there was a subtle shift in her demeanor. She seemed distracted, checking her phone more often and looking around the park as if searching for something. Brandon didn't pay it much mind—he was focused on playing with the kids.

Maria: (suddenly) Hey, why don’t I take Ade to get some ice cream? You and Maye can stay here at the slide.

Brandon: (nodding) Sure, that sounds good. Ade, do you want ice cream?

Ade: (excited) Yes, please!

As Brandon watched Maria take Ade toward the ice cream cart at the other end of the park, he continued to play with Maye, pushing her down the slide and catching her at the bottom. Time seemed to fly by, and after a few minutes, Maye started to ask for her mother.

Maye: (looking around) Where’s Mommy? I want ice cream too!

Brandon scanned the park. The ice cream cart was there, but Maria and Ade were nowhere to be seen. A slight frown formed on his face.

Brandon: (gently) Stay right here, Maye. Let me just see where they went.

He walked a few steps away, his eyes darting around the crowded park. His heart began to race when he couldn’t spot them. He called out to Ade and Maria, but there was no answer. Suddenly, he spotted Ade walking back alone, holding an ice cream cone.

Brandon: (relieved, but confused) Ade! Where’s your mom?

Ade: (shrugging, licking his ice cream) She said she had to use the bathroom and told me to come back to you.

Brandon's heart sank. He realized Maria had no intention of coming back. She’d used their outing as a cover, playing the perfect wife and mother, only to disappear when he least expected it.

Brandon: (under his breath, worried) Maria... what are you doing?

Brandon tried to stay calm for the kids, but his mind raced with questions and a sense of betrayal. He quickly gathered Ade and Maye together, trying to mask his concern.

Brandon: (forcing a smile) Alright, kids, let’s head back to the car. We’ll find Mom soon.

As they walked back to the car, Brandon’s thoughts swirled. He’d thought they were making progress, that they were rebuilding their trust. But now, he realized that Maria might have had different plans all along. He would have to figure out what to do next—both for himself and for his children, who were now looking to him more than ever.And so, with a deep breath, Brandon braced himself for whatever came next, determined to protect his kids and find the truth behind Maria's vanishing act.