**Chapter 8: Shadows from the Past**
The sun shone brightly through the window as Max strapped Kota into the baby carrier, excitement bubbling in his chest. It had been a tough few weeks, but today was different. Today was about bonding. No work, no stress—just a day at the mall, picking out new clothes for Kota and maybe grabbing a treat or two.
"Alright, little guy," Max said, gently patting Kota's head. "Today’s all about us. You ready?"
Kota gurgled in response, kicking his tiny legs in excitement.
"That’s the spirit."
Max smiled as he left the apartment, the weight of fatherhood feeling a little lighter today. They deserved this—some fun, something normal.
---
The mall was bustling with families, couples, and groups of friends, but Max didn’t feel out of place for once. As he and Kota strolled through the aisles of a children’s clothing store, Max couldn’t help but grin at the tiny shirts and onesies with funny slogans.
“How about this one, Kota?” Max held up a tiny shirt that read *Daddy’s Little Champion*. Kota reached out with his tiny hands and giggled.
“Good choice,” Max said, tossing it into the cart. “You’ll look great in this.”
They wandered through the store, picking out outfits, and Max felt the warmth of the day settling into his bones. Every time he looked at Kota, the baby’s eyes wide with curiosity at the world around him, Max felt something close to peace.
They left the store, Kota now sporting a brand-new pair of shoes—his first ever—and Max couldn’t help but feel proud. They made their way to the food court, where Max indulged in a slice of pizza while feeding Kota mashed bananas. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so relaxed, just enjoying time with his son.
After they ate, Max decided to stop by a clothing store for himself. He hadn’t bought new clothes in ages, and though money was tight, he figured he deserved a small splurge.
---
Inside the store, Max flipped through racks of shirts and jeans while Kota quietly napped in the carrier. Everything was going smoothly, until—
A flash of familiarity caught Max’s eye. At first, he wasn’t sure, but when he turned his head, there she was—Saki.
She stood by a rack of designer dresses, her back to him, but Max would recognize that long, sleek black hair anywhere. She wore a fitted, expensive-looking dress, paired with luxury-brand accessories that screamed wealth. Max felt his stomach drop. He hadn’t seen her since the day she left him, and now here she was, looking like she had walked out of a high-end magazine.
“Saki?” Max called, the name escaping his lips before he could stop himself.
She turned at the sound of her name, her eyes widening for just a moment. Max saw something flicker in her expression, but before she could say a word, a tall, sharply dressed man approached her, wrapping an arm around her waist. He leaned in, pressing a kiss to her cheek. Saki laughed softly, resting her hand on the man’s chest.
Max stood frozen, watching as the man—someone clearly wealthy—held her close. He looked like the kind of guy who had everything together: expensive clothes, polished shoes, the confidence of someone who had never struggled a day in his life.
For a moment, their eyes met. Saki’s lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but she didn’t. She just stood there, letting the man hold her, and then—just like that—she looked away.
YOU ARE READING
THE FIRST TIME DADDY
RomanceMax never imagined his life would turn out like this: a single father raising a lively two-year-old while working at a quiet bookstore. Far from the successful man his wealthy parents hoped he'd become, Max is still finding his footing after years o...
