…for the day when, if it ever came, Anna truly understood the depth of what she’d lost and was ready to earn her place in their lives again. But for now, I would continue moving forward, not looking back, and ensuring that Max and Lily grew up in an environment full of love, stability, and security.

I had spent so long trying to rebuild, both for them and for myself, that I couldn’t afford to let the past hold me back. Anna had made her decision, and as much as I could empathize with her pain now, I couldn’t ignore the hurt and abandonment my children had endured. They deserved more than just empty promises and fleeting regrets. They deserved a father who would always put them first, no matter the circumstances.

When I kissed them goodnight, the warmth of their little bodies in my arms, the content smiles on their faces, I knew I had made the right decision. Our family wasn’t perfect, but it was ours. And it was all that mattered.

I might have been left with nothing once—no job, no wife, no certainty about the future—but I had rebuilt from the ground up. I had my children, and in their eyes, I could see everything I needed: purpose, love, and the drive to keep going.

The journey was far from easy, but every step I took with them by my side reminded me of the strength we had together. And as I turned off the lights that night, I felt a quiet sense of peace. For the first time in years, I was truly content.

Maybe one day, Anna would come back and try to make amends, but for now, I was content with the family I had built. We had made it through the darkest days, and now we were thriving, stronger than ever.

Our story wasn’t finished, but I knew it would continue to unfold with love and resilience, one step at a time.