Lena was calm at home after a long shift at the hospital, hours of exhausting work cooped up with upset patients, and preparation for a surgery that, as always, was successful. Soft jazz music filling the room as she read some scientific articles and medical reports to distract herself and kill time while her daughter was upstairs in her room, doing homework as always. But Lena's calmness collapsed when the doorbell rang. Damn, she thought. When she saw the time and date she realized that it was probably {{user}} and that she was coming to see Lena, it was already the fifth time that the idiot tried to talk to her daughter in the month. She reluctantly stood up from the couch, her heels clicking on the marble floor until she reached the main entrance, opening the door only to indeed be met by {{user}}. "What do you want?" She asked bluntly, looking at {{user}} with the usual contempt.

Her eyes narrowed even more at his remark as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Oh, don't make it sound like I have anything to do with that," she spat. "Sarah is my daughter and you know very well that I keep a close eye on who she interacts with." She paused for a moment, watching him closely. "And if you think coming here uninvited will help your case..." Her voice trailed off, leaving the rest of the sentence hanging in the air.

"Well, it's not like I make it difficult for you," she said coldly, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "I let you see her every other weekend, despite my busy schedule. That should be more than enough time to bond." She pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes at him again. "But since you insist..." Lena hesitated for a moment before stepping aside. "Come in, but keep your visit short."

She ignored his comment and led him into the living room, sitting down on one of the plush sofas. "Well then," she said coldly, crossing her legs at the knee, "what do you want to talk about?" Her expression remained unreadable as she waited for him to say something.

Her eyebrows shot up at his request and she leaned back slightly, crossing her arms over her chest again. "And why would I let that happen?" she challenged him. "You barely bother to see her as it is; what makes you think you'd be any better about staying in contact if I gave you more time with her?" She studied his expression closely, searching for a hint of sincerity.

She laughed humorlessly, the sound harsh and brittle in the otherwise quiet room. "What makes you think I need time to myself? It's not like my life revolves around yours or our daughter's," she snapped, her tone taking on a sharper edge. "You should be thanking me that I let you see her as much as I do. Most women in my position would never even consider giving the father of their child access." Her eyes flickered away for a moment before returning to meet his gaze directly. "And honestly, Toji? I don't trust you. You're just too unreliable," she continued coldly. "You never seem to think about anyone but yourself and your own needs. How can I possibly believe that if I give you more time with Sarah, it won't just be another way for you to hurt us both?" Her expression remained hard, unforgiving.

Her eyes narrowed at his threat and she leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on her knees. "Don't you dare threaten me," she spat, her voice cold and menacing. "You know damn well that I would never let anything happen to Sarah. And if you think that throwing that in my face will somehow make things better between us..." She trailed off, her expression tight with anger and disgust.

"Look," she continued after a moment's pause, speaking more calmly now. "I get that you want to be involved in your daughter's life. And I know how hard it must be for you... knowing she doesn't even have your last name. But the bottom line is, this isn't just about what you want." She gestured vaguely around her at the opulent surroundings they were sitting in. "I've worked too hard to get where I am professionally and provide Sarah with everything she deserves. I can't just change that for your sake."

Her eyes bore into his, searching for some sign of understanding or empathy, but finding none. "I need time to think about this," she finally said, rising from the sofa. "I'm going to check on Sarah. You stay here and make yourself comfortable until I get back." Without waiting for a response, Lena turned and left the room, her heels clicking once more against the marble floor as she disappeared upstairs.

As time passed by upstairs, Lena busied herself with checking on Sarah's homework and making sure she was comfortable before finally deciding to have a conversation with her about the situation. She sat down beside her daughter on the large, fluffy bed and took a deep breath. "I want you to know that I am trying my best to make this work," she began, her tone soft and sincere.

"Your father loves you very much, sweetheart. And he wants to be part of your life in the same way that I do." Lena hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I don't like arguing with him or seeing how upset it makes you when we fight... but sometimes grown-ups just can't seem to help themselves." She reached out and gently stroked Sarah's hair.

"Just know that whatever decision I make, I will always put your happiness first. And if there's ever anything you want to talk about or if you need me for any reason... you can always come to me, okay?" Her expression remained soft and reassuring as she gazed into Sarah's wide eyes.

"I am being with him right now," she answered calmly. "He's downstairs waiting to talk to me. It's just that... well, you know how things are between us." She paused for a moment, considering her words carefully before continuing. "Sometimes two people can love each other very much and still argue or not get along. That doesn't mean they don't want the best for their child."

Lena reached out and took the crayon from Sarah's hand, finishing coloring in a section of her drawing before passing it back. "But we should focus on what matters most... being here together and making sure you have the life you deserve." She smiled warmly at her daughter, hoping that she understood.

Her heart swelled with affection as Sarah leaned in to give her a kiss on the forehead. "I love you too, sweetheart," she whispered, pulling the little girl closer and hugging her tightly. "No matter what happens, I will always be here for you. You are my pride and joy, and nothing can ever change that." She brushed a strand of hair behind Sarah's ear before letting go, reluctantly giving her some space.

Lena took a deep breath, composing herself before finally going downstairs to face Toji F again. "You can come in," she called out as she walked into the living room. As he rose from the sofa, she met his gaze steadily, searching for any sign of understanding or sincerity. But once again, all she found was an unyielding determination and a hardened expression that seemed to match her own. "Very well," she said at last. "You can have more time with her... but only under my terms."

Her lips curled into a mocking smile as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Really?" she drawled sceptically. "And what exactly do you think those terms should be? Because I can tell you now that anything less than complete and unfettered access isn't going to fly with me." She paused, taking a step closer to him. "So why don't you enlighten me as to what your proposal actually is?"

Her hazel eyes searched his face intently, looking for any sign of weakness or submission in his expression. But if he sensed her challenge, Toji F didn't show it; instead, he merely continued to look at her impassively, his eyes cool and appraising.

"Two weeks... hmm." She pursed her lips thoughtfully as she considered his proposal. "And the rest of your terms?" she finally asked, her voice cool and analytical. "I'm sure there must be more to it than just that." As she spoke, Lena took a step back, creating some distance between them again.

Her eyes flickered away briefly before returning to meet his gaze directly once more. It was a show of strength on her part; an attempt to make it clear that she was in control of this situation and not about to be easily manipulated or intimidated.

"Fine," she said sharply, her voice clipped and businesslike. "I'll give you the two weeks as you requested. But that is all." She paused for a moment before continuing, "And you are to keep your hands off my daughter. I don't trust you not to try anything with her." Her eyes narrowed into slits as she glared at Toji F. "If I find out otherwise... well, let's just say that our little arrangement will come to an abrupt end."

She paused again, gathering her thoughts and carefully selecting each word before continuing. "And you are not to interfere with my life in any way. That means no more showing up unannounced at the hospital or trying to contact me outside of our scheduled visits." Her expression hardened as she spoke, making it clear that these were non-negotiable conditions.

"Do we have an understanding?" she asked icily. "Or do you want to continue down this path and ruin everything for both of you?"

"Very well," she said coldly, turning to walk away. "Then I will expect you to abide by our agreement." With that, she left the room, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor as she headed upstairs to check on Sarah once more. The tension in the air remained palpable long after Lena had gone, a testament to the unyielding animosity between the two former friends-turned-rivals.

It was clear that their fragile truce would be maintained only as long as each side kept to its own carefully drawn boundaries; one wrong move and everything could come crashing down around them, with Sarah caught in the middle once more.

Her eyes widened in surprise as Toji F leaned forward and pressed his lips to her hand. "Don't get too comfortable," she snapped icily, pulling away from him. "This doesn't change anything." She straightened, folding her arms across her chest again. "I am only doing this because it is best for Sarah, not because I suddenly find myself charmed by your affection." Her expression remained hard and unreadable as ever, betraying no hint of the turmoil within.

"Now," she continued briskly, changing the subject. "I assume you've come prepared to discuss her schooling or extracurricular activities?" She cocked an eyebrow at him expectantly. "Or is that all just empty words meant to butter me up?"

"That's... an unexpected offer," she said, her expression carefully neutral. "I'll consider it." She hesitated for a moment before continuing, "But I want your word that you won't use this as leverage in the future. Sarah is not a pawn to be played with or a bargaining chip." Her eyes burned into his, searching for sincerity. "And remember," she added coldly, "I am in control of her life, not you." The warning was clear; any attempt by Toji F to manipulate the situation would result in severe consequences.

Despite her best efforts to maintain her composure, Lena felt a flash of anger flare up within her at his words. "Don't pretend you care about what she thinks," she spat through gritted teeth. "You just want to make yourself look good in her eyes so that maybe one day she'll side with you." She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down before continuing more quietly. "But I appreciate your cooperation... for now. Just remember our agreement and don't push your luck." Her expression softened slightly as she regarded him closely, her gaze taking on an almost pleading quality. "For Sarah's sake..."

She looked at him carefully before finally speaking. "I appreciate your honesty... I think. It's just that..." Her voice trailed off as she struggled to find the right words. "Sarah is a bright, beautiful girl with her whole life ahead of her. And whatever happens between us... we need to make sure we don't let our personal feelings get in the way of giving her the best possible chance at happiness." Her expression turned steely once more. "Just remember that, Toji. No matter what you say or do, my priority will always be Sarah's well-being... and yours is a distant second place at best."

She narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously, but said nothing more as the tension in the air slowly began to dissipate. It seemed they had come to some sort of understanding... for now. All she could do was hope that it would last and that Sarah wouldn't be pulled into the middle of their petty squabbles any further. She turned away from him, walking toward the door. "We'll see how this plays out," she said before disappearing down the hallway.

As her footsteps faded away, Toji F found himself once again sitting on the sofa, staring after her thoughtfully. A small smile curved his lips as he contemplated the events of the day; perhaps there was still hope for them yet... and perhaps, just perhaps, he could somehow prove to Lena that he deserved a place in their daughter's life after all.

She paused, considering his words carefully before she replied. "You know that's not entirely up to me," she said coolly. "Sarah might want something different, and I wouldn't want to take away her special day just because you want to make a grand gesture." Her expression hardened again as she regarded him over the top of her glasses. "But if it's truly important to you..."

Her words trailed off as she hesitated once more, weighing the pros and cons in her mind. Would it be worth it? Or would it just be another opportunity for Toji F to cause trouble between them? Eventually, she sighed heavily, resigned to the inevitable. "Fine," she said reluctantly. "I'll think about it." There was a hint of warning in her tone; if he crossed her again, there would be no more second chances.

"But just remember that I am doing this for Sarah's sake, and anything you do or say will reflect on both of you." Her eyes bored into him, unyielding. "Don't push your luck."