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.

"Nothing special," she replied coldly. "Why did you come here? To bother me again with your bullshit?" *She didn't wait for an answer, already turning her back on him and heading towards the living room. Mathonwy just sighed, following her through the hallway until he caught up with Lena in front of the fireplace. She ignored his presence, looking at the dancing flames without so much as glancing in his direction.

"Look," he began slowly, trying to keep the anger out of his voice. "I know we've had our differences..."

She let out a scoffing laugh before finally turning her head towards him. "You know what I mean," she said dismissively. "All those times you try to see Sarah, when all you really want is an excuse to be around me." Her gaze turned icy as it met his. "Don't pretend otherwise." He glared back at her, anger clear in his eyes. "I do love my daughter," he bit out. "And I have a right to see her!" "Fine," she said, waving her hand dismissively. "You can see her for five minutes this time." She paused, studying him for a moment before adding, "But that's it. No more extended visits or attempts at... whatever the hell you think you're trying to accomplish."

"Five minutes," he repeated slowly, clearly still unhappy with the arrangement. "Very well. I won't take up any more of your time than that." With a final glare in her direction, he turned and headed towards Sarah's room, his long strides eating up the distance between them quickly. Lena watched him go before taking a seat on the couch again, crossing her arms over her chest and closing her eyes. Damn it, Mathonwy. Why does he have to make everything so difficult? She thought to herself wearily, leaning back against the soft cushions as she tried to relax once more. But try as she might, the tension between them lingered in the air, like a chill before a summer storm.

Her eyes widened as she looked at the paper in his hand. "What is this?" She demanded, her voice shaking with anger. "You can't just come here and try to take my daughter away from me!" He lifted an eyebrow. "Isn't that what you're doing? Limiting my time with her, making it so I can't even see her without your permission?" She stood up, hands clenched at her sides. "That's different! You know why I do it. For her own good!" "And what about my own good, Lena? Don't I matter too?" he asked softly. "Don't you think our daughter deserves to have a relationship with both of us?" His words hit like a punch to the gut. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out. In that moment, she knew he was right. But how could she let him win? How could she give up control over Sarah? It was everything she had left in this world...

She clenched her jaw, forcing herself to remain calm. "Fine," she said through gritted teeth. "I'll be there." With that, she turned on her heel and marched out of the room, back towards the living room where she sat down heavily in her chair, wrestling with a storm of emotions.

Part of her wanted to tear the paper into tiny pieces right then and there; it was ridiculous, impossible! But another part of her knew that he had a point. And worse still, what if the court sided with him? The thought terrified her. But she couldn't let herself think about that now. There would be time enough to panic later...

She forced herself to concentrate on something else: work. Maybe she could find some way to spend even more hours at the hospital, just to prove how devoted she was to Sarah's well-being. Anything to keep control over their lives. She glanced towards the door, willing time to pass faster as she waited for Sarah to come downstairs and join her in the living room, so they could both pretend like everything was normal...

Her heart ached as she heard their laughter drifting through the air. She tried her best not to listen, focusing instead on the medical journal open in front of her. But it was impossible; the sounds of Sarah's giggles cut deep into her soul like a knife. The thought of losing her only made Lena want to hold onto her tighter, to keep their little family together no matter what it took.

When at last she heard Sarah's footsteps approaching, her heart leaped with hope that maybe the girl would come over and sit with her, needing comfort after spending time with her father. But as Sarah came around the corner, a bright smile on her face, it was clear she had no idea of the storm brewing behind the scenes.

"Hi Mommy!" Sarah exclaimed, rushing over to hug her tightly. "How was your day?" Lena forced herself to return the embrace, burying her nose in Sarah's sweet-smelling hair and pretending everything was normal. "It was fine, dear," she said quietly. "Just a long day at work." But inside, she knew that things were about to change. And there was nothing she could do to stop it...

Sarah beamed with pride as she pulled out a crumpled piece of paper from her backpack. "I drew this in art class today!" She said excitedly, thrusting the picture at Lena.

It was an incredibly detailed pencil drawing of two women holding hands: one tall and slender like Sarah's mommy, the other short and curvy with long black hair just like her father Mathonwy. Their features were different, but there was no mistaking who they were supposed to be. The image brought a lump to Lena's throat; it made her heart swell with love and pride for her daughter despite herself.

"Oh, Sarah," she breathed, carefully smoothing out the wrinkles in the paper before studying it closely. "This is beautiful. You really are quite talented." She couldn't help but wonder why Mathonwy hadn't shown her this earlier; perhaps he had kept it hidden deliberately...

"Thank you," she managed, her voice raspy with emotion. Part of her wanted to believe him; part of her wanted so desperately for them all to be a happy family together. But another, darker part of her knew that it would never happen. Not as long as their hatred and competitiveness stood between them.

She cleared her throat, forcing herself back into her professional demeanor. "Well," she said briskly, glancing at the clock on the wall. "It's getting late. I need to get started on dinner." Without waiting for a response, she rose to her feet and began gathering her things, preparing to head towards the kitchen.

Sarah watched her mother carefully as she moved around the room, sensing the tension between them even more keenly now that their focus was elsewhere. She wished there were some way to make everything better; to mend the fence between Lena and Mathonwy so they could all be together like a real family. But for now, all she could do was hope...and wait...

She paused, one hand on the knob to the kitchen, glancing over her shoulder at him in surprise. "You cooked?" she asked incredulously. It wasn't like Mathonwy to be domesticated; he was always too focused on his work and hobbies. "What brought this on?"

Sarah watched as her father's cheeks reddened slightly, and she knew that Lena must have picked up on it too. They both looked at each other for a moment before shifting their gazes away uncomfortably. The air in the room seemed to thicken once more; an awkward silence hanging between them like a cloud.

Finally, Lena let out a sigh and turned back to Sarah. "Alright," she said slowly, not meeting Mathonwy's eyes. "We can eat dinner together." She glanced at the clock again, frowning slightly. "But only if you help with the dishes afterward. It's only fair."

Her jaw tightened at his insistence; she didn't want him trying to buy her affection with favors like this. But deep down, she knew that Sarah deserved to have a good relationship with both of them. Reluctantly, she nodded her assent. "Fine," she said through gritted teeth. "But just tonight. After that, we'll do things the way they should be done."

With one final glance in Mathonwy's direction, she turned and led Sarah into the kitchen. As they worked together to prepare dinner - Lena watching her every move carefully so as not to let her slack off - she couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them all. Would things ever truly go back to normal? Or would their relationship always be defined by the hatred and competition that had come before? She only hoped that, somehow, they could find a way through it all...

"I want us to put our feelings about the past aside," she began slowly, picking at her food as she spoke. "And focus on what matters most: Sarah." She glanced over at their daughter, who was busy chatting with Mathonwy and didn't seem to notice the tension between them. "We need to work together as parents if we want her to grow up happy and healthy."

He nodded in agreement. "I couldn't agree more," he said softly. "But I also think we should make an effort to be civil with each other. For Sarah's sake." His gaze met hers, steady and sincere. "Can you try?"

"I'll try," she said finally, her voice barely audible above the clatter of dishes in the sink. It was a small concession, but it was all he could hope for at this point. She forced herself to smile warmly at their daughter, who beamed back at her with delight.

As they played together, Lena couldn't help but wonder if she would ever be able to forgive Mathonwy for everything that had happened between them. But for Sarah's sake, she knew she needed to try. It wouldn't be easy; the past years of anger and resentment had left deep scars on both their souls. But maybe, just maybe, they could find a way to move forward together...

Sarah giggled as they played a game of hide-and-seek around the living room. Lena tried her best to join in on the fun, even though it sometimes felt forced and unnatural. She knew she had to do this for Sarah; if she wanted her daughter to have a good relationship with both parents, then she had to at least make an effort.

Finally, when Sarah's eyelids grew heavy and she began yawning, they tucked her into bed and read her a story before saying their goodnights. As Lena made her way back downstairs, she couldn't help but steal glances over at Mathonwy as he helped Sarah pick out a book for school the next day. It was an odd feeling, this sense of camaraderie that had grown between them despite everything else.

She took a seat on the couch, looking expectantly at him as he returned to sit beside her. "So," she said hesitantly, "what did you want to talk about?" Her heart was racing; she could feel her palms begin to sweat as anxiety coursed through her veins.

He met her gaze calmly. "I just wanted to discuss our plans for Sarah's education and extracurricular activities." His voice was steady, calm. It almost sounded like he wasn't the same person who had once been her arch-nemesis. "We both know how important these years are for her development, and I think we should work together to make sure she has all the opportunities she needs."

Lena felt a weight lift from her shoulders as he spoke. It was true; they were on the same page when it came to their daughter's future. Perhaps there was hope for them after all...

"What do you mean?" she asked warily, studying his face as he seemed to struggle with his words. "You don't want custody anymore? You just want me to... what? Hand her over whenever you please?"

He shook his head vigorously. "No! Nothing like that." His expression softened. "I want a compromise, Lena. I know we can't have the same amount of time with her, but we can make sure she sees both of us as often as possible. That we're both there for her when she needs us."

Lena considered his words carefully. It wasn't what she had expected him to say; not after everything that had happened between them. But maybe... just maybe... there was a way for them to make this work. For Sarah, if not for themselves. "Alright," she said finally, her voice calm and even. "I'll think about it."

He nodded, looking relieved. "Thank you," he murmured. "That means a lot." As they sat there together, discussing plans and schedules like two rational adults, Lena couldn't help but feel a sense of disbelief washing over her. This wasn't how things were supposed to be; it didn't fit with the image she had always carried of him in her mind. But maybe... just maybe... they could find their way through this mess after all.

"Lena?" Mathonwy spoke up, his voice soft and hesitant. "I'm sorry for everything that happened between us." He paused, clearing his throat awkwardly. "If I had known how much it would hurt you... I never meant to cause you pain."

She swallowed hard, trying not to let the words affect her too deeply. But still, she couldn't help but feel a

Her eyes widened as he spoke; she hadn't known any of this about him. For years, she had been working herself to the bone at the hospital, convinced that his success was what mattered most to him. The realization left her feeling a bit disoriented; it made her wonder if perhaps she had been wrong about him all along...

"I see," she said finally, carefully choosing her words. "Well... I appreciate your honesty. And I'm sorry too, for everything that happened between us. We both said and did things we shouldn't have." She paused, considering her next words carefully. "Maybe... there is hope for us yet."

Her heart was racing as she spoke; it felt like they were standing on the edge of a precipice, the possibility of something new and wonderful spreading out before them. But whether or not they would actually take the leap remained to be seen. Only time would tell...

"I... I don't know what to say," she admitted, her eyes searching his face as if trying to see the truth behind his words. The idea of having him there with them - not just in a peripheral way like now, but as an active participant in their lives - was both exhilarating and terrifying. She hadn't realized how much she had missed him; not the Mathonwy who had once been her rival, but the man she had fallen in love with all those years ago.

He took her hand in his, squeezing gently. "You don't have to say anything right now," he said softly. "But please... think about it. Think about us as a family, and what we could be together." There was such hope in his voice that she couldn't help but feel her own heart begin to melt.

She nodded slowly, unable to speak past the lump in her throat. This was bigger than they were; it wasn't just about their pride or their careers anymore. It was about Sarah, and what kind of future she deserved. And perhaps, if she let herself believe it, it might even be about them too...

She returned his kiss hesitantly, unsure of what this all meant but hopeful nonetheless. "Tomorrow sounds good," she managed finally. There was still so much to discuss, to figure out; their relationship had been irrevocably damaged by the past, and it would take time and effort to repair the wounds they had inflicted upon one another. But for now...

For now, there was hope. And perhaps that was enough.

As she walked into her home the next evening, Lena couldn't help but smile at the scene that met her eyes. Mathonwy sat with Sarah at the dinner table, helping her with her math homework while they both chatted and laughed together. The slow cooker on the counter was filled with an aroma so delicious it made her mouth water.

"Hi Mommy!" Sarah called out happily as she released herself from Mathonwy's embrace. Lena felt a warmth spread through her at the sight of their happiness; it was like they were two old friends reunited after years apart, rather than bitter enemies vying for custody of their daughter.

"Hello you two," she said, walking over to them with a soft smile on her face. "Smells wonderful." She glanced at Mathonwy as she spoke; his gaze met hers briefly before returning to Sarah. There was an awkward silence as they all sat down together, but this time it didn't feel uncomfortable or forced. Instead, there was a sense of peace and camaraderie that Lena hadn't felt in years.

As they ate dinner together, chatting about their days and laughing at each other's stories, Lena found herself wondering if perhaps this newfound harmony between them could last. It was still early days, but she couldn't help but feel hopeful about the future they might have as a family...if they could only find a way to keep it together.

As they sat together on the couch after tucking Sarah into bed, Lena found herself lost in Mathonwy's gaze. His eyes held a mixture of tenderness and desire that she hadn't seen in so long; it both thrilled and terrified her all at once. When he finally leaned in to kiss her, she didn't resist, succumbing to the heat of his lips and the force of their shared history.

His hands roamed freely over her body, seeking out the familiar curves and contours that had once been so much a part of him. They moved with a possessive determination that spoke volumes about the depth of his feelings for her; it was as if he needed to mark her as his own once more after all these years apart. And despite herself, Lena found herself responding in kind, their bodies moving together in perfect sync as they explored each other's boundaries and desires.

As their passion rose to a fever pitch, the world outside their cozy little home fell away, replaced by the intense, burning need that only they could satisfy. In this moment, there was no room for regret or hesitation; it was as if time itself had stopped, leaving them suspended in an endless eternity of longing and desire.

But as their lovemaking reached its climax, the haze of passion began to dissipate, leaving Lena with a newfound clarity. She knew that what they were doing was dangerous; it could destroy everything they had worked so hard to build over the past few days. But she also couldn't deny the way her body craved his touch, the way her heart ached for him whenever he wasn't near. It seemed that no matter how much time passed or what life threw their way, this connection between them could never truly be severed...

She sat up, wiping her face with the back of her hand. Looking at him, she could see that he was truly sincere; his words tugged at something deep within her chest. "I missed you too," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "And I want that life together, too...but we have to be careful. The company still needs us both..."

He nodded solemnly, understanding the delicate balance they were trying to maintain. They couldn't let their love for each other destroy everything else they had worked so hard to achieve; not now, when they finally had a chance at something real and meaningful. But as he wrapped his arms around her again, pulling her close and pressing his lips to hers, Lena knew that whatever the future held, they would face it together.

For better or for worse...

Her eyes widened in surprise as she heard his words; it was a weight lifted off her shoulders that she hadn't even realized she had been carrying. "Thank you," she breathed, wrapping her arms around him and pressing her cheek to his chest. For so long, she had thought that he only cared about his own success, that their relationship was nothing more than a means to an end for him. But now...now she wasn't so sure.

As they sat there together, holding each other close, Lena knew that things were different this time around. They had both grown up since the days of their bitter rivalry; they had changed and matured in ways neither one of them could have ever anticipated. And perhaps it was because of those changes, because of their experiences and the people they had become, that gave them hope for a future together.

A future where they didn't have to choose between love and career; where they could have both, side by side, hand in hand. It was a dream she hadn't dared to entertain since before Sarah had been born, but now...now it felt like anything was possible.

"I want that too," she whispered into the quiet darkness of their living room. "I want us to be together, and for us to make this work." She looked up at him, her eyes full of hope and promise. "But we have to be careful. We can't let ourselves get caught up in old habits or let anyone else tear us apart again."

He nodded solemnly, kissing the top of her head. "I know," he said quietly. "And I won't. I promise you that."

As they sat there together, basking in the warmth and comfort of each other's presence, Lena couldn't help but feel a sense of peace was

Her heart swelled at his words; it was a dream she had once cherished but had long since given up on. The idea of raising another child with him, watching their family grow together under the same roof...it was almost too much to bear. She couldn't help but wonder if this was all really happening, if they were finally on the path towards something good and true and real.

But as she looked into his eyes, she saw the sincerity there; she knew that he meant every word he spoke. And with that knowledge came a sense of hope, of promise, that made her feel lighter than air.

"I love you too," she whispered, tracing her fingers along his jawline. "And I want that future too...together." She paused, searching for the right words to express what was in her heart. "We can do this, Mathonwy. Together, we can make this work."

He leaned in, pressing their foreheads together as he held her close. "I know we can," he said quietly. "And I promise you, Lena...I'll never let you down again." As they sat there together like this, it was hard to imagine a world without him; harder still to believe that after all these years of pain and hurt, they could finally be finding their way back to each other. But as the darkness of night slowly gave way to the rosy glow of dawn, Lena knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she was ready to face them...as long as Mathonwy was by her side.