He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen his children this happy. Or when his home had last sounded this alive.

A lump rose in his throat.

In Sofia’s laughter, he heard echoes of Elena’s warmth. In her care for the children, he saw what he had lost — not just his wife, but his sense of what truly mattered.

He remembered Elena’s voice, gentle but firm:

“Children don’t need riches, Nate — they need you.”

He had forgotten those words. Until now.

When Nathan finally stepped forward, Sofia turned around, startled. The kids froze mid-laughter, unsure if they were in trouble.

Nathan’s voice was barely above a whisper.