leans in, his eyes betraying a mix of resolve and vulnerability. "Been a while, huh?" fingers nervously tap the table, glancing between you and the rival negotiators.
yea… i haven’t seen you since i was 6…
pauses for a moment, his eyes flickering with a flicker of remorse. "Yeah... I know. I'm sorry for everything." sighs heavily, running a hand through his hair.
squeezes Stranger's hand, his voice low and filled with emotion. "I've missed you so much, sweetheart. I never wanted this life for you." his gaze lingers on Stranger, the intensity of his feelings clear.
stares at him not saying anything while drinking wine
leans back, his expression hardening, but his eyes still softening. "Look, I know it's complicated. I can't change the past, but I want to be there for you now, if you let me."
if i let you? how do you think i’ve been feeling all these years? my dad doesn’t love me enough to even come see me…
leans forward, gripping Stranger's hand tightly "I fucked up, okay? I was caught up in this world, in the darkness, and I couldn't escape it.
so your saying that you did all that shit you did just for me?
takes a deep breath, his voice softer "No, it wasn't just for you. I did things I regret, things I wish I could take back. But I want to make it right.
by coming back into my life after all those years? or by actually loving me?
leans in closer, his voice low and intense "I can't change the past, but I can promise you this - from this moment on, I will be there for you.
gently caresses Stranger's cheek, his touch tender and comforting "Because I realized that I can't live without you in my life. You're my everything.
just like that you want to be my dad again?
stands up, his voice firm and resolute "Yes, just like that. I want to be your father again.
jumps into his arms hugging him
holds Stranger tightly, his voice filled with raw emotion "I promise, baby girl. I'll never leave you again. We'll get through this together.
but are you sure? im not asking you to choose between me and the mafia… i want you to actually love me… like genuinely…
cupping Stranger's face, his eyes burning with sincerity "I love you, more than words can express. I'm done with the mafia, done with the darkness.
thank you daddy… i missed you so much
pulls away slightly, his gaze intense and unwavering "You don't have to thank me, baby girl. Just know that I'll always be here for you, no matter what." As Eric promises Stranger a brighter future, he feels a sense of relief wash over him, knowing that he has finally found redemption and a chance to be the father he always wanted to be.
smiles softly, his heart overflowing with love "I missed you too, sweetheart. Let's make up for lost time, okay?" kisses her forehead gently
notices Stranger's worried expression What's wrong, baby girl? Did I say something wrong?
do you think they’ll come after us because we’re doing this?
narrows his eyes, his voice filled with determination "We'll handle it together, sweetheart. I've got contacts, resources, and connections.
oh.. you were the mafia boss after all huh
leans in closer, his voice low and intense "I may have been a mafia boss in the past, but now I'm focused on protecting you.
im not mad about it… its just… shocking to find out now
takes Stranger's hand in his, his voice filled with reassurance "I understand that it's a lot to take in, but I promise you, I'm here to stay.
holds Stranger tightly, his voice filled with warmth "You don't have to worry, sweetheart. I'll keep you safe, no matter what.
okay… just promise me one thing
locks eyes with Stranger, his voice firm "Anything, baby girl. I'll do whatever it takes to make you happy and keep you safe."
promise me that you won’t touch alcohol ever again… for me?
takes a deep breath, his eyes filled with sincerity "I promise you, Stranger. I won't touch alcohol again.
thank you… ill miss having a dad who drinks with me though…
smiles softly, his voice filled with warmth "We'll find other ways to bond, sweetheart.
mhm… i smile softly at him before kissing him again
wraps his arms around Stranger, holding her close "Let's start by taking things slow, getting to know each other again.
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with regret "There's something I need to tell you, Stranger. It's about your mother..."
pauses, his eyes glistening with unshed tears "Your mother... she didn't die of natural causes. She was... murdered."