As I sat across from Felix, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nervousness and apprehension wash over me. We had been avoiding this conversation for far too long, and now that we were finally sitting down to talk about our past and their future together as parents, it felt like there was a weight on my chest.
I took a deep breath and looked into Felix's eyes. His gaze was intense, and for a moment, I felt like he could see right through me.

"Iris," he said, breaking the silence. "I know we've had our differences, but we need to talk about how we're going to move forward as parents. For our daughter's sake."
I nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat. I knew he was right. We couldn't keep avoiding this conversation forever.
"I'm sorry, Felix," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "For everything that's happened between us. I know I made mistakes, and I know I hurt you."
Felix reached across the table and took my hand. His touch was warm and reassuring.
"Iris, you know it's hard for me to process all these things," he said. " but we were young and didn't know how to handle everything that was happening around us. But now, we have a chance to make things right."
I felt tears well up in her eyes. I had never expected Felix to be so understanding and forgiving.
"I want to be a good mother to our daughter," I said, my voice shaking. "I want us to work together, to put our differences aside and focus on raising her."
Felix nodded, a small smile on his lips.
"I want that too," he said. "I know it won't be easy, but I believe we can do it. Together."
"I still felt disappointed in you tho, Iris. I hope you understand me for feeling this way. Right now all I want from you is, to be honest with me, tell me everything that is happening to Lily as she is my child too,"
Felix's words cut through me like a knife. I had known that he was hurt, but hearing him say it out loud made it feel more real.
"I understand," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "And you're right. We need to be honest with each other about Lily.
"Thank you, Felix," I said as I look into his eyes. "Thank you for accepting, Lily."
"But still, Iris, Our lives would be so much better if only you told me sooner,"
"I'm sorry,"
"You know how much I loved you. I could choose you and lily from the very start, but you chose to break up with me. You don't know how devastated I am in Australia."
"I know," I said, feeling a pang of guilt in my chest. "And I'm sorry for that too. I didn't know how to handle everything that was happening, and I made a mistake. But I promise you, I will do everything I can to make it up to you and to be a good co-parent with you."
Felix sighed and leaned back in his chair. "I want to believe you, Iris."
"I understand," I said, feeling a sense of relief that he was at least willing to try. "Take all the time you need. And if there's anything I can do to help, please let me know."
Felix nodded and stood up from the table. "I should go," he said. "But we'll talk more soon. For Lily's sake."
As I looked into Felix's eyes, I felt a sense of hope wash over me. Maybe we could make things work, after all. Maybe they could finally put the past behind us.
I nodded, watching as he walked out of the coffee shop. I knew that we had a long road ahead of us, but for the first time in a long time, I felt like there was hope for us and for our daughter.
***
I was on my way home when I received a message from Felix. He's asking if he can bring Lily with him for a picnic date. A daddy-daughter bonding moment.
I smiled at the thought that Felix really wanted a relationship with our daughter. I didn't think twice to let Lily come with her father. I knew that he will take care of and protect her.
I quickly replied to Felix's message, giving him my permission and letting him know that I was happy for him to spend some quality time with Lily.
As I walked home, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude toward Felix. It wasn't easy for him to forgive me for what had happened between us, but he was making an effort to be a good father to Lily.
When I got home, I started preparing some food and drinks for Lily and Felix's picnic. I wanted them to have a great time together and make some happy memories.
As I was getting everything ready, I thought about how much Lily had grown since she was born. She was such a happy and curious little girl, and I knew that she would enjoy spending time with her father.
When Felix and Lily arrived, I watched as they walked towards the park, hand in hand. They looked so happy together, and I felt a sense of pride and joy seeing them bond.
I waved goodbye as they headed off to their picnic spot, feeling grateful for the chance to co-parent with Felix and give Lily the love and care she deserved.
As I watched them from a distance, I knew that this was just the beginning of a new chapter in our lives as co-parents. And with Felix by our side, I felt like anything was possible.
It takes a lot of maturity and willingness to forgive and move forward from past hurt, and it seems like we both are doing an excellent job of that.
It's essential for children to have a healthy relationship with both parents, and it's wonderful to see that Felix is making the effort to be a good father to Lily. I'll forever support him and encourage their bond to help create a strong foundation for our daughter's future.