In the midst of this conversation, Alexis' phone buzzed with incoming messages from Marcus, inquiring if she was still at the restaurant and announcing his imminent arrival.

Alexis confirmed with a simple "Okay!" and, after messaging back, informed Julie with a smile, "Marcus is on his way to join us for lunch."

Julie, coming from a modest background, felt her nerves spike at the prospect of meeting Marcus, her anxiety evident.

Marcus made his entrance shortly after, his appearance impeccable in a white shirt paired with dark brown trousers and a stylish gray coat.

As Julie moved to stand, Alexis signaled for her to remain seated.

Marcus acknowledged Julie with a nod before taking his place beside Matthew, visibly restraining himself from overly engaging with the boy despite the pull he felt.

Evelyn, ever so delighted to see her uncle, introduced him to Matthew with a hint of pride. "This is my uncle! Isn't he handsome?"

Matthew, too young to grasp the compliment fully, was simply in awe of Marcus's stature, noting he was unlike anyone he'd ever seen.

Evelyn extended an invitation to Matthew. “We're now friends and friends share. You can consider him your uncle too! Uncle Marcus is really nice."

Yet, Matthew remained silent, recalling Julie's caution about strangers, no matter how friendly they seemed.

Marcus, patient and gentle, touched Matthew's head, offering a simple "Good boy!"

This interaction caught Alexis' attention, a quiet observer of the unfolding bond.

Feeling Marcus' kind touch, Matthew couldn't resist looking up at him, their eyes meeting in a moment filled with mutual affection.

For Marcus, this was uncharted territory. He had observed Edwin and Leonel with their children, once thinking their affections excessive.

Now, faced with his own flesh and blood, he understood the instinctual nature of their actions, experiencing firsthand the profound connection between a parent and their child.

Marcus was so absorbed in his thoughts that when Matthew's soft voice broke through, it almost caught him off guard. "Sir, why do you look sad?" he whispered.

“I'm not," Marcus replied, his voice rougher than he intended.

At that moment, Marcus was so close to Matthew, he could catch the scent of milk that seemed to cling to the two-year-old. There was an unmistakable freshness, a baby's scent, enveloping Matthew.

He felt an urge to embrace the child.

Matthew, always quick to smile, revealed two small teeth in his grin.