"Vernon," Zach intervened, his voice carrying a mix of frustration and fatigue. "We promised not to talk about this again."
In response, Vernon countered with a pointed question. "Do you love me?" His tone carried a hint of distance as he edged away from Zach, the tension in his face betraying an underlying anger that simmered beneath the surface.
Zach's expression wavered, a mix of emotions flickering across his features. "And you ask me that, even after giving me our son?" He sighed, his lips curling inward in a moment of regret for his choice of words.
"Of course I love you," Zach conceded, his voice softening as he extended his hand, bridging the gap between them. Slowly, he drew Vernon closer, guiding him to rest his ear against his chest, where the steady rhythm of his heartbeat could be felt.