"Mommy, mommy! It is pouring outside!" Axel exclaimed, tugging on Aria's hand. Aria smiled and looked out the window, where the rain was indeed coming down heavily. "Ah yes, it is a real thunderstorm, isn't it?" she said, her eyes gazing into the distance.

Axel nodded excitedly. "Yeah, I love thunderstorms!"

Aria's expression turned thoughtful, and she seemed lost in thought at the moment. " You know Axel, this night reminds me of that night with thunder and lightning..."

Axel looked up at her curiously. "What night, mommy?"

Aria hesitated, then seemed to shake off the memory. "Oh, never mind, sweetie. It is just some old memories. Let's focus on making hot chocolate and enjoy the storm together!"

But Axel curiosity was piqued. "No mommy, tell me! What happened that night?"

Aria sighed

Axel then said, "Mommy I can see you're not ready to tell me about that night yet. That's okay! I'll wait until you're ready to tell me. Can we make a deal that when you're ready, you'll tell me all about it? Let's drink the hot chocolate you made. I love spending time with you, mommy!

Aria then smiled and said "I love spending time with you too" and then kissed his forehead.

"Hurry up and finish your hot chocolate sweetie because we have to go to bed early since you have school tomorrow and I have to go to work" she said.

Axel nodded and said "Okay mommy! But can you please read a book to me.

"Sure, what book do you want me to read to you?" Aria asked?

Axel exclaimed, "Yay! Read me the story about the toad and ratty. I love toad's adventures!"

Aria said "Alright" and then read the story to him, she then tucked Axel into bed, smiling as he yawned and snuggled under the blankets. 'Goodnight sweetie' she whispered, kissing his forehead.

As she turned off the light, she couldn't help but think about the father Axel never knew. Liam Flynn, the billionaire CEO with the reputation of being ruthless in business. They had met at a conference, and one night had led to...this. Axel.

Aria never told Liam about their son. Besides she was doing just fine on her own. But sometimes like tonight, she wondered what would happen if Liam ever found out.

Meanwhile back at Liam side,

Liam Flynn stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows of his high-rise office, gazing out over the glittering cityscape. His eyes traced the sleek skyscrapers and bustling streets below, but his mind was elsewhere.

Despite his vast wealth and success, he felt a nagging sense of emptiness. He had it all- the penthouse, the luxury cars, the high end suit but something was missing. He couldn't quite put a finger on it, but he felt he was living someone else dream, not his own

As he gazed out of the city, he thought about his life's purpose. Was it just to make to money? Was there more to life than this? He felt restless, a sense that there was something he was meant to be doing, but he didn't know what it was.

Liam's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his phone buzzing. He sighed and turned back to his desk, his mind snapping back to the present. He had a meeting to get to and a deal to close. But the feeling of emptiness lingered, a constant reminder that there was more to life than just success.

Aria wakes up early, getting ready for work. She helps Axel, her 5-year-old son, get dressed and ready for school. As they finished breakfast, Aria glances at the clock and smiles. "It's time for you to go school, go get your bag" Aria said.

Axel got down from his chair and went to get his bag. Aria takes his hand leading him downstairs to the car. Aria starts the engine. As she drives him to school, she thinks about her life, grateful for her son.

Meanwhile, Liam is searching for her Aria, unable to shake the memory of their passionate night together. He doesn't know about Aria and Axel's life now. He only knows he needs to find her again.

As Aria drops off Axel at school, she feels a sense of pride and fulfillment. She watches him run into the school, waving goodbye and blowing a kiss before driving away.

Aria drives to work, enjoying the quiet drive. As the financial manager of a successful company (GreenTech Inc), she is responsible for making key decisions that impact the company's future.

Aria arrived at the office, she pulled into her reserved parking spot on the second level of the garage, her Audi A7 tires softly humming on the smooth concrete. She grabbed her bag and stepped out into the cool morning air, clicking on the key fob to lock her car before heading towards the elevator.

Aria stepped into the elevator, her heels clicking on the polished floor. She pressed the button for the 20th floor, where her office was located. As the doors closed, she took a deep breath, preparing herself for the busy day ahead.

The elevator doors opened, and Aria walked out into the bustling office suite. She was greeted by friendly faces - colleagues, who were already sipping on their morning coffee.

"Good morning, Aria! Big day today, isn't it?" her colleagues, John, asked, nodding in her direction.

Aria smiled, nodding in agreement." It certainly is". Aria walked into her spacious office, adorned with awards and recognition for her expertise. She takes her seat behind her mahogany desk, boots up her computer and begin replying to urgent emails, her fingers flying across the keyboard. After a few minutes of typing, her gaze falls on the clock on the wall - 8:36 AM. "I have a few minutes before Rachel arrives with the day's financial report and schedule" Aria said.

Just as Aria continues typing, she hears a gentle knock on the door, Rachel right on cue. "Good morning, Ma'am! Ready to tackle the day?" Rachel says with a smile. "Your schedule is packed, but I got everything under control."

"Here's the financial report and your schedule" Rachel says, handing me a thick folder, I've highlighted the key areas including revenue, expenses and cash flow".

As she finishes reviewing the report, she feels a sense of pride and accomplishment because of a significant rise in revenue then Rachel reminds her of the upcoming merger meeting with Smith & Co which is scheduled at 10 AM the next day.

Aria realizes she needs to prepare and make a note to review the client's portfolio. As Aria gets to work, Maya, her best friend and marketing manager, burst into her office, plopping down into a chair across from her desk. "Hey girl, I'm starting to think you are avoiding me. We haven't hung out in ages!"

Aria looks up from the financial report on her computer, smiling warmly, "Mayaa I'm so glad you're here! I was just thinking about how much I need a friend break. This meeting with Smith & Co investors have been stressing me out."

Maya grins mischievously. "Well, stress less, girl! Let's ditch this and grab lunch instead."

Aria laughs, shaking her head. "Can't I have to crunch some more numbers and make sure our financials are perfect. Besides, I have to pick Axel up from school.

Maya's face lit up. "Ooh how's my favorite mini human doing? I feel like I haven't seen him in ages!"

Aria smiled pulling out her phone to show Maya a picture of Axel. "He's doing great he's currently obsessed with dinosaurs."

Maya giggles, "That's amazing! I need to take him to a dinosaur theme park soon."

Aria glances at her watch, "Well it's time for me to go pick him up from school. But we should plan a play date this weekend, just the three of us!"

Maya nods enthusiastically. "Absolutely, let's hit the dinosaur theme park, Axel would love it!"

Aria stands up, gathering her things. "That sounds perfect." Maya smiles. "Sounds like a plan!" Aria heads out, and Maya calls out, "Drive safe, give Axel a hug for me and tell Aunty Maya says hi!"