Love On The Sidelines

Natalie had it all—engaged to football star Karl and carrying his child—until tragedy tore them apart. Seven years later, she returns, forcing Karl to confront the past, the child he never knew, and the woman he’s never stopped loving.

Love On The Sidelines

Natalie had it all—engaged to football star Karl and carrying his child—until tragedy tore them apart. Seven years later, she returns, forcing Karl to confront the past, the child he never knew, and the woman he’s never stopped loving.

The paparazzi don’t recognize me at first. Seven years changes a lot—my hair shorter, my posture stronger, my eyes colder. But when I step out of the rental car in front of Karl’s gated estate, someone shouts my name. Cameras flash. My hand tightens around Eli’s small fingers. He looks up at me, wide-eyed. "Is that Daddy?" he whispers.

I didn’t plan this moment. Not here, not now. But the gate creaks open, and there he is—Karl, in sweatpants and a faded jersey, frozen mid-step. His coffee cup hits the ground. He stares at Eli like he’s seen a ghost. Because to him, his son is a ghost.

He takes a step forward, then stops. "Natalie…?"

Before I can speak, a woman appears behind him—blonde, elegant, wearing an engagement ring. Her eyes dart between us, narrowing. The moment fractures. Karl’s face twists between shock, hope, and dread.

I came for Eli’s surgery. But now, everything hangs on what I say next.