Julian took three heavy steps forward, completely ignoring the woman standing beside his left arm.
His heart was pounding violently against his ribs as he stared directly at the two boys.
He saw his own dark wavy hair on Leo's small head in the afternoon light.
He saw his mother's distinct eye shape clearly reflected in Toby's bright brown eyes.
His voice cracked with deep emotion as he finally managed to find his lost breath.
Julian: Are they... are they mine, Elena?
The woman in green named Chloe stepped forward with a harsh sneer on her face.
She folded her arms tightly over her stylish green dress and let out a cold laugh.
Chloe: Julian, don't be ridiculous and listen to yourself right now.
Chloe: She probably just wants your money like every other cheap liar out there.
Chloe moved past Julian toward the table with an arrogant smirk across her red lips.
Elena stood up so fast her heavy wooden chair scraped loudly against the marble floor.
The sharp sound made several nearby restaurant guests turn their heads in absolute surprise.
Elena stepped directly between the arrogant woman in green and her two frightened young sons.
Her face was flushed red with fierce protection as tears streamed down her soft cheeks.
Chloe opened her mouth to hurl another nasty insult at the young protective mother.
Before Chloe could finish her sentence, Elena raised her right hand and delivered a hard slap.
The loud sharp sound echoed clearly through the quiet dining room like a gunshot firing.
Chloe gasped loudly and stumbled backward, clutching her bright red cheek in complete disbelief.
Elena glared at her with pure fury burning deep inside her wet dark eyes.
Elena: Don't you dare come near my children ever again!
Chloe gasped again in shock while staring at Elena with wide, terrified eyes.
Julian ignored Chloe completely and stepped right past her toward the trembling table.
He fell down onto his knees directly in front of the two little boys.
His trembling hands reached out slowly toward the colorful drawings scattered on the tablecloth.
Toby leaned back slightly toward his mother, looking down at the crying man in beige.
Julian looked up at Elena with tears brimming in his own bloodshot eyes.
Julian: You vanished six years ago without leaving a single trace or message behind.
Julian: I looked everywhere for you until my heart completely broke into pieces.
Elena: You knew why I left back then, Julian!