Amelia Richards sat in the crowded conference room, the buzz of voices filling the air as she meticulously jotted down notes on her yellow pad. As she stretched her legs under the table, she stole a quick glance at her partner, Tyler Kitch, a seasoned lawyer known for his expertise in the field. At fifty-five, Tyler was twelve years Amelia's senior, but the two shared a dynamic working relationship.

Passing the note pad to Tyler, Amelia caught the slight furrow of his brow before a smile graced his features, a silent communication passing between them. The case they were working on was no simple matter; it spanned years and was a particularly complex one involving the tragic death of a 16-year-old girl in London. Thanks to Amelia's diligence, they finally had the evidence to put the perpetrator behind bars for life.

"I need a moment with my client," the opposing lawyer interjected, redirecting Tyler's attention. "You've got five minutes," Tyler replied curtly before excusing himself from the room, leaving Amelia face-to-face with their adversary. As the door closed, she addressed the elephant in the room.

"I think you've sealed your fate," she stated with quiet confidence, pointing out the glaring holes in his story. The man's demeanor shifted as realization dawned on him—his facade crumbling under Amelia's sharp scrutiny.

Returning to the conference room, Tyler's eyes lit up with excitement as he relayed the successful turn of events to Amelia. Despite his persistence, they both knew she was about to take a much-needed hiatus. The past two years had been intense, and her daughter, Alex, was desperately longing to reconnect with her estranged father.

Tyler's concern was palpable as he questioned her decision to step away for a month. Amelia's eyes clouded with a touch of sadness as she admitted it was time for Alex to reunite with her father, despite her own reservations. After promising to share her notes before her departure, the meeting resumed, signaling the closure of this chapter for Amelia.

As the lawyer emerged from the room, signaling their readiness, Tyler bade Amelia a temporary farewell, understanding her need for a break. With a final smile, he reassured her before disappearing behind the closed door, leaving Amelia with a mix of emotions that mirrored the intricate layers of the case they had just concluded.

Amelia smiled as she left the office, feeling the warmth of the sun on her skin. It was a perfect day for a leisurely walk, but her heart ached to get home to her daughter, Alex. Her thoughts flitted to her little girl, the light of her life, the reason she kept going despite life's challenges.

Alex was the brightest part of her world, a constant reminder of the love she once shared with Steve. It had been four long years since she was married to Steve MaGarrett, years filled with both joy and heartbreak. Their divorce had been painful, a messy unraveling of the life they thought they would build together.

After their split, Amelia had made a bold decision to move to England with Alex. She had left a letter for Steve, cold and final, stating her intentions and leaving the door open for him to be a part of their daughter's life if he chose to. But a year had passed without any contact from him, and that last glimpse of Steve kissing another woman had shattered any remaining hope Amelia had of salvaging their broken relationship.

Entering her apartment, a sense of calm washed over Amelia. The familiar silence made her wonder if Alex and her sitter had gone to the park. She followed the sound of voices to the bathroom and found Carmen, the sitter, perched on the edge of the bathtub, watching Alex play.

"What's happening in here?" Amelia's voice was gentle as she knelt beside the bathtub, a smile playing on her lips.

"Shhh," Alex hushed her, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Mermaids don't talk."

Amelia chuckled, playing along. "Are you a mermaid, then?"

"Of course I am," Alex replied with conviction, blowing bubbles in her mother's direction. "Carmen said if I took a bath, I could have some of your bubbles."

Amelia raised an eyebrow at Carmen, who grinned sheepishly in response. "Sure seems like a magical bath you're having, my little mermaid."

Alex beamed at the title, her imagination taking flight. "We're going to see Daddy soon. Carmen said Hawaii has magic and mermaids live where there's magic."

Amelia's heart clenched at the mention of Steve. "We'll see about that, sweetheart. Maybe we'll spot some mermaids together."

"Do you think Daddy will show me mermaids?" Alex's eyes sparkled with hope.

"We can ask him when the time comes. But for now, let's focus on tonight. Why don't you let Carmen wash your hair while I start dinner, okay?"

As she left the bathroom, Amelia's heart swelled with love for her daughter. Each day with Alex was a new adventure, a chance to foster dreams and create memories.

Amelia walked down the hall of her cozy home, filled with family photos and memories. She stopped to gaze at a picture hanging on the wall, a frozen moment of happiness that now only brought her pain. In the photo, Steve held their two-year-old daughter, Alex, in his arms, both of them beaming with joy. It was a snapshot from a time before everything had changed between her and Steve.

The sight of that picture never failed to make Amelia's heart ache. She despised seeing it on the wall, a constant reminder of what once was, yet she couldn't bring herself to take it down. Despite the turmoil between her and Steve, she kept the pictures up for Alex. She didn't want her daughter's love for her father to be tainted by her own bitterness.

Unbeknownst to Amelia, thousands of miles away in Hawaii, Steve sat in his dimly lit office staring at a picture of Amelia and Alex. His gaze lingered on the image of the two people he loved more than anything in the world. A pang of regret washed over him as he thought about the distance that had grown between them over the years.

"So, we got a lead," a voice pierced through Steve's thoughts, pulling him back to reality. He looked up to see Danny, his trusted partner, standing in the doorway with a concerned expression.

"Sorry, what did you say?" Steve's voice was distant as he carefully tucked the picture into his desk drawer, out of Danny's view.

"We got a lead," Danny repeated, his eyes narrowing as he noticed Steve's actions. "What is that?" He nodded towards the drawer, curiosity piqued.

Steve hesitated for a moment before brushing off Danny's question with a nonchalant wave of his hand. As they walked out of the office, Danny couldn't shake the feeling that something was off with his friend.

"You've been acting strange lately. Everything okay with you and Catherine?" Danny asked, his brows furrowed with concern.

Steve let out a deep breath, his next words heavy with emotion. "I have a daughter."

"I am sorry?" Danny said with big eyes as he leaned closer to Steve. "Did I just hear you right because I think you just told me you have a daughter."

"Her name is Alexandra, and she is 6 years old. She lives with her mother in England," Steve said as he turned his head towards Danny.

"Wait. Wait." Danny said with a laugh, waving his hand towards Steve. "We have been partners for 2 years, and this is the first I am hearing of this?" Danny said, feeling hurt that Steve never told him about his kid. "And you are telling me this now because?"

"Amelia is coming to Hawaii with Alex in 2 days," Steve said, letting out another sigh.

"Amelia as in Alex's mother and your what?" Danny said, now visibly annoyed as he had a feeling he was about to learn another side of Steve McGarrett he never knew about.

"Amelia is my ex-wife."

"You have an ex-wife," Danny said as he started to laugh.

As Steve and Danny drove through the bustling streets of Honolulu, an uncomfortable silence settled between them. Steve focused on the road ahead, his jaw clenched, while Danny stared out of the window, his mind swirling with a million questions.

"Something funny?" Steve finally asked, breaking the tension in the car. But instead of a light-hearted banter that usually followed such a question, Danny's expression turned into a mixture of confusion and annoyance.

"For the last 2 years," Danny began, holding up two fingers in Steve's direction, "You've been standing by with that grin on your face while I poured my heart out about my problems. And now you drop this bomb on me about an ex-wife and a kid?"

Steve sighed, his eyes darting briefly to Danny before returning to the road. "No."

"No. What do you mean no?" Danny's voice rose in disbelief.

"Because there was nothing to say before now," Steve replied, his tone firm as he started the car.

Danny's mind was racing. "What is that supposed to mean? Before now?" he pressed, determination gleaming in his eyes.

"I haven't seen Amelia or Alex in the last two years. I'm telling you now, can we just get back to the case, please?" Steve's voice held a hint of vulnerability beneath his usual stoic demeanor.

Danny gritted his teeth, torn between pressing the issue further or dropping it altogether. Something about the situation didn't sit right with him, and he couldn't shake the feeling of being left in the dark about such significant aspects of Steve's life.

As they pulled up to their destination, Danny reluctantly decided to let it go for the moment. But the seed of curiosity had been firmly planted in his mind, and he knew he wouldn't rest until he got to the bottom of Steve's mysterious past.


Amelia shifted her sunglasses over her eyes and took a deep breath as she and Alex stepped out of the cab. She glanced up at the imposing building in front of them, a nervous flutter in her stomach. She was not ready to see Steve again, to confront the memories and emotions that resided in that place.

"Mommy, is Daddy inside?" Alex's innocent voice cut through her thoughts, her big eyes filled with anticipation and excitement at the thought of seeing her father. Despite her own trepidation, Amelia couldn't help but smile at her daughter's enthusiasm.

"Yes, sweetheart, Daddy is inside," she replied softly, holding out her hand for Alex to take. The small girl grasped her mother's hand tightly, her face filled with hope as they began to make their way towards the entrance.

As they approached the building, Alex scanned the crowd, searching for any sign of her father. However, a disappointed frown creased her brow when she couldn't spot him among the bustling throng of people.

"I can't see Daddy," Alex pouted, looking up at her mother with a mix of confusion and disappointment.

Amelia reassured her daughter and then turned to a nearby security guard. "Excuse me, can you tell me where I can find Steve McGarrett's office?"

The security guard pointed towards a staircase leading to the upper levels of the building. "Up the stairs, down the hall, second door on your right," he instructed before inquiring, "What's your business with the commander?"

Before Amelia could respond, Alex wriggled out of her grasp and dashed towards the staircase. "Alex!" she called out, her heart racing as she hurriedly followed her daughter up the stairs.

Meanwhile, Steve McGarrett sat in his office, his thoughts interrupted by the sound of a commotion outside. He turned just in time to see a little girl rushing past, closely followed by a flustered Amelia. His heart skipped a beat as he watched her pointing accusingly at his office door.

As the door swung open, revealing Alex's beaming face, Steve's heart swelled with joy as he heard Alex's sweet voice calling him "Daddy." It was music to his ears, a melody that never failed to bring a smile to his face. He eagerly opened his arms, a look of pure adoration on his face, as he watched Alex come running towards him. With a squeal of delight, she leaped into his waiting arms, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck.

"I missed you so much, Daddy!" Alex exclaimed, burying her face in his shoulder.

"I missed you too, Baby girl," Steve replied, his voice filled with warmth and love. He inhaled the scent of her hair, holding her close before placing a tender kiss on her head. As he pulled back slightly to look into her eyes, he couldn't help but notice that those eyes, so full of life and mischief, were a mirror image of her mother, Amelia.

Before he could utter another word, his attention was drawn to the sight of Amelia standing nearby, a slight smirk playing on her lips as she watched the father-daughter reunion unfold.

"What are you guys doing here?" Steve asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Alex wanted to surprise you, so we came a day early," Amelia explained, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

As if on cue, a security guard approached, addressing Amelia with a respectful nod. Steve waved him off with a smile, before turning his attention back to his precious family. With Alex still in his arms, he led them into his office, a sense of contentment washing over him.

Once inside, Alex excitedly pointed out various items in the room, her excitement palpable. Steve and Amelia shared a knowing smile, their hearts full of love for their daughter.

As Amelia's gaze swept over the office, she couldn't help but notice the absence of any pictures of Alex. A pang of sadness tugged at her heart, but before she could voice her concern, Steve spoke up.

"I know what you're thinking, and you're wrong," he said, his eyes gentle yet firm.

Confusion clouded Amelia's features, but before she could question him further, Alex diverted their attention with a request that brought a smile to their faces.

"Mommy, can I have a tattoo like Daddy's?" Alex asked innocently, tracing the design on Steve's arm.

Amelia chuckled softly, "Yes, sweetheart, but only when you're 18."

Alex moved her head away from his chest so she could look up at Steve. "What is it baby?" Steve asked as he looked down to see blue-green eyes staring back at him. "Mommy said that maybe you would take me to see the mermaids. Can we go see them?" Alex said with hope in her eyes.

"The mermaids?" Steve asked, a puzzled expression on his face as he glanced over at Amelia. "Carmen said that Hawaii is a magical place so Alex believes that there are mermaids living here."

"Who is Carmen?" Steve inquired.

"She is Alex's nanny," Amelia replied.

"Carmen takes me to the park and makes my dinner when mommy is at work," Alex explained to her daddy.

"Mommy works late often?" Steve asked, his gaze shifting between Alex and Amelia.

"Don't start," Amelia said, holding up a hand to forestall any comments from Steve.

"Start what?" Steve inquired, his confusion evident as he looked over at Amelia. "I just asked..."

"Yeah, well, I have to work to support us," Amelia stated firmly, grabbing her bag from the table and leaning on it as she locked eyes with Steve.

Alex said, seeing the frown on her mother's face. "Daddy, you made mommy upset," Alex pointed out, looking up at Steve with a concerned expression. "Why does grandmother always call you an ass whole?" Alex asked, genuinely perplexed.

"She calls me what?" Steve was taken aback, glancing back and forth between his daughter and Amelia.

"Alex!" Amelia scolded gently, trying to hide a smile that threatened to grace her lips. "Why don't you ask Daddy if he would take you out for lunch?" She suggested, glancing at her watch, her expression hinting at some urgency.

"Somewhere you need to be?" Steve raised an eyebrow, curious about Amelia´s sudden suggestion.

"Are you going to see Uncle Chase?" Alex chimed in.

"Chase is here?" Steve's tone shifted, not thrilled at the idea of crossing paths with Chase Parry, a man he harbored resentment towards. Chase always seemed to be a thorn in Steve and Amelia's relationship during their marriage, and Steve suspected Amelia sought solace in Chase when they parted ways.

"Yeah, Chase is here, and we have dinner plans with him tonight," Amelia confirmed with a smile as she bent down to kiss Alex on the cheek. "Have fun with Daddy, okay, baby?" She said, glancing at Alex, who beamed back at her.

"I'll pick her up at 5 from your place," Amelia stated before exiting Steve's office, exchanging a smile with the blond man who held the door open for her.

As Danny observed Amelia leave, a smile crept onto his face. However, Chin's sudden revelation about her identity left him stunned. "You just met Amelia McGarrett," Chin disclosed, trailing behind Danny.

"Hold on," Danny pivoted, his finger pointing towards the glass door through which Amelia had departed. However, his thought was interrupted by laughter behind him. Turning, Danny's eyes widened as Steve, with an uncharacteristic grin, held a little girl in his arms, her words eliciting more laughter from Steve.