After I finished university, I took over my father’s business in the city. The company was thriving under my leadership, and I had gained a reputation as someone not to be trifled with. I ran a tight ship, both in my professional and personal life. Everyone knew I was strict, precise, and intolerant of any nonsense.One particular day, I was returning from a meeting with some business associates. We were discussing the latest quarterly figures and upcoming projects when our car came to an abrupt stop. I looked up, annoyed by the interruption, and saw a woman standing defiantly in front of the vehicle.She was stunning, with a fierce determination in her eyes. She looked to be around 27 or 28 years old. As I stepped out of the car to address the situation, she marched right up to me and, to my utter shock, slapped me across the face. My bodyguards immediately moved to restrain her, but I held up a hand to stop them.“What is the meaning of this?” I demanded, rubbing my stinging cheek.

After that particular time, I made it a point to visit Emily regularly. Our interactions remained somewhat distant, but there was a subtle shift in her demeanor, a slight thawing of the icy walls she had built around herself. The orphanage had become a sanctuary for me, a place where the corporate world’s stresses seemed to dissolve. Yet, as the demands of my business increased, my visits grew less frequent.I remember the last day I saw Emily before everything changed. It was a bright, sunny afternoon, and the children were playing outside. Emily was overseeing their activities, her face alight with a rare smile. I had to leave early that day, a crucial meeting awaiting my attention. As I left, I promised her I’d be back soon. She simply nodded, a shadow of disappointment crossing her face, but she didn’t voice any complaints.The weeks that followed were a whirlwind of corporate chaos. A major merger was in the works, and my attention was required at every turn. Late nights and earl

Emily stepped out of the large office building, the glow of a successful meeting still fresh on her face. She had just finished discussing a new fundraiser for the orphanage with some of the city's most influential donors. It was a crucial meeting, and Emily had felt the weight of its importance. As she stepped onto the bustling streets of the city, she felt a sense of accomplishment.However, her satisfaction quickly turned to concern as she glanced at her watch and realized the bus that was supposed to take her back had already left. Panic began to set in as dark clouds gathered overhead, and soon enough, the sky opened up, releasing a heavy downpour. Emily had no umbrella and nowhere to go. She stood on the sidewalk, drenched, feeling increasingly helpless.Her thoughts quickly turned to Andrew. They had grown closer over the past weeks, and though she hesitated to rely on him too much, she knew he would help her. She took a deep breath and pulled out her phone, dialing his number.

Emily woke up the next morning to the soft aroma of coffee and the sizzle of something delicious being cooked. She stretched, feeling the comfort of Andrew's bed enveloping her. She blinked in the morning light, recalling the events of the previous night. She felt a mix of emotions—relief, embarrassment, and a strange sense of warmth knowing that Andrew had been there for her.Pushing aside the blanket, Emily made her way downstairs, following the enticing smells to the kitchen. There, she found Andrew, already up and busy at the stove, his hair slightly tousled and his expression focused. He looked up as she entered and smiled warmly."Good morning, Emily," he said, his voice gentle. "I hope you slept well."Emily returned his smile, feeling a bit shy. "Good morning, Andrew. Yes, I did, thank you. And thank you for letting me stay.""Of course," Andrew replied, turning back to the stove. "Come, sit down. Breakfast is almost ready."Emily walked over to the small table by the kitchen

Emily woke up to the soft light of dawn streaming through her bedroom window, feeling a sense of peace and contentment that had eluded her for years. She stretched lazily, thinking about the wonderful evening she had spent with Andrew. The children were still asleep, and the orphanage was quiet, a rare moment of tranquility.Suddenly, the serenity was shattered by a loud, angry shout. "Where is that slut? Where is the woman who sent me to jail?"Emily's heart stopped. She recognized the voice immediately—deep, rough, and filled with rage. It was her ex-husband, Mark. Panic surged through her as she leaped out of bed and ran to the window. There, in the front yard of the orphanage, stood Mark, his face twisted in fury.She hurriedly pulled on a robe and rushed downstairs, her mind racing with fear. How did he find her? What did he want? As she stepped out onto the porch, she saw Mark storming towards the entrance. The children, awakened by the commotion, were gathering around, their fa