A wealthy businessman encounters a beggar with two children and realizes he knows her. His response stuns everyone around
The housekeeper, Mrs. Harper, opened the door with a surprised expression but said nothing. Logan instructed her to prepare a room for Olivia and the girls. While Mrs. Harper took care of that, Logan brought Olivia and the children to the living room.
He lit the fireplace, creating a cozy warmth, and asked for food to be prepared for them. Thank you, Logan. Really, thank you, Olivia said, her eyes brimming with tears as the girls curled up on the sofa beside her.
Logan nodded, his mind racing. He knew that this night was just the beginning. Tomorrow, he needed to understand what had truly happened to Olivia and how she had ended up here.
The sun was just beginning to peek through the windows of Logan’s mansion, but Olivia was already awake. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she watched her twins, Harper and Hazel, who were still sleeping soundly. For the first time in a long time, her daughters were warm and comfortable.
That should have eased her heart, but instead, she felt a growing knot in her throat. Across the mansion, Logan was also awake, sitting in his office, thinking about everything he had seen the night before. The image of Olivia on the sidewalk holding her children wouldn’t leave his mind.
He needed to understand how this had happened. After all, the Olivia he had known in school had been confident, full of life, someone who seemed destined for great things. Shortly after, the housekeeper knocked gently on Olivia’s door.
Miss Carter, breakfast is ready. Mr. Bennett would like you and the girls to come down. Olivia thanked him and woke the twins.
A few minutes later, they went downstairs together to the dining room, where a generous breakfast spread awaited them. The girls ran excitedly to the chairs, delighted by the variety of fruits, breads, and juices. Olivia, however, hesitated.
Please have a seat, Logan said, appearing in the doorway. He was wearing a crisp white dress shirt and looked relaxed, though his eyes revealed a serious undertone. Thank you, Olivia replied, pulling out a chair while watching Harper and Hazel eat enthusiastically.
During the meal, an awkward silence lingered between Logan and Olivia. He knew he needed to tread carefully, but he was determined to understand the truth. When the girls finished eating, the housekeeper took them to play in a nearby room.
Olivia remained seated, now alone with Logan. He rested his elbows on the table and looked her straight in the eye. Olivia, we need to talk.
I want to understand what happened to you, she averted her gaze clasping her hands in her lap. It’s not a story I like to tell. I’m not here to judge, I just want to help.
Logan paused, choosing his words carefully. When I saw you yesterday, you and your daughters were in a situation that, well, it doesn’t happen overnight. What happened, Olivia? She took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment before beginning to speak.
After we graduated high school, I started dating Jake Miller. You remember him, don’t you? He was the most popular guy in school. Logan nodded, his jaw tightening at the mention of the name.
He remembered Jake all too well, someone everyone admired yet who wouldn’t hesitate to hurt others to get what he wanted. Jake and I started dating right after prom. I was in love and thought he felt the same.
A few months later, I found out I was pregnant. When I told him, I thought we’d face it together, but he abandoned me. He said he wasn’t ready to be a father and didn’t want the responsibility.
That was the last time I saw him. Logan clenched his fists on the table, struggling to contain the anger welling up inside him. He just left you? Olivia nodded, her eyes brimming with tears.
Yes, I was alone, with no support. My parents couldn’t help much, and I did what I could to provide for the girls, but it wasn’t enough. I eventually lost my job, and over time, the bills piled up.
When Harper and Hazel were two years old, we were evicted from our apartment. Since then, we’ve been living on the streets, relying on the kindness of strangers. Logan sat in silence, processing everything he’d just heard.
The Olivia he had once known was strong, but life had broken her in ways he never imagined. Why didn’t you ever ask for help? he finally asked, his voice softer now. I was ashamed, Olivia admitted.
Ashamed of how my life had fallen apart. I didn’t want anyone to see me like this, especially someone like you. Logan took a deep breath, feeling a mix of compassion and sadness.
Olivia, no one deserves to go through this. You’re not alone anymore. I’ll help you and your daughters get back on your feet.
Why, Logan? Why are you doing all this? He hesitated, but knew he had to be honest. Because, despite everything, I care about you. I’ve always cared…