An orphan in the deep forest saved a tied man, not knowing who he really was

Left for the city two years ago. Didn’t return.” “Other relatives besides Grandpa?” Emily shook her head.

“Grandpa said no one.” Irene sighed. “Understood.

Now you, James Carter. You want temporary guardianship?” “Yes,” James nodded. “And long-term? If Emily agrees.”

Irene folded her hands. “Big decision. You realize the full responsibility for a child?” “Yes.”

“Own kids?” “Son, 16. Lives with his mom post-divorce.”

Irene jotted it. “You’ll need documents. Income proof, housing status, work references, medical clearance.”

“I’ll manage,” James assured. “How fast can this happen?” “Normally months.

But given the situation…” “In that time, gather all for permanent custody or adoption.” “Agreed,” James nodded. “What to sign?” The next hour was paperwork.

Emily sat quietly, watching adults. When Irene asked if she’d live with James, she answered firmly, “Yes. I agree.”

Post-services, they went to the police station. James filed a kidnapping report. He called his security chief in Chicago.

“Mark? It’s me, James. Yes, alive. Long story.

Listen close. Michael tried to kill me. Yes, kill.

Kidnapped, dumped in the forest. No, escaped. In county seat—Woodville.

Send a car. And a lawyer. Need to settle some issues.

Also… a girl, Emily. I’m arranging her guardianship. Explain later.

Just send the car, fast.” He hung, turning to Emily. “My people will fetch us.

Take us to Chicago.” Emily nodded, worry in her eyes. “What’s there?” “Chicago? New life, Emily.

School, home, proper clothes, books. Whatever you want.” “What if…

If I can’t… If it’s too much?” James understood her fears. A forest-raised girl faced a foreign world. “We’ll go slow,” he promised. “Step by step.

I’ll always be there to help.” Emily held his gaze, then nodded. “Okay.

I’ll try.” The company car arrived three hours later—a black SUV with a driver and lawyer. Goodbyes with Linda and Irene were brief.

Both wished luck, asking for updates. The drive to Chicago took hours. Emily slept most of the way, exhausted.

James discussed with the lawyer the case against Michael and guardianship process. Entering Chicago, Emily woke, eyes wide at skyscrapers, traffic, crowds—alien to her. “So much here,” she whispered, pressing to the window.

“Just the start,” James smiled. “City’s big, lots to explore.” The driver took them to a modest mansion on the city’s edge, James’s second home, known to few. “Safer here,” he told Emily. “Till we handle Michael.”

The house was spacious but not lavish—two bedrooms, living room, kitchen, office. Emily wandered, touching things gingerly, as if they’d vanish. “This room’s yours,” James said, opening a small bedroom with garden windows. “Tomorrow, we’ll buy what you need. Clothes, books, anything.”

Emily stood, overwhelmed by space and options. “Really mine? Whole room?” “All yours,” James nodded. “Decorate it how you like.”

That evening, after a restaurant delivery supper—amazing Emily—they sat in the living room. James outlined the next day: a doctor visit, then shopping for clothes, books, school supplies. “Next week, we’ll meet the school principal about enrollment.”

Emily listened, asking about school. “What if I can’t learn? Grandpa taught reading and writing, but never a real school.” “We’ll get tutors,” James reassured. “You’re smart, Emily.

You’ll catch up.” She seemed unconvinced but nodded. “Your son? Will he live here?”

James sighed. “Ethan. Lives with his mom.

We’ve been distant lately. But I want to fix that. Want him family too.”

“Family” hung in the air. Emily watched him closely. “You really want me? Like your daughter?” James met her gaze.

“Yes, Emily. If you want. Can’t replace your parents.

But I can give you a home, care, opportunities. And… I already love you like a daughter. Honestly…”

Emily was silent, processing. “Don’t know how to be someone’s daughter. Except Grandpa, no one.”

“We’ll learn together,” James said gently. “Day by day. No rush.”

She nodded, yawning, face turning childlike. “Tired?” James asked. “Long day.”

“Let’s show you the bathroom, then bed.” Emily followed. The bathroom—taps, shower, many bottles—initially scared her, but James patiently explained.

After washing, wearing his T-shirt as a nightgown till proper clothes arrived, he tucked her into bed. “Good night, Emily!” he said, sitting on the edge.

“Good night!” she replied, with a new trust in her eyes. “James, can I call you something else? Not Uncle James or… Dad! Too soon. But special.”

James smiled. “Sure! Whatever you like.” “Jimmy?” she said after thought. “Grandpa said close ones get short names.

Affectionate.” Warmth filled James. “Okay, kid?”

“Of course!” He gently stroked her hair, leaving the door ajar as she asked. Alone, James sat in the living room, staring into the dark.

So much had changed. A week ago, he focused on business, deals, money. Now, it paled beside the girl asleep nearby.

He dialed his ex-wife. “Hello? Lisa, it’s me. Yes, late.

Sorry. Want to talk to Ethan. I know, late, but important.

Tomorrow then. Tell him I called. Want to see him.

Yes, I’m fine. Really. Explain tomorrow.

Good night!” He hung, feeling lighter. First step taken.

Now—mend ties with Ethan, deal with Michael, manage the company, finalize guardianship. The list was endless, but James felt resolve, new energy. With that, he slept, peaceful for the first time in days.

Morning brought a call. James woke to a persistent ring, disoriented. “Home, safety, Emily,” he recalled…