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

“Hello?” he answered, checking the clock—nearly 9 AM. “James Carter, good morning!” came his security chief’s voice. “News on Michael.

He tried moving big money to an offshore account last night. We blocked it. Looks like he’s planning to flee.”

“Good,” James sat up. “Proof of his kidnapping role?” “Working on it. Checking calls, movements.

Circumstantial now, more soon.” “Great. Keep me posted.

And, Mark. Boost security here. Kid with me, don’t want risks.”

After, James checked on Emily. Her empty bed jolted him—had she fled, scared of this life? “Emily?” he called, stepping into the hall. “Here,” came her voice from the kitchen.

He hurried there. Emily stood at the stove, flipping something. “You’re cooking?” he asked, surprised. “Eggs,” she nodded.

“Grandpa taught. All electric here, weird, but I figured it.” James smiled, watching her wield the spatula.

“Thanks. Didn’t have to.” Emily shrugged. “Used to helping.

Grandpa said food tastes better when you make it.” They ate together. Eggs were simple but good.

Emily watched him eat, anxious. “Tasty,” he praised. “You’re great.”

She smiled briefly, sincerely. Post-breakfast, James outlined the day: doctor first, then shopping for clothes, books, essentials. “Tonight… maybe Ethan visits. Called him yesterday.”

Emily tensed. “He’ll mind? Me here.” James sighed. “Don’t know, Emily.

We’ve been strained. But I hope he’ll understand.” “Give him time.”

“Okay.” She nodded, worry lingering. The doctor arrived an hour later—a kind older woman.

She examined them, prescribing vitamins for Emily and cream for James’s wrists. “Girl’s healthy,” she told James when Emily left. “A bit undernourished, some vitamin deficiency, but nothing major.

Amazing, given her conditions. Her grandpa cared well.” “In his way,” James said. “He did.”

She nodded. “Clear. But she needs routine, nutrition, exercise. Maybe counseling.

Such changes leave marks.” James agreed, asking for therapist recommendations. After, they hit a mall.

For Emily, it was a trial—crowds, noise, lights, smells. She clung to James, eyes mixing fear and curiosity. “If it’s too much, say, we’ll leave,” he whispered, noting her tension.

She squeezed his hand, shaking her head. “I’ll manage. Just… unfamiliar.”

In the kids’ section, a friendly clerk helped. Emily distrusted bright dresses and sparkly shirts, picking plain, practical items. But a blue dress with embroidered stars caught her eye.

“Like it?” James asked, seeing her reaction. Emily nodded shyly. “Grandpa told star-sky tales.

Said stars are windows to other worlds.” “Try it,” he suggested. It fit.

Emily emerged, adjusting the hem, unused to such clothes. But she eyed the mirror with quiet pleasure. “We’ll take it,” James decided. “And the rest.”

They left with bags of clothes, shoes, school supplies, and books Emily chose carefully. Home, they unpacked. Emily neatly arranged books, hung clothes.

Her motions were ritualistic. “Never had so much,” she admitted, surveying the room. “Not sure I need it all.”

“Get used to it,” James smiled. “Just beginning.” Evening brought a doorbell.

Emily, reading a new book, flinched, eyeing James worriedly. “Probably Ethan,” he said, rising. “Don’t fear, it’ll be fine.”

He opened the door. Voices—his, then a lower, teen one with irritation. Steps, and a tall teen with dark hair and a scowl entered.

“Hi,” he grunted, eyeing Emily. “You’re Emily?” She nodded, wary. “And you’re Ethan?” He smirked.

“Yeah, that’s me. Dad told me how you met. Wild story.”

James followed, anxious. “Ethan, don’t start, please. Emily’s family now.”

“Seriously?” Ethan turned to his dad. “You vanish a week, return with some forest girl, say she’s family? The family you broke three years ago?” “Ethan.” James raised his voice, then breathed deep. “Let’s talk in the kitchen, okay?”

Ethan shrugged, leaving. James turned to Emily. “Sorry.

He… needs time. You okay?” She nodded, though worry showed. “Go talk. I’ll stay.”

James went to the kitchen. Ethan sat, glaring out the window. “Listen,” James began, sitting opposite. “I get this is sudden.

And we’ve got unresolved issues. But Emily’s not to blame. She lost her only kin, was alone.”

“Playing hero?” Ethan raised his eyes. “Noble.” “Not about nobility,” James shook his head.

“Responsibility. Humanity. She saved me, but even that’s not it.

She deserves a chance at a real life.” Ethan tapped the table. “What’ll Mom say? Knowing you took in a kid?”

“I’ll talk to her,” James said. “Explain. Think she’ll get it.”

“Like she got it when you missed birthdays? Canceled trips last-minute?” Ethan’s laugh was bitter. “Never put family first, Dad. Why now?”

Ethan’s words hit hard. James lowered his head. “You’re right,” he said quietly. “Was a terrible dad.

Put work, money, status first. But people change, Ethan. Sometimes you need to face death to see what matters.”

He looked up. “Don’t ask you to accept Emily or forgive me now. Just… give us a chance. Both.”

Ethan held his gaze, searching. Then sighed. “Fine. We’ll see…