* Can I Eat with you the Homeless girl asked the millionaire his response leave everyone in tears…

Excuse me? You heard me, the best you have, and make it quick. Layla’s eyes widened. Really? She whispered.

Yes, what’s your name, sweetie? Layla, she answered. Thomas knelt, so he was at her eye level. Come on, Layla, sit with me, gasps echoed around the patio.

Is he serious? A woman whispered. A millionaire dining with a beggar child. This is disgraceful, muttered another man.

Thomas ignored them all. He pulled out the chair next to him and gently patted the seat. Sit down, sweetheart.

Tonight, you’re my guest. As Layla cautiously climbed into the chair, Thomas turned to the waiter and bring warm bread first, she’s freezing. The waiter hesitated, then hurried off, embarrassed.

Thomas looked around at the other diners, their faces flushed with judgment and discomfort. You’re all staring, he said loudly. Maybe you should ask yourselves why a little girl had to beg for food in the first place.

The entire restaurant fell silent. Layla’s tiny hands wrapped around the warm bread roll when it arrived. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she whispered, thank you, sir.

I thought no one cared. Thomas’s own throat tightened as he watched her take her first bite. For the first time in years, he felt something deep in his chest, a flicker of warmth he hadn’t known he’d still possessed.

The restaurant patio remained hushed, the sound of forks scraping plates gone entirely. Layla sat stiffly in the chair beside Thomas, her small hands clutching a piece of warm bread. She stared at it for a moment, as if trying to believe it was real, before taking a tentative bite.

Tears rolled down her dirt-streaked cheeks as the soft dough melted in her mouth. Slow down, Thomas said gently, pushing a glass of water toward her. There’s plenty, you don’t need to rush.

Across the room, murmurs rippled. Is he really letting her eat with him, a man whispered. This is absurd, a woman in pearls muttered, though her voice faltered.

One older couple lowered their gaze, ashamed. The waiter returned with a plate piled high with roasted chicken, vegetables, and buttery mashed potatoes. He set it down in front of Layla and stepped back awkwardly, avoiding her eyes.