CEO Took Her Mute Daughter to the Playground, Froze When a Single Dad Made Her Speak First Time…

It’s the little one behind the sandbox. It’s faster because the sun warms it up. Emily’s brows lifted, curious.
 
Olivia realized she hadn’t seen that look, pure, unguarded interest in years. Wanna try it? Jack asked. Emily hesitated, then glanced at Olivia.
 
Olivia swallowed the lump in her throat and managed to nod. Go ahead, sweetie. Jack didn’t grab her hand or guide her like a fragile thing.
 
He simply walked beside her, letting her set the pace. Mason ran ahead, pointing out the slide. Emily followed him, her steps cautious but deliberate.
 
Olivia stayed on the bench for a moment, watching them disappear around the sandbox, the sound of faint laughter drifting back. She realized her hands were shaking. It wasn’t just that Emily had spoken.
 
It was how easily this man had reached her, without pressure or pity. And Olivia had no idea who he was. When they returned a few minutes later, Emily was smiling, actually smiling.
 
She climbed onto the swing again, cheeks flushed. Jack stayed a moment longer, leaning toward Olivia. She’s got a lot to say, he said quietly.
 
She just needs someone to ask the right way. Olivia found her voice. How did you do that? He shrugged lightly, but there was something in his eyes, a shadow of a story he wasn’t ready to share.
 
Sometimes, kindness is the only language people understand. And then Mason tugged his sleeve, and they started to leave. But Olivia wasn’t about to let him walk away without knowing more.
 
Olivia’s instincts screamed at her. This wasn’t some random man she could just thank and forget. Jack had reached into her daughter’s locked away world and pulled her voice out, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
 
She stood from the bench. Jack, wait. He paused, Mason holding his hand.
 
The breeze tugged at his hoodie, and for a second, Olivia thought she saw a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. I— She stopped herself from blurting out the dozen questions rushing through her mind. Would you maybe have a coffee with us? My treat, I just— Her voice cracked.
 
I haven’t heard her speak in three years. Jack’s jaw tightened ever so slightly. He looked down at Mason, then back at Olivia.