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

You have no idea what this means to me, she said. He glanced at her, brow furrowing. I think I do.
 
I’ve seen what it looks like when the light comes back on in someone’s eyes. They watched the kids for a moment, laughter ringing through the air. Then Olivia took a breath.
 
Jack, I run a company that develops communication devices for people with speech impairments. But lately, I’ve realized technology can’t replace what you have, a way of reaching people that can’t be taught. Jack shifted uncomfortably.
 
Olivia, no, listen, she said firmly. I wanna hire you, not as a charity case, as someone who can train our team in ways we can’t learn from a manual. We need someone who understands the human side.
 
Jack’s eyes narrowed slightly, searching her face. You’d put your name on someone like me? I’d put my company on someone like you, she said without hesitation. For a moment, he didn’t speak.
 
Then Mason came running up, laughing, and Emily right behind him, cheeks flushed, voice bright. Jack looked at them. And Olivia saw the exact moment his defenses broke.
 
You’re sure? He asked quietly. I’ve never been more sure, she said. He nodded slowly.
 
All right, but only if you let me buy the first round of coffee when I get my first paycheck. Olivia laughed, and for the first time in years, it felt real and unburdened. As the kids ran off again, Jack glanced at her with a small, almost shy smile.
 
You know, I think Emily might not be the only one finding her voice again. And Olivia realized he was right.