Hungry, with a child in her arms, she decided to ask a stranger for money. What he handed her made the woman’s hair stand on end.

In the evening, after putting Lily to bed, she thought long about what to write. In the end, she typed a short message. «Ethan, we’re fine.

Thanks for the concern, but I don’t see the point in our meeting. The past can’t be returned, and I have important things. Good luck to you.»

After pressing «Send,» Emma felt relief. She realized she had closed that door forever. Life continued on its course.

Emma became even more independent. Her business grew, and with it, her ambitions. She enrolled in online fashion design courses, dreaming of one day opening her own brand.

But the most important thing was that she found people who became family to her. Arthur Reynolds now invited them over for every holiday, and the neighbors in the building where she rented the room treated Emma and Lily like their own. She no longer felt lonely.

Three years had passed since the day Emma left the hospital with her daughter in her arms and didn’t know where to go. Now she knew exactly. Her life was just beginning, and something wonderful awaited her ahead…

Because she had already gained the most important things—confidence in herself, love for her daughter, and faith in a better future. A few more years passed, and Emma’s life reached a new level. Her business became not just a stable source of income but the true work of her life.

Emma opened a small workshop in the city center, where together with two assistants she sewed children’s clothing. Her items attracted attention with their warmth and unique style. Clients admired her works and passed recommendations to each other.

Lily meanwhile grew into an incredibly curious and joyful girl. Her laughter was music to Emma. Every morning started with sweet conversations, and in the evening, they read fairy tales together, cuddling under a warm blanket that Emma had knitted back in those difficult times.

One ordinary day, as Emma was finishing another order, a man entered the workshop. Tall, with slight graying hair and a confident gait. He looked around, then approached her.

«Good day! You’re Emma, right?» he asked with a light smile. Emma nodded, setting aside the scissors. «Yes, can I help you?

My name is Jack. I’m the owner of a chain of children’s clothing stores. Your works were recommended to me by clients.

I’d like to discuss collaboration.» Emma froze. Her heart beat faster.

«A chain of stores!»—this was a chance she hadn’t even dreamed of. She offered Jack a seat and began telling about her products. They discussed details, and he proposed signing a contract for supplies.

For Emma, this was a huge step forward. The contract with Jack changed a lot. Now her workshop worked with doubled effort.

Emma hired a few more workers, and she herself started developing a new collection. For the first time in a long time, she allowed herself to dream big. But Jack turned out to be not just a business partner.

Over time, friendship developed between them. He often stopped by the workshop, asked about things, and sometimes brought small gifts for Lily, books or toys. Emma was initially wary of such attention, but quickly realized there was no hypocrisy in Jack.

He was a person who simply valued her for who she was. One evening, as Emma sat in the kitchen with a cup of tea, the phone rang. It was Jack.

«Emma, I’d like to invite you and Lily to dinner. Not for work. Just because.

You don’t mind?» She thought. The past had taught her to be cautious. But Jack was honest, caring, and seemed like someone she could trust…