The wealthy businessman comes back to his residence and is stunned to discover his recently hired African-American housekeeper and his sole child in the kitchen area…

Grant’s voice cracked. And what are you to him now? Nia paused. Safe.

Grant stood still, his white suit glowing in the soft kitchen light. The pot on the stove hissed in the background, forgotten, and in that moment the empire he’d built felt so far away. Grant didn’t move.

Nia didn’t either. Lucas clung to her side, his small hands gripping her apron like he expected her to disappear. The kitchen smelled faintly of burned rice and something else, something Grant couldn’t name but felt pressing against his chest.

Guilt. He had imagined this homecoming so differently. He saw himself sweeping in like the perfect father, hugging his boy, maybe even impressing the new help with how warm and approachable he could be.

But this was reality, and reality didn’t care for perfect timing. You said he cried at night, Grant finally muttered, his voice quieter now, more human. Why didn’t anyone tell me? Nia looked at him like he’d asked why rain was wet.

Who would have listened, sir? You were in Geneva, or Dubai, or wherever people like you go when they can’t sleep in their own beds. Lucas flinched slightly. Nia caught it and immediately placed her hand on his head, whispering gently, It’s okay, baby.

No one’s mad at you. I’m not mad at him, Grant said quickly. Then show him, Nia said, turning her eyes on Grant, sharp now, unafraid.

He’s four. He can’t decode your silence. All he knows is you leave and come back with bears instead of hugs.

Grant blinked. She wasn’t trying to shame him. She was protecting Lucas, fiercely, like he was her own blood.

That realization landed harder than anything else. I worked eighteen-hour days for four weeks straight, Grant said, barely above a whisper. I thought if I secured that one deal, it would pay for his future, college, a life with no limits.

Nia’s voice softened, too. But he doesn’t understand college, Mr. Ellison. He just wants pancakes on Saturdays, someone to clap when he jumps off the couch.

Lucas looked up at Grant now, teary-eyed, uncertain. I didn’t know, Grant said, lowering his suitcase. You didn’t ask, Nia replied gently but without hesitation…