Amara’s eyes widened, disbelief washing over her. It was overwhelming, the contrast between her simple life and the world Richard was offering. Tears welled up, and she found herself unable to hold them back. “Why would you do that for me?” she managed to ask, her voice cracking.

“Because, sometimes, it takes a child to remind us of the good we’re capable of. I can’t change everything about myself overnight, but I can start with this,” Richard replied, a touch of warmth breaking through his usually icy demeanor.