“She’s not hurting anyone,” Michael replied firmly. “I’ll take responsibility.”
After a tense moment, the officers left.
Michael picked up the soaked bear and handed it back carefully.
“They won’t bother you,” he said. “Not while I’m here.”
She looked at him properly for the first time.
“What’s my name?” she asked faintly.
He swallowed.
“Olivia.”
Her lips trembled.
“That name… hurts.”
“Because it’s yours,” he said. “And because someone’s been waiting for you.”
He didn’t bring her straight to his mansion. Instead, he rented a small warm apartment nearby. Soft lighting. Clean sheets. A nurse named Grace who moved gently and asked nothing she didn’t need to.
The next day, he brought Ethan.
The boy walked in slowly, holding his stuffed lion. Olivia sat on the edge of the bed, the bear still in her arms.
Ethan stepped forward and placed his lion beside the old teddy.
Two worn toys. Two missing pieces.
Olivia’s hands trembled as she touched them.
“Why do I feel like I know you?” she whispered.
Ethan didn’t answer. He simply hugged her.