Logan Bennett, a ruthless millionaire, was crossing a busy street corner when something caught his attention. A woman, dressed in dirty, worn clothes with disheveled hair, was sitting on the sidewalk. Her face was tired and marked by suffering. Beside her, two little girls, twins about four years old, wore tattered clothes. One of them was quietly crying, rubbing her eyes with small, dirty hands. Sweetheart, it’s okay. Someone will help us soon, the woman murmured, stroking the child’s hair with a trembling voice full of desperate love. Logan felt a pang in his chest.
He knew that face, even through the dirt and pain. It couldn’t be, but it was. Olivia Carter, the love of his youth, the girl he used to admire from afar.
She had never noticed him in school, except to mock his awkward attempts to get her attention. Now she was here, vulnerable and helpless. Logan approached slowly, his heart racing.
Olivia, he called hesitantly. The woman slowly lifted her head, her eyes widening as she recognized the voice. Logan? For a moment, neither of them spoke.
The silence between them was heavy with painful memories. Then Olivia lowered her gaze, as if wishing to disappear. What happened to you? He asked, unable to hide his concern.
Olivia looked away, clutching the girls even tighter. It doesn’t matter. We’re fine.
Go away, Logan. But Logan couldn’t ignore what he saw. One of the girls was sobbing from hunger, while the other clung to her mother’s arm, staring at him with wide, frightened eyes.
The pain and despair of the scene hit him like a blow. You’re not fine. Come with me.
I’ll help you. No, I can’t, Olivia began to protest. I’m not leaving you and your daughters out here in the cold.
You’re coming with me, and I won’t take no for an answer. The girls looked at him, curious yet cautious. The one who had been crying pressed her lips together, holding back her tears.
Olivia hesitated, but Logan’s determined gaze made her relent. She knew she had no other choice. Logan pulled out his phone and called his driver.
Be here in five minutes, he said before putting the phone away. Let’s go. There’s no reason for you to stay here.
He extended his hand to Olivia, who reluctantly took it. When the car arrived, Logan helped Olivia get in, carrying one of the girls while she held the other. The children were exhausted, their faces resting on their mother’s shoulders.
During the ride to Logan’s mansion, the silence was oppressive. Olivia stared out the window, lost in thought. Logan glanced at her occasionally, trying to understand how her life had fallen apart.
When they arrived, Olivia looked visibly uncomfortable. The grand mansion, with its warm lights and immaculate garden, seemed like another world. You don’t have to do this, Logan.
We can. No more arguing, Olivia. You’ll come inside, eat something, and rest.
The housekeeper, Mrs. Harper, opened the door with a surprised expression but said nothing. Logan instructed her to prepare a room for Olivia and the girls. While Mrs. Harper took care of that, Logan brought Olivia and the children to the living room.
He lit the fireplace, creating a cozy warmth, and asked for food to be prepared for them. Thank you, Logan. Really, thank you, Olivia said, her eyes brimming with tears as the girls curled up on the sofa beside her.
Logan nodded, his mind racing. He knew that this night was just the beginning. Tomorrow, he needed to understand what had truly happened to Olivia and how she had ended up here.
The sun was just beginning to peek through the windows of Logan’s mansion, but Olivia was already awake. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she watched her twins, Harper and Hazel, who were still sleeping soundly. For the first time in a long time, her daughters were warm and comfortable.
That should have eased her heart, but instead, she felt a growing knot in her throat. Across the mansion, Logan was also awake, sitting in his office, thinking about everything he had seen the night before. The image of Olivia on the sidewalk holding her children wouldn’t leave his mind.
He needed to understand how this had happened. After all, the Olivia he had known in school had been confident, full of life, someone who seemed destined for great things. Shortly after, the housekeeper knocked gently on Olivia’s door.
Miss Carter, breakfast is ready. Mr. Bennett would like you and the girls to come down. Olivia thanked him and woke the twins.
A few minutes later, they went downstairs together to the dining room, where a generous breakfast spread awaited them. The girls ran excitedly to the chairs, delighted by the variety of fruits, breads, and juices. Olivia, however, hesitated.
Please have a seat, Logan said, appearing in the doorway. He was wearing a crisp white dress shirt and looked relaxed, though his eyes revealed a serious undertone. Thank you, Olivia replied, pulling out a chair while watching Harper and Hazel eat enthusiastically.
During the meal, an awkward silence lingered between Logan and Olivia. He knew he needed to tread carefully, but he was determined to understand the truth. When the girls finished eating, the housekeeper took them to play in a nearby room.
Olivia remained seated, now alone with Logan. He rested his elbows on the table and looked her straight in the eye. Olivia, we need to talk.
I want to understand what happened to you, she averted her gaze clasping her hands in her lap. It’s not a story I like to tell. I’m not here to judge, I just want to help.
Logan paused, choosing his words carefully. When I saw you yesterday, you and your daughters were in a situation that, well, it doesn’t happen overnight. What happened, Olivia? She took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment before beginning to speak.
After we graduated high school, I started dating Jake Miller. You remember him, don’t you? He was the most popular guy in school. Logan nodded, his jaw tightening at the mention of the name.
He remembered Jake all too well, someone everyone admired yet who wouldn’t hesitate to hurt others to get what he wanted. Jake and I started dating right after prom. I was in love and thought he felt the same.