In the days that followed, Noah stayed at the mansion under Emily’s care.
At first, he was quiet and guarded. But little by little, he began to trust them.
Emily comforted him, helped him eat, and gently guided him through routines, while Charles—surprisingly gentle—read him stories and encouraged him with quiet patience.
Slowly, the mansion filled with laughter, soft conversations, and the sound of small footsteps.
One evening in the garden, Charles showed Noah how to plant herbs.
Then came the question that made Emily hold her breath.
“Do you… think I could stay here?” Noah asked softly.
Charles paused… then nodded.
“I’ll do everything I can to give you a home.”
Noah’s face lit up.
“I want you to be my dad.”
Charles’s eyes shimmered.
“I’ll try,” he said quietly. “Every day.”
