CHAPTER 1 — The Girl Who Tried to Disappear
The little girl's eyes widened.
She wasn't expecting the boy to say that.
For a moment, the only sound in the freezing park was the wind.
The billionaire looked from his son to the shivering child standing several feet away.
"You saved him?" he asked softly.
Lily lowered her eyes.
"I just found him."
She took another step backward.
"I have to go."
Before she could turn, Ethan reached toward her with trembling fingers.
"No..."
His voice cracked.
"Please don't leave."
Lily froze.
She had heard those words before.
Children in foster homes.
Lonely people on the streets.
Everyone wanted someone to stay.
But staying had always brought trouble.
The man slowly stood.
"My name is Daniel Blackwood."
His expensive suit was covered in mud, but he didn't seem to notice.
"I'm Ethan's father."
Lily nodded politely.
"I'm glad you found him."
She turned again.
Daniel noticed something she had tried to hide.
She wasn't wearing a coat.
Her shoes were soaked through.
Her hands were purple from the cold.
"Where are your parents?"
Lily didn't answer.
Instead she whispered,
"I should go."
That answer told him everything.
Sirens approached as paramedics rushed toward Ethan.
Doctors carefully lifted the boy onto a stretcher.
One of them glanced at Lily.
"Is she family?"
Before Lily could panic, Daniel answered.
"Tonight...
she's under my protection."
Lily's heart pounded.
Protection?
Nobody had ever said those words to her before.
She almost ran.
Then Ethan reached out once more.
"Lily..."
"You promised you'd stay."
She looked at the frightened boy.
She couldn't break that promise.
Not tonight.
For the first time in three weeks...
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Lily climbed into a warm car instead of hiding from one.
She had no idea that a single decision would change every life inside that vehicle forever.
