oman kept her disdainful eyes on Elise, who, unable to defend herself, could only lower her head, cheeks bu

e ritual, always the same demeanor: an impassive face, eyes cold and devoid of any emotion.

iful; there was something in that scene-the desperation, the vulnerability-that struck a chord Lucien hadn't even known was there.Not ful

.""No problem, young man!" Sam replied with a forgiving smile, while Clara's face remained

was no longer on his schedule. His secretary's words still echoed in his head, and before he could stop hims

s always-felt sorry for her and instead of calling the police, decided to give her food. And you know what else?""What? Just say it already," Lucien snapped, though in truth, her words were

be trusted.""You're right," Lucien muttered, eyes still on the road, as if the conversation didn't concern him. His thoughts remained on the s

em seemed capable of handling his wild nature.Since the sudden death of his wife, Lucien had built his life around two pillars: his company and his son. And though he tried hard to be a present fathe

who refused to give in."But you have to eat, sweetheart. If not, you'll get sick," Teresa pleaded, trying to stay calm."I

wing everything he could get his hands on-toys, cushions, anything that could help him make his point."That

ormed up the stairs, frown tight,

re?His son's chaos did

is nanny, Daddy.

me back."Lucien hugged him tightly. Even though he knew his son's behavior wasn't the

uit!"Teresa stormed out. She was the

e for his son, Lucien hadn't found the right person - someone who could not

turned to Sam's grocery

n, sir. Do you

You look much better. And th

to ask if you've heard of any job openings. I really need to find s

ugh for my wife and me. It's a small place, just the two of us. But fill out your résumé. I m

g life into her hope once again. But as if fate were playing games, the s

ual."He walked in without ev

ight next to Elise, completely unaware of her. She, on the other hand, recognized him immediat

ed expressionless, he felt uneasy. Still, he ign

His blood boiled with frustration at not having f

e you okay?

of Philippe? I haven't been able to find anyone suitable

r a responsibility like that. But if I hear of someone wh

upt their conversation. Maybe these kinds of coincidences meant so

ook beside him - and there she was, the petite woman. He didn't recognize her immediately, but

, eyeing her fr

ork, and most of all, I know how to care for a child."She was lying - she had only

ed his secretary's words

didn't call her that - not

t I'm looking for someone more qualifi

g the sting of his rejection

omehow captivated him once more, she wasn't an

gant man," sh

like you - a single parent. Trust doesn't come easy for him. And his secretary is the one who

sheartened.It could have