The rain poured relentlessly, drumming heavy drops against the windshield. But Ethan Parker didn’t pay it much mind, only flicking on the wipers to keep the road visible. He was rushing to pick up an important client for his rideshare job. His mind kept circling back to what he’d achieved in life. Frowning, Ethan couldn’t even recall many happy moments. Working as a driver, he constantly faced the sharp, disapproving glare of his boss.
The boss, for some reason, took an instant dislike to him and assigned him a beat-up car. Stopping at a traffic light, Ethan thought to himself, “Why didn’t I choose another career? I wouldn’t be stuck driving and catering to everyone.” The light turned green, and he pressed the gas.
But then he heard a knocking sound from under the hood. Sure enough, the suspension was on its last legs, and they’d probably blame him for it. They’d pin everything on him and make him pay for this junker.
No, Ethan definitely didn’t want that fate, but he felt powerless to change it. He wasn’t from Chicago and hadn’t yet made the connections he needed in the city. Gloomy thoughts kept gnawing at him. He even recalled how the dispatcher often gave the best rides to favored drivers, leaving him with low-paying fares. The unfairness weighed on Ethan, making him question the choices that led him here.
He was an orphan, after all, and in every situation, he could only rely on himself. After passing two more intersections, Ethan considered turning into an alley to cut his route short. But suddenly, a pregnant young woman darted in front of his car. She deliberately waved her arms, as if falling, blocking his path.
Ethan muttered a quiet curse. “Is she crazy? Does she have a death wish?” He couldn’t fathom why this stranger would risk her life by nearly throwing herself under his car. Jumping out of the driver’s seat, he shouted at her again:
“Are you trying to get yourself killed? I’m rushing to a job, and my boss will have my head if I’m late. Couldn’t you use the crosswalk?”
The woman slumped heavily onto the curb and burst into tears. Ethan realized he’d been too harsh—she was pregnant, and who knew what kind of hurry she was in? What if she was about to go into labor? That would be a disaster.
A flurry of thoughts raced through his mind, and to make up for his outburst, he offered to help her into his car:
“Come on, you’ll get soaked out here. This rain isn’t letting up.”
Once she settled into the car, the woman gave him a strange look. Ethan felt a chill under his shirt, as if he hadn’t just rescued a person but a ghost. Pushing aside those unsettling thoughts, he extended his hand and said:
“I’m Ethan. I drive for a rideshare company.”
Her response was the last thing he expected:
“I’m Sarah, a former convict.”
A cold shiver ran down Ethan’s spine, stronger this time, like he’d been doused with ice water. A wild thought flashed through his mind: “What a passenger I’ve picked up—couldn’t make this up.” Sarah noticed the tremble in his hands and quickly reassured him:
“Relax, I’m just a former inmate. It’s not a big deal, unless you have a problem with women being in prison.”
“No, not at all,” Ethan replied nervously. “I didn’t even think about it. Life can throw all kinds of curveballs, and no one’s immune. I can’t even say what’ll happen to me tomorrow.”
The pregnant passenger placed a hand on his shoulder and said calmly:
“I’m no psychic, so I can’t tell you what tomorrow holds, but I’m sure your life’s about to change soon.”
Sarah’s words caught Ethan off guard. He suddenly thought that tomorrow—or the day after—his boss would find some excuse to chew him out. That would definitely mark a new chapter, one without money or maybe even a job. As he mulled this over, Ethan’s childhood crept into his thoughts.
He’d never known his parents. He ended up in foster care as a toddler, one of the youngest kids in the system. There was no love to be found there. The foster parents were often gone all day, leaving the kids unsupervised. That’s where Ethan learned to survive on his own, trusting no one. He had almost no friends, mostly because his sense of fairness made him an outcast among the other kids.
They loved pulling pranks and sneaking out of the foster home, but Ethan, gripped by fear, stayed behind. He never followed them.
So he never fit in with their cliques. The foster home was in a small town, and Ethan had no idea what lay beyond it. But he dreamed of breaking free from those stifling walls and going somewhere he’d be valued and loved. But where? He had no family, and if he did, they clearly didn’t care about some orphan
The foster parents constantly told him his parents had abandoned him. After hearing that, he didn’t want to get close to anyone. The desire to be loved? Just childish fantasies.
While the state still supported him, Ethan trained to be a driver and got his license. Even then, he knew it would be his livelihood. He saw no other prospects.
From that small town, he soon moved to Chicago. His plan was to find work and establish himself in the city. Ethan went through dozens of job applications to get hired. He only found work with a rideshare company, where his boss, Robert Johnson, turned out to be an arrogant, condescending man. Housing worked out, though—Ethan found a cheap apartment on the city’s outskirts.
But his strained relationship with his boss constantly grated on him. Not a day passed without Robert nitpicking for no reason. Sometimes Ethan felt like he was either the center of attention or just an outcast.
There seemed to be no way out unless he quit. But Ethan wasn’t ready to give up and decided to prove his worth through his actions. Once, in front of the company director, he even suggested ways to improve efficiency.
The conversation was about buying new motor oil, and Ethan jokingly said he knew as much about it as a pro. The director praised his initiative, but Robert held a grudge. After all, it wasn’t he who got the spotlight. Now the director wouldn’t hold him up as an example to others. But Robert couldn’t do much about it.
Especially since Ethan had become almost buddies with the director. Still, Robert took note and waited for a chance to settle the score. But Ethan worked so skillfully that he gave no reason for reprimands.
After today’s ride, though, who knew what might happen? His boss hadn’t smirked for nothing when sending him on this call. Shaking his head, Ethan snapped out of his memories and glanced at his passenger.
“No secret, but how far along are you?”
“Almost due, past the seventh month,” Sarah replied with a smile.
Ethan stopped at another traffic light.
“I’ll probably never have kids. I’m all alone and still haven’t found the right person. And I doubt I ever will, since I’ve stopped trusting people.”
“You’ve got time,” she said. “You just have to believe. If you want to, you can change your life. I can see you’re a good guy, but too trusting. That’s what draws people to you. You just don’t notice it and think everything’s passing you by.”
“Maybe you’re right, and I do need to change something,” Ethan shrugged.
Sarah quickly said she’d pay him for the ride but needed to get to an address. She gave him a street and house number. Ethan shook his head and muttered:
“Forget it, you don’t owe me anything. I get it, you’re broke. You know how many passengers like you I’ve had?”
“No. What’s that got to do with it?”
“They all say, ‘Wait, I’ll grab some cash and pay you.’ But once I drop them off, they’re gone in a flash. No, you’re not fooling me, and there’s no need. I won’t take your money. I’ll drive you for free.”
Sarah lowered her head and whispered:
“I’m not a beggar, if that’s what you’re thinking. Yes, I spent a lot of time in a place where you dream of freedom, but that doesn’t mean I’ve lost my humanity or can’t take responsibility. You’re wrong, and I’ll prove it to everyone.”
There she goes again, talking in riddles. Figure it out if you’ve got the patience. Ethan raised his eyebrows and jokingly replied:
“Fine, have it your way. But just so you know, I’m not taking you beyond the address you gave me. I’ve got a job, and I might not make it in time.”
Sarah nodded, and for the next half-hour, they rode in silence. Ethan focused on the road, while she stared at her lap. She wasn’t crying, but her shoulders trembled. Fixing her hair, Sarah glanced at Ethan and smiled.
He returned a restrained smile, as if wary of a sudden twist. When they finally arrived, Ethan noticed it was a bank branch. He couldn’t resist a quip:
“Hey, don’t go robbing the bank, or they’ll drag me in after you.”
Sarah waved him off and stepped out. True to his word, Ethan didn’t charge her. He let the ride go, knowing she couldn’t afford it. Pregnant and fresh out of prison—she had enough on her plate. As she walked toward the bank, he kept watching her.
Ethan stayed put, waiting to see what would happen. He half-expected sirens to wail, with police cars and ambulances screeching in. But five minutes passed—nothing but silence.
People went about their business, no alarms. Satisfied that Sarah wasn’t robbing the place, he hit the gas and drove on. But just past the next intersection, Ethan slammed his hand on the dashboard and said, “So much for that important client. He’ll complain to my boss, and I’m done for.”
He reached the VIP client late. The man said nothing, but his annoyed glance was enough for Ethan to know a storm was brewing at the office. The whole ride, Ethan stayed quiet, afraid to say a word. The client, glued to his tablet, didn’t bother talking either.
A couple of hours later, Ethan was free and headed back to the office. His heart sank with a sense of worthlessness—he knew he couldn’t argue with his boss. And Robert would be in the right to punish him, though Ethan hoped the client wouldn’t complain.
Parking the car, Ethan rushed into the office building. As he passed, Jake, a coworker, gave him a nasty grin. There was always bad blood between them.
Rumor had it Jake sucked up to Robert in his own ways. The thought made Ethan uneasy, and his hatred for Jake showed on his face—eyebrows arched, mouth twisted.
Robert stepped out of his office:
“Well, Ethan, just the guy I need. What’s with your face? You hate me, so you’re all scrunched up? Come with me. I’m about to make that mug of yours even uglier.”
After those words, Ethan braced for the worst. He tensed up and followed Robert into the office. A massive desk stood by the window, next to a worn-out chair. Oddly, the office decor had changed drastically.
There used to be flowers on the windowsill, but now they were gone. The desk, once new, looked like it came from a dump. Ethan turned to Robert and met his smirking gaze.
“That’s right, this is your new reality. I brought in this chair just for you. You need to feel what hopelessness and poverty are like. Know why I’m doing this?”
“No. Guess your sense of humor’s just out of this world,” Ethan said, his voice shaking.
“You’re partly right,” Robert replied, patting his shoulder. “I can joke, but not with you. I know all about your tardiness. Thought you could sneak off to another city and I wouldn’t find out?”
“Sorry, Robert, but I hit traffic a few times, and the car’s a wreck.”
Ethan scrambled for excuses, but he knew it was pointless. If Robert was putting on this show, it was to stroke his ego. Pride was something Robert had in spades. He could spend hours adjusting his tie in front of a mirror.
He loved himself more than anyone else. Pointing to the chair, Robert told Ethan to sit:
“No thanks, I’ll stand,” Ethan replied nervously, clenching his fists.
“Fine, your call. Maybe it’s for the best. I had a GPS tracker installed in the car. Knew it’d come in handy.”
“What are you talking about, Robert?”
“I saw your whole route, Ethan. You stopped multiple times, zigzagged through alleys, and even ended up at a bank. Don’t tell me you’ve got an account there and needed to check your balance.”
“Of course, because phones don’t exist anymore.”
Ethan felt a wave of heat when he heard “bank.” He’d joked with Sarah about not robbing it. What if she actually did, and now he was an accomplice? Trying to shake the thought, he stammered:
“Did you see anything else?”
“Nope, but that’s enough to punish you. Just not sure how to make it stick with you for life.”
“How about just a warning?” Ethan pleaded.
“Too soft. That won’t teach you anything,” Robert snapped.
Just then, Jake barged into the office without knocking. He looked at Robert and bluntly asked:
“So, have you told him yet?”
“What’s going on?” Ethan jumped toward Jake, staring him down.
“You’re fired, buddy,” Jake said with a gleeful sneer.
Ethan turned back to Robert:
“You can’t do this to me. I’ve done so much for you, taken on the toughest, cheapest rides.”
“You crossed me once,” Robert said coldly. “You shouldn’t have shown off in front of the big boss. He stopped giving me bonuses because of you.”
“You think I’ll let that slide?”
“No, Ethan, you’re mistaken. You’re done. Take your final pay and get out of my sight.”
Head down, Ethan slowly backed out of the office but paused halfway and glared at Jake:
“‘Buddy,’ huh? We’ll see about that.”
His eyes caught the old, battered chair by the desk. He thought to himself, “Sarah was right about changes coming to my life.” He no longer wanted to stay in that office. On autopilot, Ethan went to accounting, collected his last paycheck, and stepped outside.
The wind ruffled his hair as he stared into the void, the uncertainty ahead chilling him. The bank popped into his mind, and he shivered again:
“What if she did rob it? And Robert let me go on purpose, waiting for the cops to show up?”
Shaking his head, Ethan waved it off and trudged to the bus stop. Now he’d have to rely on public transit, and if he didn’t find a job soon, he’d be walking. But where to apply? He hadn’t learned any other trade, had no certifications or experience.
He was a man without a profession, without family, without roots. A wave of despair hit him, and he barely held back tears. Passersby glanced at him, thinking something was wrong.
Ethan stood at the bus stop, muttering to himself. Several buses in his direction passed by. Then an elderly woman, clutching a heavy bag, stopped beside him:
“Hey, kid, why so glum? Look at this weather—rain’s stopped, sun’s out.”
“You’re right, it’s nice out. But it doesn’t cheer me up. I got fired today, all because I got on my boss’s bad side.”
Squinting, the woman leaned closer and whispered:
“Don’t worry, you didn’t mean to. Your day will come. But when it does, don’t push it away. That’s your fate.”
“Are you all in on this?” Ethan asked, annoyed. “All I hear are cryptic hints. Can someone explain what’s happening?”
As he waved his arms, demanding answers, the woman slipped around the corner. It felt like she’d appeared just to drop another riddle. Baffled, Ethan boarded a bus and headed home.
At the store, Ethan grabbed a loaf of white bread and a carton of milk. He knew his cat, Whiskers, was waiting. The moment the lock clicked, she darted into the hallway, rubbing against his legs.
Petting her, Ethan, now a former driver, said:
“You’re the only one happy to see me, Whiskers.”
Hearing her name, the cat purred contentedly. Ethan kicked off his shoes, went to the kitchen, and poured milk into her bowl. Whiskers left his legs alone and lapped it up, glancing at him and licking her chops.
Her loyal eyes were so full of devotion that Ethan couldn’t take it. He covered his face with his hands, standing by the window, barely holding back emotions. Then the doorbell rang.
Ethan flinched:
“Odd, I’m not expecting anyone.”
Peeking into the hallway, he called out:
“Who’s there?”
From the other side came:
“It’s me, Grandma Betty. Ethan, open up, we’re having tea.”
Confused, he opened the door:
“Well, I’ll be. Were you crying or something?” Betty teased. “Come on, let me wipe your face. There, that’s better. No need for tears.”
“Sorry, Betty,” Ethan said apologetically. “It’s been a rough day. I’m not in the mood for fun, let alone tea. Maybe another time?”
“Oh, come on, Ethan. It’s my birthday, in case you forgot. Seventy-seven years young. I couldn’t skip treating my favorite neighbor.”
Shaking his head, Ethan said guiltily:
“You’re right. I’ve been so wrapped up in work, I forgot everything, especially my personal life. And don’t give me that surprised look. I know you’re not dating anyone. You should. You’re not a kid anymore, and you need a family. It’s no good living alone, Ethan. You’ll blink, and old age will sneak up.”
“Betty, what about your family? Shouldn’t you be at a big birthday dinner?”
“Oh, Ethan, you still don’t get it,” she sighed. “My kids and grandkids show up for an hour, maybe less. They’ve got their own lives, and sitting with an old lady isn’t their thing. If my husband were still around, I wouldn’t be lonely. But now, I sit by the window, watching others with their kids or grandkids.”
“I get it now,” Ethan said sadly. “But I’m not cut out for family life. I’m always working, just trying to survive. Though I’ll have to pinch pennies now since I got fired.”
“That’s awful, Ethan. But don’t lose hope. Why are we talking in the doorway? Let’s go to the kitchen, and I’ll take care of you.”
Ethan couldn’t say no to that. Together, they set up a makeshift table in an hour. It seemed Betty was determined to keep the birthday going. She cut a slice of cake and placed it in front of Ethan:
“Eat up—salad, cold cuts, cheese. Don’t mind me, I don’t eat much. Old age, you know, and my appetite’s not what it used to be. But when I think back to my youth…”
“Betty, does kindness come back? Like, you do something good for a stranger, and then good things happen to you?”
“Of course, Ethan. You’re asking me that? I’ve helped plenty of folks, and they’ve returned the favor. Not many visit these days, but I’m not bitter. I’ve done what I could.”
“Why’d you ask? Bet you gave someone a free ride.”
“You know everything,” Ethan said playfully. “Yeah, I drove a girl who couldn’t pay. Had to let her go and wish her luck. She was in such a rush, I didn’t get much out of her.”
Ethan deliberately left out that she was a pregnant ex-convict. He wasn’t sure how Betty would react—maybe she’d scold him or make him prove he wasn’t trouble. He’d had enough shame for one day and didn’t need more problems.
But Betty wasn’t the type to judge someone she respected. The tea party wrapped up around eleven. Ethan walked her out and returned to the kitchen. The table held leftover salad, some cake, and a couple of sandwiches. He carefully stored it all in the fridge.
He wasn’t hungry but needed to think about his next steps. Firing up his laptop, Ethan scoured job boards. Every listing demanded experience or education—neither of which he had.
That left one option: manual labor. No special skills needed, just do what you’re told. From that day, Ethan’s life changed.
He no longer drove but worked outdoors constantly. It made him care less about vague future prospects. Was this why he came to Chicago? Reflecting on his plans, Ethan realized he’d accomplished almost nothing.
Sure, he’d settled in the city, but what next? What were his next steps? He didn’t know, having slipped a rung lower, forced to start over. Memories of childhood surfaced, when he had to fight tooth and nail for any choice. Without his wits, who knows where he’d be now?
Suddenly, he longed to see his parents. But Ethan knew it was impossible. They were gone, as they had been all those years in foster care.
They’d abandoned him, left him to build their lives without him. Like returning a toy you didn’t like at the store. Ethan tossed and turned at night, barely sleeping.
Thoughts tormented him—his life revolved around work and home, with no room for love to warm his soul. Betty was right: you need someone to love to avoid the pain of loneliness. It’s tough, especially in old age, when life feels frozen.
You don’t know when the day will come to breathe freely again. Though Betty’s life wasn’t all rosy either. She admitted her kids and grandkids only visited briefly.
Their interests came first, so she was only needed when it suited them. That future scared Ethan. He didn’t want to end up an unwanted old man.
Two weeks passed. Ethan adjusted to his new job and stopped dwelling on his old, cruel boss. But Sarah’s image kept resurfacing.
He tried not to think about her. She was pregnant and probably wouldn’t want his problems. No, it wasn’t worth considering, let alone dreaming about.
But the urge to see her grew, fueling his thoughts. One day, waiting for the bus, Ethan spotted an elderly woman approaching. She carried a heavy bag slung low and waved at him.
Ethan couldn’t believe it was the same woman who’d said his day would come. Closing his eyes, he kept them shut for nearly a minute. When he looked again, she was gone.
It felt like a hallucination. But how, when he was perfectly healthy? Ethan decided he needed rest and swore off work on Saturdays. At home, after feeding Whiskers, he crashed on the couch and dozed off.
But within half an hour, Whiskers started meowing pitifully. Ethan woke up, looking down:
“What’s wrong, girl? Miss me?”
The cat purred and leapt onto the couch. As she neared his face, she hissed. Ethan was stunned by her behavior:
“Someone spook you, Whiskers? Whoa!”
Her fur stood on end. She kept hissing, backing off the couch. Ethan sat up, then heard scratching at the door. A chill ran down his spine, just like before.
His hands went numb, and his tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth. He couldn’t speak. Forcing himself to move, Ethan got up and headed to the hallway.
The scratching turned into a firm knock—not heavy, but like a woman trying to get in.
“Must be Betty,” Ethan thought, hurrying to open the door.
But to his shock, there stood Sarah, wearing an expensive coat.
“Hey, remember me?” she asked cheerfully.
“Yeah, hey. Hard to forget you. Come in, or are you not in the mood?”
“Sorry, I’m feeling off,” Ethan said, letting her in. “So much crap’s happened, I’m scared to even talk about it.”
“I thought you forgot about me. Took a lot to track you down. Didn’t expect it to be so easy to get lost in Chicago.”
“That’s the city for you, swallowing people whole,” Ethan said, his tone lighter. “But you spent so much time away from home, so don’t be surprised. Sorry for bringing up your past.”
“It’s fine, Ethan,” Sarah said, heading to the kitchen. “I’ve got a lot to catch up on, but one thing’s sure: I can’t erase the past. It’s stained with dark spots I’ll never wash out.”
“Hold on, what do you mean?” Ethan asked, though he had a hunch.
“This,” Sarah said, pointing to her rounded belly. “All the secrets are here. If you’ve got time, I’ll tell you.”
“Sure, I’m just off work, no rush.”
Putting the kettle on, Ethan asked:
“Hungry?”
“No, I ate at a restaurant.”
“What’s with the look? Can’t figure out how I transformed so fast? Or where I got the cash for a restaurant?”
“Honestly, yeah,” Ethan admitted, embarrassed. “That day you nearly fell under my car—my old car—you had worn-out clothes, shoes too big, and no money. By the way, you didn’t rob that bank, did you?” he said, eyeing her pricey outfit.
Sarah laughed and placed a hand on his:
“No, it’s all good. Didn’t need to rob a bank—I just took what was rightfully mine.”
A tense silence followed. Her words about “taking” something sounded like theft. Ethan half-expected her to admit to stealing money for her fancy clothes. But he also knew a lone pregnant woman couldn’t pull off a heist with modern security. To ease the tension and learn more, he said calmly:
“Good to know you didn’t break the law. You already paid for that once. What happened, anyway? Why’d you end up inside?”
Sarah poured herself tea, took a few sips, and began:
“It’s a long story, but I’ll start with this: I got pregnant by the prison warden.”
“No way!” Ethan choked, nearly spitting out his tea.
“Yeah, it’s true. I had to. He promised I’d get parole. It’s humiliating to admit, but sleeping with him was my only shot at freedom. I got pregnant, and he even took me for an ultrasound. They said it’s twins. Two boys—can you imagine?”
“Not exactly, but I get it,” Ethan said cautiously. “I’ve never heard of an inmate getting pregnant by a warden. Usually, women are already pregnant when they go in, or their husbands visit.”
“But why? You won’t love them.”
Sarah tilted her head, visibly hurt. Ethan’s words had struck a chord. He couldn’t imagine what she was feeling.
Their first meeting showed how vulnerable she was. Now, this sudden change in appearance and her openness with a stranger—it was jarring.
“Look, Ethan, I had no choice. I needed to get out to settle a score.”
“Got it. So, you got pregnant on purpose for some revenge plan.”
“Don’t judge until you know the whole story.”
“Fair enough, I’ll shut up. Go on,” Ethan said, sipping his tea.
That evening, Sarah shared her painful past. She’d endured a lot, starting with humiliation. It all began when her father, now deceased, decided to remarry.
Her mom had passed away three years earlier, and he fell for someone new. Sarah didn’t try to stop him, knowing he was a grown man free to choose. Plus, he was a big-shot businessman with major assets.
That gave him plenty of options in his personal life. Naturally, an opportunity arose, and a stunning woman entered his life. She was ten years younger and easily won his heart.
Sarah watched him go crazy for her, blind to everything else. She had her own small business, and work kept her too busy to monitor the situation. She was torn between home and the office.
Everything changed when the woman’s son joined their family. She convinced Sarah’s father to take him in. Not only that, she seduced him into marriage.
They threw a lavish wedding, over-the-top even. Ethan set his mug down and interrupted:
“Wait, how did your dad not see what he was doing? From what you’re saying, he was barely over fifty. I don’t buy that he lost his mind at that age.”
“He knew exactly what he was doing. He just craved female attention, so he remarried.”
“I tried to talk him out of it, but would he listen? He decided what was best and picked his new flame.”
“Sorry for cutting in. My bad,” Ethan said. “I’ve had similar issues—not about weddings, but close. I didn’t tell you, but I’m an orphan. Never met my parents, still don’t know where they are or what happened. Spent my childhood in foster care, learned to drive there, and that’s how I stepped into adulthood.”
“That’s rough, having no one close,” Sarah continued. “I realized that in prison. My ticket to jail was courtesy of my stepbrother, Alex, that woman’s son. I don’t even want to say his name. He and his mom put me through hell.”
Ethan suggested a break:
“Let’s cook something. I know you can afford restaurants now, but I can’t. Got fired from the rideshare gig, and being a warehouse worker doesn’t pay much.”
“Wait, was that because of me?” Sarah gasped. “You were late because of me, and they fired you?”
“Sort of. The delay was just an excuse. Truth is, my boss had it out for me from day one. He thought I was gunning for his job.”
“Why?”
“I showed initiative in front of the big boss once, suggested better motor oils for the cars. Kept pitching ideas, and I paid for it.”
“Wow, your boss sounds like a piece of work,” Sarah laughed.
“Not just that—an egoist and a show-off. But whatever, he’ll hear from me yet.”
They whipped up a light dinner and nibbled. Ethan noticed Sarah wasn’t acting like a stranger anymore. There was definitely a spark.
Looking at her belly, he asked matter-of-factly:
“You giving birth at a regular hospital or a private clinic? You’ve got options now. Oh, and what about that stepbrother? Where’s he at? You said he’s why you went to prison.”
Sarah said time would tell, adding:
“Yeah, Alex screwed me over big time. I trusted him with my business. Well, I brought him into the company to handle accounting and HR.”
“And he couldn’t hack it?” Ethan asked.
“Worse. He got me on the IRS’s radar. Plus, he turned my employees against me. Basically, he was a crook, and I took the fall. Honestly, I don’t regret it—I gained priceless experience.”
“What kind?”
“I learned to survive tough situations. And I can spot people’s intentions—good or bad. You know, I went through a similar school in foster care. I think our lives are kind of alike. Stay here tonight. I’ll set you up in the living room, and I’ll crash on the kitchen couch.”
Sarah agreed. She hadn’t planned to leave anyway. She didn’t track down Ethan for nothing. She’d liked him from their first meeting.
She was determined to find the kind driver. But, as it turned out, he’d lost his job because of her. Feeling guilty, Sarah decided to make it right.
She saw how much he cared about driving. To him, a car wasn’t just metal—it was a true friend. As she fell asleep in his apartment, Sarah pictured herself with Ethan.
She just needed to know how he’d feel about raising someone else’s kids. Her story about getting pregnant in prison had left a mark on him. In the morning, she heard dishes clattering.
For the first time in years, the noise didn’t annoy her. She remembered waking up at dawn in prison, with bunkmates banging cups. But now, the sound was comforting. She walked into the kitchen:
“Morning, Ethan.”
“Morning, Sarah. You’re up early. I’m still making breakfast, so hang tight.”
“Couldn’t sleep, kept thinking about us,” she said carefully.
“Us?” Ethan asked, pretending to be clueless.
“I didn’t tell you everything. There’s more you should know.”
“Whoa, more surprises?” Ethan said, half-joking. “I thought you closed the book on your past last night.”
“I did, the past is behind me,” Sarah replied. “But there are loose ends to tie up. And I need your help. Sorry to spring this on you, but I can’t do it without you.”
“Great. Feels like I’m back to that first day we met,” Ethan said cheerfully, setting out plates of scrambled eggs. “Like I’m reliving the whole journey from driver to warehouse grunt.”
“Ethan, I’m due soon, and I need to take back what was stolen from me. I told you how Alex got me locked up. Well, he and his mom took my company. I built it from scratch, poured my heart into it, and they ruined everything.”
Sarah broke down, and Ethan instinctively hugged her. He felt her trembling, and his heart ached. Here was a helpless woman, rich now, but still vulnerable. He could help her, and if he didn’t, he’d regret it forever. Running a hand through her hair, he said:
“Okay, I’ll help. I just don’t know how. Your stepfamily’s probably got connections we can’t touch.”
Sarah pulled documents from her purse and handed them to Ethan:
“Here’s all the money in my account.”
Ethan looked at her, stunned:
“But you said they took everything, and now you’ve got a fortune?”
“Exactly,” Sarah said heavily. “They didn’t just take my company—they took my dad. He died while I was in prison. I got the news after he was already buried. They didn’t even let me say goodbye.”
Ethan hugged her again, this time kissing her. It was impulsive, driven by emotion. Sarah kissed back, pressing against him as much as her belly allowed.
They stood locked in an embrace for nearly a minute, like lovers reunited after years apart. A spark of mutual affection had ignited.
Without thinking, Ethan whispered:
“I like you, Sarah.”
“I like you too, Ethan. I knew we’d be together that first day. You didn’t freak out about me being an ex-con.”
“What was I supposed to do? Yell and kick you out?”
“I don’t know. Most people flinch or look down on anyone who’s been inside.”
“I don’t care. I’ll never hold it against you. Let’s see what we can do about your company.”
“Here, I withdrew some money, but not all.”
Sarah pointed to figures in the documents and receipts:
“I needed to fix myself up and pay some people to find you.”
Ethan suddenly wondered if she’d contacted his old boss. To clear it up, he asked slyly:
“Was it Robert who helped you?”
“No idea who that is, but if it matters, no,” Sarah said sharply. “Other people helped, and that’s all they could do. Now we need to hire lawyers and force my stepmom and Alex to give my company back.”
Ethan agreed to help, no payment needed. It was a matter of principle now. He knew betrayal and humiliation too well. Together, they found the city’s top lawyer. After long talks, he promised to tackle the messy case.
Ethan also learned that, just before her dad’s death, he’d opened an account in Sarah’s name and transferred most of his savings there. Her stepmom didn’t know, but if she had, she’d have pressured him to hand over access. That’s how her dad secured his daughter’s future, though he couldn’t save her from prison.
Maybe he tried to atone for his mistakes from there. That’s why Sarah went all-in. She knew it was her only shot to reclaim her company and clear her name.
Ethan threw himself into it. He even quit his warehouse job. He kept tabs on Sarah’s stepmom and Alex.
Alex lived large, with no money worries, thanks to the business. Watching him, Ethan noted a few things.
First, Alex was careless, lacked caution, and had no interest in serious work. His mom was a different story. She ran the company with an iron grip, like she’d been in business forever.
Ethan reported his findings to Sarah:
“Good. They’re not expecting me,” she said with a sly look. “We need to act fast, leave them no room to maneuver. I bet they’ve got backup plans for emergencies.”
“You know best, Sarah,” Ethan replied. “I just want things to work out for you.”
The lawyers prepped for court. Meanwhile, Ethan and Sarah grew closer. A few days later, they moved into a new apartment with Whiskers.
Sarah used her account to buy their family home. Neither doubted this was the start of their life together. The old woman at the bus stop and Betty had been prophetic
Ethan had found his path in this winding life. Fate rewarded his kindness. Since childhood, he’d helped others, even when it was hard for him.
Those traits made him resilient. That’s why he didn’t shy away from helping Sarah, despite the risks. Soon, she bought him a sleek new car.
Ethan hesitated to accept such a gift but eventually did, vowing to repay her one day. Taking on the role of assistant, he liaised with the lawyers. They told him Sarah’s stepmom, Linda Harris, and Alex were getting nervous.
They must’ve sensed trouble or gotten tipped off that the rightful owner was coming for them. Ethan relayed this to Sarah:
“Looks like your moves didn’t go unnoticed.”
“Good. Let them know they’ll answer for everything soon. By the way, how’s the car? Did I nail your taste?”
“Thanks, Sarah, it’s the best gift I’ve ever gotten,” Ethan said, pulling her close.
Feeling warmth spread through her, she rested her head on his shoulder and heard him whisper:
“My little ones, I’ll see you soon.”
He was rubbing her belly. Sarah knew Ethan wouldn’t reject her or her kids. She’d chosen right. He was the one she’d be happy with, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
They were together now, unbreakable. But Linda, the wicked stepmom, didn’t wait long. She sent her precious Alex to confront Sarah.
He got unlucky—Ethan intercepted him right at the apartment building entrance. Ethan recognized Sarah’s stepbrother instantly:
“Hey, what’s up? Where you headed? To see your sister?”
“Sorry, do we know each other?” Alex mumbled, shrinking back.
Ethan saw he wasn’t expecting this and went for it:
“Not really, but I’ve heard plenty about you and your mom’s dirty work, and I’m not happy.”
“What the hell, let me through,” Alex shouted, trying to bolt into the building.
Ethan grabbed his collar and shook him:
“Listen, punk, I didn’t stop you for fun. I know what you did to Sarah. That’s not just low—it’s criminal. Let’s step aside so we’re not in anyone’s way.”
Some neighbors came out, and Alex tried to call to them. Ethan reacted fast, landing a light jab to his stomach, and dragged him to his car:
“Now no one’ll bother us. Spill it—who told you to frame Sarah and get her locked up? Don’t lie, I’ll find out anyway. And it’ll be worse. I’m not kidding.”
Alex nodded frantically and stammered:
“It was all Mom’s idea. She wanted to take over Johnathan Miller’s business, but Sarah was in the way. So she had me make sure his daughter disappeared for a while.”
“And you couldn’t think of anything better than sending her to prison?” Ethan growled.
“What else could I do? I wasn’t gonna kill her.”
“At least your brain worked right there. What else do you know?”
“I swear, that’s it,” Alex whined.
“I don’t buy it. Wanna know why?”
“Why?”
“Because Sarah’s dad died out of the blue. Doesn’t that seem odd?”
“He was old. Probably his heart gave out,” Alex said, glancing up nervously.
“Really? You expect me to believe that? He was only 54 and in good health. I’ve done my homework, checked you and your mom’s dirt. You’re both on the hook, so don’t try anything stupid.”
Before he could finish, his phone rang. It was Sarah:
“Yeah, babe, I’ll be up soon.”
Her scream came through, mixed with shouts:
“My contractions started! I need to get to the hospital!”
Ethan glared at Alex and barked:
“Get out, I’m letting you go—for now. But your easy life’s over soon.”
Alex bolted from the car and ran off. Ethan raced upstairs, assessed the situation, and called an ambulance.
He went with Sarah to the hospital but wasn’t allowed inside. He waited for the doctor to update him on her condition. Half an hour later, an OB-GYN came out:
“You did great staying calm. Your wife’s staying for observation. The contractions are tough, but she’s likely to deliver soon.”
“Doc, it’s at least two weeks early.”
“I get your worry, but nature decides when the babies come. It’s awesome you’re having twins. Be grateful for this blessing.”
“Thanks, but they’re not—” Ethan started to say they weren’t his but stopped. The doctor had assumed they were married.
Something shifted inside him, and he stepped outside. Just then, a second-floor window opened, and Sarah leaned out. She looked at Ethan and shouted:
“I love you!”
Taking a deep breath, Ethan yelled back:
“I love you too. And our kids. Can you believe the doc thought we’re married?”
“And you didn’t like that?” Sarah asked.
“Nah, I loved it. And I know what we need to do.”
“Don’t go yet. Stay a bit,” Sarah pleaded, leaning against the window frame. “I haven’t done anything yet. We need to keep going and get my company back. What do you think? Maybe let it go?”
“No way, Sarah. You focus on the babies, and I’ll finish this.”
With that, Ethan jumped in his car and sped to the law firm. They were waiting:
“Ethan Parker, have a seat,” the lawyer offered.
“Thanks. Everything ready?”
“We can start the process tomorrow. Also, Linda Harris has driven the company to the brink of bankruptcy.”
“How, Tim?” Ethan exclaimed. “Did we do all this for nothing?”
“Not at all. I’ve got connections who halted the collapse. Sarah should get the company back in decent shape. It’ll need investment to recover, but with her funds, that shouldn’t be an issue.”
“You’re right, Tim, but Sarah can’t deal with it now. She’s in the hospital, could give birth any moment.”
“Got it, Ethan. We’ll work through you, since you know all the documents.”
After Ethan’s run-in with Alex, he’d spilled everything to his mom. They considered going to the police but backed off when they got a court summons. Allies warned them it was serious, and settling out of court was smarter than risking jail.
Linda ignored the advice, thinking she could do whatever she wanted with the company. But Alex quit his roles and started packing. He knew he’d be cornered and forced to talk.
To lessen the fallout, he came clean. He called Ethan and asked to meet. During their talk, Alex admitted his mom poisoned Sarah’s dad.
He hadn’t seen it himself, but after Johnathan’s death, Linda let slip that her “medicine” worked, and the old moneybags was gone. The police got wind of this and arrested Linda. They lacked direct evidence, so she was charged with fraud for now.
For cooperating and confessing, Alex got house arrest. But after the trial, he faced potential prison time. It took days to unravel the mess, and Ethan visited Sarah daily.
He couldn’t imagine life without her, and she was thrilled to be needed. One day, a nurse let them have a private moment. Ethan got down on one knee and proposed. It was so touching, Sarah couldn’t say no.
She said it was her true happiness and kissed him so passionately she grabbed her belly and screamed:
“Contractions again, and I think my water broke!”
The medical staff rushed in, whisking her to the delivery room. Ethan waited downstairs.
He sat still for three hours until the doctor emerged:
“Congrats, Dad! Boys! One’s 8 pounds, the other 7.7.”
Ethan burst into tears and hugged the doctor:
“I’m so happy I’ve got two sons!”
He shouted it again, loud enough for the whole hospital to hear. Even Sarah smiled when she heard. She lay in her room, her babies beside her, tears of joy streaming down her face.
The next day, Ethan returned to the law firm. Tim told him Linda was charged with fraud and wouldn’t see freedom soon. Alex might get probation:
“But most importantly,” Tim added, “we can get Sarah her company back. Documents are almost ready, and we’ll wrap up in a week or two. Congrats on the kids, and I wish you all the best.”
“Thanks, Tim, but—”
“I know, I know. That’s why I’m saying it’ll be okay.”
Ethan realized Tim knew everything and would keep it quiet. They’d become close over time. A week later, Sarah was set for discharge.
Ethan picked her up in his car, bringing flowers and champagne. As he waited, a taxi pulled up, and out stepped Robert.
Their eyes met, and Robert shouted:
“Well, look who it is! Back to driving? Who trusted you with that fancy car?”
“Good to see you too, Robert,” Ethan laughed. “It’s my car. Yours, though, looks like it’s begging for a mechanic.”
“No way.”
Just then, Sarah appeared with the babies:
“Sweetheart, you tired of waiting?”
“Nope, darling, I’d wait forever.”
Kissing Sarah, Ethan turned to Robert with a smirk:
“How’d you go from boss to driving a cab?”
He didn’t wait for an answer, though Robert mumbled something. They didn’t care—they were living the best moment of their lives.
A week later, Sarah visited the lawyers to thank them. Her company was hers again. Tim had fast-tracked the paperwork.
He’d also defended her in court, proving how Linda and Alex fraudulently stole her business. Sarah restored her reputation and stopped the company’s collapse. She and Ethan decided to run it together.
To keep his driving skills sharp, Ethan agreed to be her personal driver:
“Works for me—no need to hire an outsider.”
“Fine, love, but only part-time. The rest, you’re my assistant.”
Linda got the maximum sentence for fraud and went to prison. Alex, deemed an accomplice but cooperative, got probation.
No one heard from him again. He moved to a rural town to farm. Soon, Sarah and Ethan applied to get married.
The city hall expedited it, and they wed within a week. The old woman’s words came true—they had their celebration. Good thing Ethan didn’t reject his happiness.
They invited Betty and the hospital doctor to the wedding, having no one else to call. Sarah had no parents, Ethan was an orphan. They shared one fate.
The babies were given Ethan’s last name. He insisted, saying they shouldn’t grow up in a broken family. Sarah didn’t object, seeing her future only with him.
Her resilience was enviable. She’d endured so much without breaking. They pulled the company out of crisis.
It’s thriving now, bringing in profits. They replaced nearly the entire staff, who were steeped in hostility toward Sarah.
Ethan hired new employees, putting them through his vetting process. Sarah didn’t forget her dad, making time to visit his grave. He was buried next to her mom, at least that was fitting.
She stood by the headstone, crying. Fate had been cruel, but it also fixed its mistakes. Or maybe her parents, from beyond, helped her find love?