He was tired of women who only cared about his money, who smiled at him because of his wealth, not because they cared about him. So he walked away from his riches, his mansion, and his fine clothes, and began living the life of a poor man. Every day he stood at the gate of Riverside estate, earning just enough to eat. The work was hard and tiring, nothing like the life he once had, but he stayed strong and never complained.

Not far from the estate was a small food place. The place was known for cheap but tasty food, rice, beans, stew, and fried plantain. It belonged to Mrs. Carter, a tough but hardworking woman who ran it with her daughter Emily and her niece Lily. Lily had lived with them since childhood.

After losing her parents, her uncle took her in, but his wife treated her harshly. She worked longer than anyone else, yet she never complained. Cooking was her joy. No matter how hard life got, she stayed gentle and kind. Ethan went to the small food shop every afternoon to eat. Lily noticed something strange.

Strange? He always bought food without meat. At first, she thought maybe he didn’t like it. But after some days, she began to wonder if he simply didn’t have enough money. One afternoon, she walked up to him and asked softly, “Why don’t you ever buy meat?” He looked up inside. “I don’t have the money.”

Her heart ached with pity. “You’re the gatekeeper, right?” she asked. He nodded. “Yes, I just started this job. Things are hard.” She swallowed hard. She knew what it meant to struggle. Her whole life had been the same. That night, she couldn’t stop thinking about the quiet gatekeeper who couldn’t afford a piece of meat.

The next day, when he came again, she secretly added one piece of meat to his plate. As she placed it in front of him, she whispered, “Don’t tell anyone.” He looked at the food in surprise, then at her. He picked up the meat and took a small bite. It tasted better than anything he had eaten in a long time. The next day, it happened again and again after that.

Every afternoon, she would quietly add a small piece of meat to his plate. Slowly, something began to change. He started looking forward to lunch, not just for the food, but to see her smile. She was different from any woman he had ever met.

One evening, when the shop was closing, he waited outside.

When Lily stepped out, he cleared his throat nervously. “I just wanted to say thank you,” he said quietly. “For everything.”

She laughed. “It’s only meat, Ethan.”

He shook his head. “It’s not just meat. It’s kindness.”

For a short moment, they just looked at each other. Then she smiled playfully. “Well, you can pay me back when you become a rich gatekeeper.”

He laughed, too, though her words touched something deep inside him. If only she knew who he really was.

That night, as he walked back to his small room, he felt something he hadn’t felt in years. That small act of kindness had changed everything. For the first time in his life, someone cared for him, not for his money, but for who he was.

The next day, Lily was in the kitchen carefully putting a small piece of meat into the gatekeeper’s food pack. She knew what she was doing was risky, but her heart wouldn’t let her stop. Ethan was struggling. He never asked her for anything, but she saw how he ate his plain rice every day without a word of complaint, and she couldn’t just watch in silence. As she covered the food and picked it up, ready to take it to him, Emily walked in.

Her sharp eyes immediately landed on the plate of food.
“Who are you going to serve that food to?” Emily asked, folding her arms suspiciously.

Lily paused, then said softly, “It’s for the gatekeeper. I feel sorry for him. Please don’t tell aunt.”

Emily’s eyes widened in shock. “That poor man? So he’s your boyfriend now? A poor gatekeeper? You’ve disgraced yourself.”

Lily quickly placed the tray down and grabbed Emily’s arm. “Emily, please don’t tell aunt. I beg you.”

Emily shook her off and laughed. “You think I will keep quiet? You are here stealing my mother’s meat for a man, and you think I won’t talk?”

Before Lily could stop her, she ran out of the kitchen, shouting at the top of her voice,
“Mother, mother, come and see what Lily is doing!”

Mrs. Carter stormed in, angry and loud.
“What’s going on here?”

Emily pointed at her cousin. “She’s been stealing your meat to feed that gatekeeper.”

The woman’s face tightened.
“Is that true?”

Lily opened her mouth to speak, but a hard slap landed across her cheek.

“You useless girl!” Mrs. Carter screamed. “You’re feeding a poor man while I’m the one feeding you!”

“Pick up that plate and follow me now.”

She dragged Lily out of the kitchen and headed straight to the estate gate.

The moment they arrived at the gate house, all the workers turned to stare. Ethan was busy checking visitor logs when he heard angry footsteps approaching. He looked up just in time to see Mrs. Carter storming toward him, dragging Lily behind her.

“Ethan!” she shouted.

Ethan stood up quickly, confused.
“Madam, what’s wrong?”

Mrs. Carter threw a rag at his feet, her face full of disgust.
“You are what’s wrong!” she yelled. “Didn’t I warn you to stay away from this girl? But instead, you are using her to steal from me.”

His face darkened.
“I didn’t steal anything, and I never asked her to.”

“Shut up!” she screamed. “You’re a lazy man looking for a woman to feed you. If I ever see you near my restaurant again or hear you talk to her, you’ll rot in jail.”

Lily’s eyes filled with tears.

He clenched his fists but stayed calm. He had never been insulted like that before. Yet he held his peace.

Turning to her, he spoke gently.
“Don’t cry. It’s fine.”

Mrs. Carter pulled Lily away, leaving him standing by the gate, silent and hurt.

That evening, when Mrs. Carter got home, she told her husband everything. Lily’s uncle was furious. The moment she stepped into the house, he removed his belt.

“Come here, Lily!” he shouted.

She stepped forward, already shaking.

The belt in his hand came down hard across her back.
“You’re too young for love. And of all people, you choose a poor man.”

Tears ran down her face.
“He’s not my boyfriend. I only helped him.”

He whipped her again.
“Liar! You’ve brought shame on this house!”

She cried out in pain while her aunt stood by watching.

“You’ve brought shame on my house. I’ll marry you off to Chief Robert.”

She cried out, “Please, no!”

“If I hear one more thing,” he warned, “you’ll go to his house tomorrow.”

That night, she lay on the cold floor, her back burning. Tears rolled down her face as she whispered,
“Mother, father, please help me.”

But no one answered.

A week had passed since the incident at the restaurant. Lily and Ethan had not seen or spoken to each other. Mrs. Carter watched Lily closely, making sure she did not go near the gate house.

One evening, when Mrs. Carter and Emily went to visit a relative, Lily saw an opportunity. She quickly left the house and hurried to the back of the estate where she knew Ethan usually rested after work.

When she arrived, she found him sitting on a bench looking lost in thought. When he saw her, his face brightened instantly.

“Lily,” he whispered with relief.

She smiled, tears already in her eyes.
“I’ve missed you.”

“I thought I’d never see you again,” he said, taking her hands.

“I couldn’t. I was being watched. I had to be careful.”

He nodded. “I understand. I’m just happy you’re here.”

They stood silently for a moment, staring at each other. Then he took a deep breath.

“I need to tell you something,” he said.

She nodded. “What is it?”

“I have loved you from the moment I saw you,” Ethan continued. “You are kind, strong, and different from any woman I have ever met. I don’t have much now, but one day I will give you the best life.”

“I want to marry you, Lily.”

Her lips parted, but no words came out. He waited nervously. Finally, she sighed and held his hands tighter.

“I love you too,” she whispered.

His smile grew wide.
“You do?”

“Yes,” she said. “But we should take things slowly. You’re still working hard to find your feet. Maybe when you’re more stable, then we can talk about marriage.”

He nodded slowly.
“You’re right. I’ll work for it. I’ll stand on my own first.”

She smiled through tears.
“And when that happens, I’ll be here.”

Hope filled his heart, but then his phone rang. He looked down, frowning.

“My landlord,” he muttered before answering.

She watched as his face changed.

When he ended the call, he looked worried.
“He wants his rent. I have a few days to pay or I’ll be thrown out.”

She felt a sharp pain.
“I wish I could help, but I don’t have any money.”

He touched her cheek gently.
“I know. Don’t worry. I’ll find a way.”

She looked up at him, proud of his calmness even in trouble.
“Things will get better,” she whispered.

Ethan smiled and touched her face.
“Of course. I know you don’t have money, my love. Don’t worry. I will borrow from a friend.”

She looked at him, feeling both sad and proud. She took his hands again.
“I just pray things get better for you soon.”

Ethan nodded.
“They will. I won’t give up.”

That evening, Lily sat on her small mattress, staring at the ceiling. She couldn’t stop thinking about Ethan, his worried face, his quiet strength. The thought of him being thrown out of his home filled her with fear.

She had to help somehow. She couldn’t just watch him suffer.

Her uncle was a wealthy man. He always had lots of money lying around the house. He would never notice if a small amount went missing.

The idea of taking it made her heart pound, but she told herself it was for a good reason.

She waited until the house was quiet. Mrs. Carter and Emily were gossiping outside and her uncle had gone drinking with his friends.

She tiptoed into his room, trembling with every step.

There on the table was a bundle of money wrapped with a rubber band. She grabbed a few notes, just enough to cover Ethan’s rent, and quickly hid them in her dress.

Her hands were shaking as she left the room.

The next morning, she left home early and hurried to the gate house. Looking around to make sure no one saw her, she walked up to him.

He smiled when he saw her.
“You came.”

She pulled him aside, her eyes darting around.
“I have something for you,” she whispered.

Reaching into her dress, she brought out the money.

He frowned.
“What is this?”

“It’s for your rent,” she said quickly. “Take it before your landlord throws you out.”

He stared at the money, then at her.
“Lily, where did you get this?”

She bit her lip. She didn’t want to lie to him.
“I took it from my uncle.”

His face changed.
“You stole it.”

She nodded, eyes down.

He pushed the money gently back toward her.
“I can’t take this,” he said firmly.

“Why?” she asked, feeling hurt.

“Because it’s not yours,” he replied. “Stealing is wrong, no matter the reason.”

Tears filled her eyes.
“I did it for you. I didn’t want you to suffer.”

He sighed deeply.
“I know, my love, but this isn’t the way. If they find out, what will happen to you?”

She turned away, silent.

He held her hands softly.
“Please go back and return it before anyone notices.”

Lily nodded weakly.
“I won’t do it again.”

He smiled a little.
“Good. Now go before someone sees you and you get into trouble.”

She walked away slowly, heart pounding.

She didn’t know that when she reached home, trouble would already be waiting.

Lily walked into the house trying to act normal. But as soon as she stepped into the sitting room, she froze.

Her uncle stood there with his belt in hand, his face dark with anger.

Her heart sank.

“Come here,” he ordered.

She stepped forward slowly, fear gripping her chest.

“I left money on the table last night. This morning, it disappeared. I have asked my wife. I have asked my daughter. Nobody took it.”

Lily’s legs felt weak.
“I don’t know.”

The slap came fast. Her face burned.

“Liar!” he roared, grabbing her roughly.

His hands searched her clothes until he pulled out the money.

The room fell silent.

His voice dropped, filled with disgust.
“So, it’s you, the orphan I took into my house. This is how you repay me?”

Lily fell to her knees, crying.
“Please, Uncle, I’m sorry.”

He did not let her finish. The belt cracked against her back again and again.

“You’re a disgrace. I should never have kept you.”

She screamed, tears mixing with pain. Her aunt stood by quietly, watching without pity.

Then he stopped suddenly, breathing hard.

“I’m done. You’ll be married to Chief Robert in 3 days. Maybe he’ll teach you discipline.”

Her eyes widened.
“No, please. I’ll do anything. Don’t do this to me. I promise I won’t steal again.”

He kicked her aside.

“I’ve spoken.”

He turned to his wife.
“Lock her up. She’s not leaving this house till her wedding day.”

She was dragged to her room. The door slammed and locked from outside.

“Please,” she cried, banging on the door. “Don’t do this.”

No one answered.

She fell to the floor, shaking.

In 3 days, she’d be given to a man old enough to be her grandfather.

There was no one to save her.

---

Three days had passed and Ethan had not seen Lily.

She didn’t come to the restaurant and didn’t come to see him at the gate house.

At first, he thought maybe she was busy. Maybe her aunt had given her extra work at the restaurant.

But by the second day, he knew something was wrong.

His heart was restless.

He couldn’t eat.

He couldn’t focus on work.

He had a bad feeling.

Had her uncle found out about them? Had they beaten her again?

Ethan couldn’t wait any longer.

He had to see her.

He left the gate house and went straight to her house.

The compound was quiet, too quiet.

Her uncle wasn’t in sight, and the older women were gone.

He went to the back of the house and called softly at her window.

“Lily.”

At first, there was silence.

Then a weak voice answered,
“Who’s there?”

“It’s me.”

The window creaked open.

Her eyes were swollen.

She looked weak, tired, broken.

Ethan held the window bars.

“What happened?” he asked quickly.

“They locked me in,” she whispered.

“Why?”

She hesitated, then said in a trembling voice,
“They’re forcing me to marry Chief Robert. The wedding is tomorrow.”

His chest tightened.

“Tomorrow?”

She nodded, crying.
“I don’t want to, but I can’t escape. They’ll kill me if I try.”

He gripped the window bars, his voice shaking.

“No. You’re not marrying anyone. I’ll stop this.”

She looked at him with fear and doubt.

“How? You have no money, no power. What can you do?”

He exhaled slowly.
“I’ll find a way. I promise you.”

Tears ran down her cheeks.
“I trust you.”

“Stay strong,” he whispered. “I’ll come for you.”

Before anyone could see him, he left quietly.

That night, he couldn’t sleep.

Every thought circled back to her—locked up, crying, helpless.

He stood by the window, fists clenched.

“This has gone too far.”

For months, he had hidden who he really was.

But not anymore.

It was time to reveal the truth.

Tomorrow, everyone would know who he really was.

Ethan Wellington, the billionaire.

And he would save the woman he loved.

Early the next morning, a shiny, expensive black car stopped in front of Lily’s house. The engine hummed softly as the doors opened. Ethan stepped out. He was no longer in his gatekeeper uniform. Instead, he wore a fine suit, clean shoes, and a gold wristwatch that sparkled in the sunlight. His look alone was enough to turn every head.

Lily’s uncle, who sat outside sipping tea, froze in shock. Mrs. Carter and Emily came out to see what was happening and both stopped in shock.

Emily gasped and whispered, “Mother, look.”

Ethan walked up to Lily’s uncle, his step steady and confident. When he reached the uncle, he stood tall and looked him straight in the eye.

“I came for Lily,” he said, his voice firm. “I want to marry her.”

The older man frowned and laughed harshly.
“You must be mad. Lily is marrying Chief Robert tomorrow. You came to stop it, but you’re wasting your time.”

Ethan’s tone stayed calm.
“I love her, and I want her as my wife. I’m not here to beg. I’m here to tell you that she belongs with me.”

Laughter filled the air. The uncle laughed until tears rolled down his face and the women joined him.

“Ethan,” the man said mockingly, “my wife and daughter have told me about you, the poor gatekeeper. I know you borrowed this car. You probably rented that suit, too. Stop embarrassing yourself.”

He stayed quiet, his face unreadable.

“You’re pretending to be rich,” the uncle continued. “But I know who you are. A poor man trying to trick me. Chief Robert has already paid the bride price. Leave before I call the police.”

Ethan gave a faint smile.
“Are you sure you know who you’re talking to?”

The uncle laughed louder.
“You foolish boy. You think I don’t know your game?”

He turned to his wife.
“Call the police. Let them arrest this idiot.”

Mrs. Carter hurried inside and made the call.

Minutes later, a police van arrived, sirens wailing. Four officers stepped out quickly.

The uncle crossed his arms and smirked.
“Now we’ll see who you really are.”

He pointed at Ethan.
“That’s him. Arrest this liar.”

But the moment the policemen saw the man standing there, their faces changed.

They stood straight and saluted.
“Good morning, sir,” one said quickly.

The uncle blinked in confusion.
“What are you doing? Arrest him.”

The officers looked uneasy. One of them stepped forward.
“Sir, who is the suspect?”

The uncle shouted,
“Are you blind? That man.”

The officer turned to Ethan.
“Sir, is that true?” he asked politely.

Ethan gave a small smile.
“Yes, I’m the one they called you to arrest.”

The officer shook his head immediately.
“That can’t happen, sir. You’re the commissioner’s son. We can’t arrest you, and you’ve done nothing wrong.”

The uncle’s mouth dropped open.

Mrs. Carter covered hers with her hand.

Emily stood frozen in shock.

Ethan stepped closer, his voice calm.
“I told you, you don’t know who I am.”

The officers saluted again.

One spoke softly.
“If this man is troubling you, sir, we can arrest him instead.”

Ethan waved a hand.
“No need. He’s already learned his lesson.”

They nodded, returned to their van, and drove away.

Silence filled the compound.

Then the uncle dropped to his knees.

“My son, please forgive me,” he cried, holding Ethan’s leg. “I didn’t know who you were. Please forgive me.”

Mrs. Carter knelt beside him, trembling.
“Please, sir, forgive us. We didn’t know.”

Emily stood still, unable to speak.

The uncle wiped sweat from his forehead.
“I’ll cancel everything with Chief Robert right now. Please forgive me. You can come with your people any time to marry her.”

Ethan smiled lightly.
“All right, no problem.”

The man ran inside to make the call.

Moments later, Lily rushed out from her room, tears running down her face. She ran into Ethan’s arms and held him tight.

“I thought I lost you,” she whispered.

He held her close.
“I told you I would come for you,” he said softly. “I love you, Lily.”

She smiled through her tears.
“And I love you too.”

He touched her cheek gently.
“I’ll return in two days with my family. Be ready.”

She nodded, joy shining in her eyes.

He kissed her hands, got into his car, and drove away.

Lily watched until the car disappeared from sight.

For the first time in a long while, she smiled freely.

She was finally safe, and soon she would be his forever.

Ethan drove into his large family compound, his heart heavy but firm. The grand mansion stood tall before him, surrounded by neat gardens and shiny cars. He knew the talk with his parents wouldn’t be easy, especially with his mother, but he was ready.

Inside the living room, Lady Eleanor Wellington sat on a soft sofa, sipping tea. Beside her, William Wellington read his newspaper quietly while slow classical music played in the background.

She smiled when she saw her son.
“Ethan, what a nice surprise. You rarely visit these days. Sit down. Let me get you something to drink.”

He didn’t sit.
“Mother, father, I came to talk about something important.”

His father put down the newspaper.
“Go on, my son.”

Ethan took a deep breath.
“I found the woman I want to marry. Her name is Lily.”

His mother’s smile vanished. She placed the teacup down.
“Who is she?”

“She’s the woman I love,” he said firmly. “I’ve already met her family, and in two days I want us to go and officially ask for her hand.”

Her face hardened.
“Where is she from? Who are her parents?”

He hesitated.
“She’s an orphan.”

Lady Eleanor gasped.
“An orphan? From what kind of background?”

“She grew up with her uncle and aunt,” he said calmly. “They didn’t treat her well, but she’s kind, humble, and hardworking.”

“Enough!” his mother snapped, raising her hand.
“I will never allow you to marry a poor, uneducated orphan girl. Never.”

Ethan clenched his fists.
“Mother, why does her past matter? I love her and she loves me. That’s what counts.”

She shook her head sharply.
“Love? Love doesn’t pay bills. You’re a billionaire’s son. You need a woman from a good home—rich, educated, with status—not a local girl who has nothing.”

His father had been quiet, watching both of them. Now he leaned back and spoke calmly.

“Let me ask you something, my dear wife.”

She frowned.
“What is it?”

“When I met you,” he said softly, “were you rich?”

“What kind of question is that?”

“Just answer me.”

She sighed.
“No, I wasn’t.”

“Did you go to the best schools?”

She looked away.
“No.”

“Did you have anything before I met you?”

After a pause, she whispered,
“No.”

Ethan watched quietly.

His father smiled faintly.
“When I met you, you were struggling. You had nothing. But I saw something in you. I helped you go to school, supported you, and turned you into the woman you are today.”

Lady Eleanor shifted in her seat.
“That’s different.”

“How?” her husband asked.
“Didn’t I marry you even though you were poor? Didn’t I believe in you?”

He continued calmly,
“Now you wear fine clothes and drive luxury cars, but you’ve forgotten where you came from.”

She sighed, frustrated.
“That’s not the same. I just want the best for my son.”

He leaned forward.
“And what if Lily is the best for him? What if she’s the one who will love him truly and stand by him? Will you stop your son from being happy because of money?”

She crossed her arms.
“I don’t care. My answer is still no. I will never allow that girl into this family.”

Ethan stood suddenly, his voice steady.
“Mother, whether you allow it or not, I’m marrying Lily. Nothing will change that.”

She gasped.
“Ethan, how dare you talk to me like this?”

“I’m speaking the truth,” he said firmly. “I’ve made my choice. Lily is the woman I love, and she will be my wife.”

Lady Eleanor rose angrily.
“You’ll regret this. I’m your mother, and I have the final say.”

William Wellington stood too.
“Ethan, don’t worry,” he said proudly. “I’m behind you.”

Ethan turned to him, his eyes soft.
“Thank you, father.”

He patted his son’s shoulder.
“In two days, we’ll go and bring your wife home. Let’s see who will stop us.”

His wife glared at both of them.
“Do whatever you want, but don’t expect me to welcome her into this house.”

Ethan nodded calmly.
“I don’t need your approval, mother. I only hoped for your blessing. But even without it, I’ll still marry her.”

He turned and walked away, leaving her speechless on the sofa.

His father smiled proudly.

In two days, they would bring Lily home—and no one, not even Lady Eleanor Wellington, would stand in their way.

Two days later, Ethan and his father arrived at Lily’s home, full of joy and readiness. This was the day he had waited for, the day he would take her home as his wife.

As they stepped out of the car, something didn’t feel right.

The compound was quiet, too quiet. No sound of chatter, no sign of Mrs. Carter or Emily, and the uncle, who was usually outside drinking tea, was nowhere to be seen.

Ethan frowned and glanced at his father.
“Something’s not right.”

William Wellington nodded.
“Let’s go inside.”

They walked to the door and knocked. After a moment, Lily’s uncle appeared.

His face looked tired and pale, his eyes red as if he had been crying.

“Good afternoon, sir,” Ethan said calmly. “We’re here as promised. I came with my father to take Lily home.”

The man sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping.
“I don’t know how to say this,” he began in a heavy voice. “But Lily is dead.”

Ethan froze. His heart stopped.

He blinked hard as if trying to make sense of what he’d heard.

William Wellington stepped forward.
“What did you say?”

“She died last night,” the man said quietly, lowering his head.

Ethan’s chest tightened.
“That’s not true. She wasn’t sick. How could she be dead?”

The uncle wiped his face and said,
“We found her lifeless in her room this morning. We had to bury her quickly, according to tradition.”

Ethan staggered back, feeling weak.

“No,” he whispered. “This can’t be happening.”

His father placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Calm down, son.”

Then he faced the uncle.
“If this is true, why didn’t you call my son? Why bury her so quickly?”

The man sighed again.
“We didn’t want to disturb him. He’s a busy man, and we didn’t want to give him bad news.”

Ethan stared at him, disbelief written all over his face.
“You didn’t want to disturb me? You think hiding my fiancée’s death is something small?”

He pulled out his phone and tried to call her number.

It was switched off.

His hands shook.

He couldn’t believe it.

Just two days ago, she was fine—smiling, talking.

How could she be gone?

Then the uncle cleared his throat and gave a small smile.

“Ethan, I know this hurts, but listen. Since Lily is gone, why don’t you marry my daughter, Emily?”

Ethan’s eyes shot up.
“What?”

“Emily is educated, beautiful, and refined,” the man continued quickly. “She will make a perfect wife for you.”

William Wellington looked at him in disgust.

Ethan took a deep breath, struggling to stay calm.
“You must be sick,” he said slowly. “Lily just died, and you’re already asking me to marry someone else.”

The man laughed nervously.
“Ethan, just think about it.”

Ethan cut him off, pointing a finger at him.
“If I don’t see Lily by tomorrow, you’ll regret ever knowing me.”

The uncle’s smile vanished instantly.

Ethan turned sharply and walked to the car.

His father followed silently.

They drove off, leaving the man standing outside.

The moment the car disappeared, the uncle rushed back inside, slamming the door.

His wife jumped up from her seat.
“How did it go?” she asked, fear in her eyes.

“We’re in trouble,” he said quickly. “Ethan didn’t believe me. He said if he doesn’t see Lily by tomorrow, I’ll regret it.”

Mrs. Carter gasped.
“What are we going to do?”

“We have to leave now,” he said firmly. “If he finds out what we did, we’re finished.”

Emily, who had been listening from the corner, stepped closer.
“Leave? Why? Where will we go?”

Her father turned sharply.
“Do you know who we’re dealing with? Ethan is the son of a billionaire commissioner of police.”

“If he finds out what we did, we’re finished.”

Mrs. Carter grabbed a bag.
“Then we must go quickly.”

They moved fast, throwing clothes and money into their bags.

Within minutes, they were outside.

Emily’s voice trembled.
“Are we really running away because of Ethan?”

Her father didn’t answer.

He looked around to make sure no one was watching, then waved them toward the car.

They got in and drove off, fear gripping their hearts.

Because deep down, they knew—he was coming back.

When Ethan and his father got home, their faces were filled with anger and pain. Ethan couldn’t think clearly. His heart was heavy, his mind spinning.

His mother noticed the tension.
“What happened?” she asked.

His father spoke first.
“They said Lily is dead.”

His mother froze.
“Dead? How? Was she ever sick?”

Ethan shook his head.
“No, mother. She was never sick. She was fine just two days ago.”

Lady Eleanor frowned deeply.
“Then how can she just die like that?”

“Mother, I don’t believe it,” Ethan said firmly. “They are lying. They buried her immediately without telling me.”

His father nodded.
“It’s a lie.”

“Then do something,” his mother said sharply.

Ethan picked up his phone and called the police.

Within an hour, officers arrived at the mansion. Ethan told them everything.

The story sounded strange to them too.

“Lily was fine just two days ago,” one officer said. “Then suddenly they say she is dead and buried without informing you.”

The police inspector nodded seriously.
“We will begin an investigation immediately.”

The officers went straight to Lily’s uncle’s house, but when they arrived, the house was empty.

The doors were locked, and the neighbors confirmed that the family had left in a hurry earlier that day.

The police immediately spread out—questioning locals, checking nearby towns, and tracing the family’s last movements.

After hours of searching, a security guard gave them a clue.

He reported seeing men carrying a tied-up girl into an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town.

Without wasting time, the police rushed to the location.

They arrived at the abandoned warehouse.

The area was quiet, surrounded by thick bushes and broken walls.

The team moved quickly, guns drawn, eyes sharp.

Two men stood at the entrance, smoking and laughing, unaware of the approaching danger.

Before they could react, the officers rushed them, forcing them to the ground.

“Where is the girl?” one officer shouted.

One kidnapper refused to speak, but the other, out of fear, pointed inside.

“She’s inside,” he stammered. “Please don’t kill us.”

Leaving a few officers to handle them, the rest rushed into the building.

Inside, the walls were covered in dust and cobwebs.

In the corner, Lily sat tied to a chair, her head slumped forward.

One officer rushed to her, gently tapping her shoulder.
“Ma’am, wake up. We are here to save you.”

Slowly, her eyes opened.

She was too weak to react at first.

Then she burst into tears.
“Please help me.”

Another officer quickly untied the ropes around her hands and feet.

As soon as she was free, her body collapsed forward, too weak to stand.

They lifted her gently, supporting her.

“You’re safe now,” one reassured her. “No one will hurt you again.”

Lily cried in relief.

For four days she had thought she would die, but now she was saved.

Outside, the kidnappers were already handcuffed and placed in the police van.

One sobbed.
“It was her uncle. He told us to do it. Please, I swear it wasn’t our idea.”

The officers ignored them.

The mission wasn’t complete.

They still had to find Lily’s uncle and bring him to justice.

They carefully placed Lily in the vehicle and sped toward the station.