and forcing him to confront decisions he had avoided for far too long. The air of his penthouse felt suffocating, the opulence around him a stark reminder of the emptiness he now felt. Richard paced the expansive living room, his mind a swirl of confusion and regret. He had to find answers, to understand how Elena’s life had unfolded and what role, if any, he could now play.
The following day, driven by a newfound determination, Richard set out to uncover the truth. He instructed his assistant to find any information about Elena Moore and her family. Hours turned into days as he impatiently awaited news. Eventually, a file landed on his desk, containing sparse details about Elena and her daughter. It turned out that Elena had passed away a few years earlier, leaving behind her daughter, Lily, in the care of a struggling aunt.
The report was a gut punch. Richard felt a profound sorrow for the loss of the woman he once loved and concern for the young girl shouldering so much at such a tender age. Richard realized he couldn’t change the past, but perhaps he could influence the future. The thought sparked a sense of purpose he hadn’t felt in years.
