Chapter 10 - Where Dads Are Found
Six months later.
The high glass atrium of Quantum Enterprises was flooded with warm, golden summer light.
The once cold, sterile corporate lobby had undergone a breathtaking transformation. Green hanging gardens draped gracefully from the upper balconies, comfortable velvet seating areas lined the perimeter, and near the central marble fountain stood a beautiful bronze plaque reading: The Vance Research & Pediatric Health Center.
At 12:00 PM, the grand revolving doors pushed open.
Walking through the doors was Sarah Vance—looking radiant, healthy, and stunningly beautiful in a cream silk blouse and tailored trousers. She was now the Chief Innovation Officer of Quantum Enterprises, leading a hundred-million-dollar medical research division that was already saving thousands of lives across the country.
Walking on either side of her were Mia and Maya.
They were dressed in matching summer sun-dresses—Mia in yellow, Maya in blue—their curly brown hair shining under the sunlight, their cheeks pink and healthy, their laughter echoing delightfully across the wide floor.
When the girls saw the executive elevator doors open at the back of the lobby, they released their mother's hands and squealed in pure joy.
"Daddy!" they shouted in unison.
Wesley Davis stepped out of the elevator.
He wore a dark blue suit, but the moment he saw the girls, the formidable, billion-dollar CEO vanished entirely. A brilliant, warmth-filled smile broke across his face as he dropped to both knees on the polished marble floor.
Mia and Maya sprinted across the lobby, their small sandals clicking happily against the stone, throwing themselves into his broad arms.
Wesley caught them effortlessly, pulling them tight against his chest, lifting them into the air as they dissolved into giggles, kissing their cheeks.
"Look, Daddy!" Maya laughed, pointing to her hair. "Mama bought us matching silk bows!"
"I see them," Wesley smiled softly, setting them down gently while keeping his hands resting lovingly on their shoulders. "You two look like absolute princesses."
Sarah walked up to them, a tender, radiant smile gracing her lips. She reached out, adjusting Wesley’s tie, her fingers lingering against his chest.
"Are you ready for lunch, Mr. Davis?" she teased softly.
"I’m always ready for lunch with my family," Wesley whispered, taking Sarah’s hand, his fingers intertwining with hers.
They walked together toward the lobby exit—Wesley holding Sarah’s hand on one side, Mia and Maya holding his other hand, swinging their little arms between them.
As they reached the revolving doors, little Mia stopped, turned her head back, and looked at the grand forty-foot glass atrium where she had stood six months ago, cold, terrified, and holding a plastic bag of stale crackers.
She looked up at Wesley, her emerald-green eyes shining with absolute, unshakeable trust.
"Daddy?" Mia asked softly.
"Yes, my sweet bird?" Wesley asked, looking down at her.
"Do you remember when I asked if they sold dads upstairs?"
Wesley stopped, kneeling down beside her, wiping a stray lock of brown hair from her forehead. "I remember every word, Mia."
Mia wrapped her tiny arms around his neck, pressing her warm cheek against his.
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"I'm glad they don't sell them," she whispered into his ear. "Because nobody could ever buy a dad as good as you."
Wesley closed his eyes, holding his daughter tight against his heart, feeling the final lingering shadow of his lonely past dissolve into the bright, endless sunshine of his new life.
