*Orphanage visit*
1282 Words
Troy shrugged, squeezing Zoe’s hand. “I’m good, Aunt Suzie. I loved your daughter when I first saw her at their graduation. Plus, Heiley is cool with it, and Zoe loves me. That’s what matters.”
Heiley nodded emphatically. “Seriously, I’m happy for them. They’re great together.”
Suzie's expression tightened. “But still, it's so fast for them to be together. Even if you are happy for them. It's a bit early. Anyway, let’s have a seat. Dinner’s ready.” She decided to let it be for now.
The tension broke, and they headed in for dinner. Zoe shot Heiley a grateful look. They all sat down, and it was chill after that.
As they dug in, Zoe’s mom asked, “So, Heiley, how’s life been? What’ve you been up to?”
Heiley smiled. “Just work stuff, Aunt Suzie. Been keeping busy.”
The dinner conversation flowed, everyone was laughing.
The evening wrapped up. Heiley pushed back her chair. “Aunt Suzie, dinner was amazing. Thanks so much.”
Zoe’s mom smiled warmly. “Anytime, sweetie. You know that.”
Troy stood up too. “Yeah, thanks for having me, Aunt Suzie.”
Zoe walked them out. “I’ll walk you guys to the door.”
In the hallway, Heiley hugged Zoe. “Thanks for dinner, Zo. Text me later.”
Troy leaned in, kissed Zoe softly, and whispered something in her ear. Zoe smiled.
Heiley grinned, heading out. “Troy, I’m waiting in the car. You guys enjoy your moment.”
They slipped into the night, leaving Zoe smiling at the door.
---
They pulled up to Baldwin mansion, the driveway lights casting a warm glow. As they stepped out, Nancy appeared at the door.
“Need anything, Miss? Drinks, snacks?” Nancy asked, smiling.
Heiley shook her head. “No, Nancy, we’re good. Thanks.”
Troy added, “Yeah, thanks, Nancy.”
Heiley turned to Nancy. “Is Troy’s room set?”
Nancy nodded. “Everything’s ready, Troy. As usual.”
Troy smiled. “Thanks, Nancy. Appreciate it.”
Heiley rolled her eyes. “You know where it is, Troy.”
Troy chuckled. “Yeah, I do.”
Heiley headed upstairs toward her dad’s bedroom. “Night, Troy.”
Troy nodded, veering off to his room. “Night, Heils.”
Heiley knocked softly on her dad’s door, then poked her head in. Her dad was reading in bed.
“Dad, just got back. Gonna rest. I wanted to check on you before bed. Can we talk, daddy?”
Her dad looked up, smiled. “Sure, princess. Come in.”
Heiley sat beside her dad. "Daddy, I know you want what's good for me. Plus don't let those board members get under your skin that I can't take over the company if I am not married. I will prove them wrong on Friday, especially that Mr. Edward is the biggest problem. You don't have to worry yourself. This is mom and your legacy. I will not let it be affected because we called off the engagement."
Harris pulled her into his embrace. "I'm proud of you, dear. You never gave me a reason to doubt your capabilities of taking the company to the next level. You should get some rest. It's late. Good night, princess. I love you."
Heiley smiled, pulling out from his embrace. “Good night, Dad. Love you too.” She left to her bedroom.
Heiley slipped into her room, changed into PJs, and collapsed onto bed. As she drifted off, her phone buzzed.
Zoe’s message popped up. “Hey, made it home okay?”
Heiley smiled, typing back. “Yep. We reached safely.”
Zoe replied instantly. “Okay then, good night, Heils.”
Heiley grinned, phone off, lights out. Night.
---
Morning broke warm. Heiley, Troy, and her dad drifted downstairs to the kitchen. Nancy had breakfast ready — fluffy pancakes, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit.
Nancy smiled. “Morning, everyone! Help yourselves.”
Heiley’s dad nodded. “Morning, Nancy. Smells great.”
Heiley plopped into a chair. “Morning.”
Troy grabbed a plate. “Thanks, Nancy.”
Nancy beamed. The breakfast chatter turned nostalgic. Heiley’s dad mentioned the old days, and Heiley’s eyes lit up.
“Hey, Troy! Remember when we’d go to the orphanage with Dad and Mom?”
Troy smiled. “How could I forget? You’d always bring cookies for everyone and tell them if you grow up you’ll adopt them all.”
Heiley’s dad chuckled. “And you’d both try to do the kids’ prank shows.”
Heiley grinned mischievously. “Time to bring back the fun. How about we go today?”
Troy nodded. “Definitely. Let’s pay them a visit.”
Nancy jumped in. “I will pack snacks for the kids. Tell me if you need something.”
Heiley’s dad smiled. “That’s great, Nancy. You and Martha always visited on Sundays. I’m sure you know what’s needed.” Nancy nodded and went to prepare snacks.
The plan was set. Heiley and Troy finished breakfast, then headed out with Nancy’s packed bags. They stopped at the mall, buying toys and board games for the kids.
As they drove, Heiley grinned back at the food containers. “Mom and Nancy’s treats always make their day.”
Troy smiled. “I wish Aunt Martha was here.”
They arrived at the orphanage, greeted by excited kids and smiling caregivers. Heiley and Troy jumped into the fun — playing games, handing out snacks, toys, board games.
One little girl tugged Heiley’s hand. “Story time!”
Heiley smiled. “Okay! Which story?”
The girl picked “The Magic Tree. We want to complete the last chapter. Aunt Martha did not complete it.”
Heiley read and the kids listened carefully. “The little boy sat on the magic tree crying, ‘I lost everything. My family. I wish everything could go back.’ The magic tree whispered, ‘Don’t worry, little one. I will grant your wish.’ The boy was scared. ‘Who’s there?’ he asked, trembling. The tree answered, ‘I’m the magic tree. Just close your eyes. I will make your wish come true.’ The boy closed his eyes. When he opened them, he was in his room. His mom tugging him to wake up...” The story ended. The kids were excited. The little girl asked, “Can the magic tree help me find my parents?”
Troy pulled out paints, avoiding the question. “Art time!” The kids bounced up and down.
Troy got messy with paints, kids giggling as they splattered colors. “Look! We’re making a rainbow explosion!”
Heiley stepped into the director’s office, jazz music floating in the air. The director smiled warmly.
“Heiley, great to see you! The kids love when you visit.”
Heiley smiled. “I love coming. They bring so much joy.”
The director’s expression turned gentle. “The kids miss Martha. They’d look forward to Sundays when she’d visit.”
Heiley’s smile softened. “I’ll come more often. Promise, just like my mom.”
The director nodded. “They’d love that.”
Heiley’s phone buzzed in her pocket. Her PA's number.
Text: Baldwin Board. Emergency vote Friday 9 am. Per the by-laws, unmarried heirs forfeit CEO role. Mr. Edward motions to liquidate if you’re not engaged to Troy by vote. Your mother’s design vault opens to bidders at noon.
Heiley’s blood went cold. Friday. Mom’s designs. _That old man really got to my nerves._
Troy noticed her face. “Heils? You okay?”
She forced a smile for the kids. “Yeah. Just... work stuff.” But her hands tightened around the phone.
- Writer
