Adrian drove Zara to the orphanage, the streets quiet under the glow of streetlights. It was late, and the city had grown still.
“Okay,” Adrian said as they pulled up. “You’ll be picking him up from here until you can get a nanny. That’s it.”
Junior bounced lightly in his seat. “Bye!” he called cheerfully.
Zara leaned down and waved at the little boy. “Good night, Junior. Be good, alright?”
Junior waved back enthusiastically, his small smile brightening her heart despite the exhaustion of the day.
Adrian watched the exchange, his voice soft but filled with gratitude. “Thank you… Zara.”
Zara gave a small smile, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s nothing,” she said, though the quiet satisfaction in helping someone else warmed her more than she expected.
Zara stepped out o
