From Orphan To Beloved

Synopsis

The rich couple had arrived at the orphanage to choose a child. Every kid pushed forward, desperate for their attention. All but me—I stepped back into the shadows and watched. Jenna Grant snatched the drawing I'd made earlier, clutched it tight, and shoved her way to the front of the crowd. The moment the couple laid eyes on her, she had them. "Hello, I drew this family portrait," she said, holding it up with practiced sweetness. Her voice was honeyed, her smile rehearsed. "Ever since I saw you, ma'am, I've thought you looked just like the mother I've always imagined." The wealthy pair didn't hesitate. They wrapped her in an embrace, their faces soft with instant affection. Before disappearing into their arms, Jenna turned her head just enough to shoot me a victorious, gloating glance. I didn't react. Not until my gaze drifted past her, catching sight of someone lingering quietly along—a middle-aged man. He seemed to notice my stare, hesitated for a long moment, and then slowly walked over to where I stood apart. Lowering himself to one knee, he looked right at me, his voice gentle and tentative. "Hey, kid. Wanna come home with me? We just made a fresh batch of cinnamon rolls. They're still warm." My throat tightened. The tears I'd held back welled up, and all I could manage was a small, silent nod. In my previous life, it was the rich couple who had taken me in. And in the end, they were the reason I'd died alone in a desolate place. My last full meal before that—the last time I'd truly felt fed—had been given to me by this man.