So, imagine thisEdward, a proper English millionaire, is finally coming home after three months away on business. The trip back to London felt absolutely never-ending, but he couldnt even think of sleep. His mind was racing. Three solid months away. Ninety days of back-to-back meetings, endless negotiations, and those huge decisions that made him even richerbut at the cost of time with his daughter.
Work, the news, even his name splashed about in the City pages werent crossing his mind at all. He could only picture Sophiehis little girlrunning towards him in the grand marble hall of their house in Hampstead, arms flung out and laughter echoing. At Heathrow, hed grabbed a giant teddy bear for her, knowing it would make her whole face light up.
Just as hes caught up in his thoughts, the driver interrupts him, Mr. Clark, weve arrived.
When the gates swung open, something just felt off. There were no toys on the drive, not even the sound of giggles. Sophie wasnt there.
Inside, a chilly silence hung in the air, and best of all, the family portrait was missing from the wall. In its place, a massive painting of Victoria. Honestly, it gave him the creeps.
Margaret? he called out, hoping for the familiar comfort of his housekeeper.
She appeared, her eyes all red and puffy, and barely managed, Shes outside, sir.
Edwards heart nearly leaped out of his chest. He rushed through the kitchen, flung open the doors to the garden, and justhis whole world collapsed.
There, in the middle of the garden, under the punishing summer sun, little Sophie was struggling to drag a black rubbish sack, nearly bigger than she was. Her hands were shaking, her dress was filthy.
Not far away, Victoriahis partnersat sipping an iced coffee, utterly indifferent.
Sophie!
She dropped to her knees, panic in her eyes as she saw him. Daddy Im sorry Im almost finished please dont be cross
Edward darted over and hugged her tightly, his heart just breaking. What have they done to you, darling
But then Sophies answer floored him. He just stood there, stunned, not knowing what to say.
Sophie grabbed onto Edwards shirt, terrified hed vanish again. Her voice wobbled as she spoke.
Victoria says I have to help out she said spoiled children dont deserve to live here. She said if I work hard, maybe youll be proud of me
Edward felt the air rush out of his lungs. Work? Since when does a child have to earn their fathers love?
Sophie looked down at her shoes. She also said the reason you dont come home is me. That Im a burden. Thats why I tried to be helpful so youd want to come back.
Those words hit Edward harder than any sort of financial blow. He scooped Sophie up, just like he did when she was tiny.
Youre my world, Sophie. Do you understand? Nothingabsolutely nothingis more important than you.
With Sophie still clinging to him, he marched back inside. Victoria stood up quickly, shocked at the cold fury in his eyes.
Pack your bags. Right now.
His voice was deadly calm, final.
Then he turned to Margaret, Shell never set foot in this house again.
That evening, Edward cancelled every meeting, every trip. He sat on Sophies bed, holding her close, finally realising where true wealth liesnot in his bank accounts, but right in his arms.
