Noticing that after her mother-in-law’s visit to the cottage, the dog was growling at the garden beds, Emily, amidst her husband’s chuckles, decided to weed them. But digging deeper, she froze in shock at what she uncovered… 

Leaving the café, they resumed searching. Emily wandered from the main group, walking along the riverbank. She felt Ethan was near.

Her intuition guided her. As a teacher, she knew finding a child in a big city was like finding a needle in a haystack. Then she saw it.

In the murky river, a child was struggling. It was Ethan. Emily dove in without hesitation.

The cold water shocked her, slowing her movements. She swam against the current pulling her away. Ethan was unconscious…

His small body flailed helplessly. Emily grabbed him and fought toward the shore. Reaching land was grueling.

Her muscles ached. She felt she couldn’t go on. But she pushed, thinking only of saving Ethan.

Finally, she dragged him onto the bank. Daniel ran up, pale and terrified. Ethan wasn’t breathing.

Emily began CPR, blowing air into his lungs, praying he’d wake. Suddenly, he coughed, spitting out water.

Emily collapsed beside him, relieved.
“Ethan! My boy!” Daniel cried, hugging him.
Emily watched, her strength fading.

She knew it ended well; Ethan was safe.
“Mrs. Emily, you saved me?” Ethan whispered weakly.
“I just did what anyone would,” she replied softly, closing her eyes.

She lay on the damp ground, staring at the gray sky, feeling both fulfilled and empty. When the ambulance arrived, they were taken to the hospital. Ethan was fine, just scared.

Emily had hypothermia. In the hospital, Daniel stayed by his son’s side. When Ethan recovered, he called for Emily from the hallway.
“Why did you do it, Ethan?” she asked quietly, entering his room.
He looked down.
“I wanted it to stop. I don’t want to live with Sarah, and Dad doesn’t get it, so I ran. I tried to cross the river on a raft, like in movies, but the water dropped, and you found me.”
Emily hugged him.
“Ethan, your dad loves you, he just doesn’t know how to show it. I’ll always help you.”
Daniel entered and took her hand.
“Emily, I can’t thank you enough. You saved my son and opened my eyes. I was blind, lost in work, forgetting what matters—my son. I’ll fire Sarah and be a better father.”
Emily saw sincerity and hope in his eyes.

A week later, Emily and Daniel grew closer, caring for Ethan and helping him heal. Meanwhile, Emily prepared for her divorce.

Daniel, with his medical connections, recommended a skilled lawyer and covered the costs.
“I want you to get what you deserve in the divorce.”
Emily didn’t want James’s money, only the cottage, her sanctuary.

The divorce was long and tough. James fought to keep the cottage, but Daniel and the lawyer protected Emily’s rights. She was anxious, but Daniel’s support kept her strong.

The courtroom was heavy with tension. Emily sat upright, hiding her nerves…