The soft glow of the dining room lights illuminated the cozy space as Emily and Mia sat at the table, enjoying their evening meal. The clinking of utensils against plates provided a comforting background melody to their conversation.
Emily was engrossed in a file filled with reports about the preparations for the orphanage's grand opening scheduled for the next day. She carefully reviewed each detail, ensuring that everything was in order. It was an endeavor close to her heart, one she had poured her energy into for days.
In the midst of her diligent perusal, Mia's innocent voice broke through her concentration. "Mommy, is it true that you won't like me anymore when you open the orphanage?"
Emily's head snapped up, surprise etched across her face. "What? Who told you that, sweetie?"
Mia hesitated for a moment, her gaze fixed on her plate, then finally looked up at Emily with wide, curious eyes. "Some of my friends online were talking, and they said that when you open the orphanage, you won't have time for me anymore."
Emily's heart sank at the thought that mia had been troubled by such rumors. She quickly put the file aside and reached across the table to hold Mia's tiny hand. "Oh, darling, that's not true at all. I love you more than anything in the world, and nothing will ever change that."
Mia's face brightened, and a radiant smile spread across her features. "Really, Mommy?"
"Absolutely," Emily affirmed. "The orphanage is a place where we can share our love with more children and help them find friends and families. It doesn't mean I'll stop loving you. You'll always be my special little girl."
Mia's eyes sparkled with newfound joy. "So, I'll have new friends to play with?"
Emily nodded, relieved that she had reassured her daughter. "Yes, sweetheart. You'll have lots of new friends to talk to and play with. It's going to be so much fun!"
Mia couldn't contain her excitement any longer and began to celebrate, clapping her hands and giggling. "Yay! New friends! Thank you, Mommy!"
As Emily watched Mia's joy-filled antics, her heart swelled with love. She knew that the path she had chosen, opening the orphanage, was the right one as she had always loved kids but Her love for Mia remained unshakable, and together, they would embrace this new chapter in their lives, filled with love, friendship, and boundless possibilities even though it was a contract marriage.