A 19-year-old girl was left all alone when, right after her father’s funeral, her stepmother kicked her out of the house …

Weeks passed. Tracy grew more confident as a leader. She proposed several ideas to optimize the company’s work, all unanimously approved by the staff.

Her idea to hold a charity event, free repairs at a children’s home, sparked real enthusiasm among the team and improved the company’s image in the city. Miranda continued her intrigues, but now they didn’t affect Tracy as much. She had learned to resist her stepmother’s manipulations and firmly stand her ground.

One evening, as they were returning from an important meeting with investors, Charles unexpectedly suggested, Maybe we should go out for dinner? It’s been a tough day, and I know a great place nearby. Tracy looked at him in surprise. In all the months they had known each other, Charles had never made such an offer.

I’d love to, she replied, feeling her cheeks blush slightly. The restaurant was small and cozy, with dim lighting and live music. Charles was clearly a regular.

The waitstaff greeted him warmly. I sometimes come here for dinner after work, he explained, noticing Tracy’s surprised look. The food is great, and it’s almost never noisy.

During dinner, for the first time they talked about something other than work. Charles shared stories about his childhood in a small provincial town, his teacher parents, and how he dreamed of becoming a lawyer since participating in a school legal Olympiad. Tracy shared memories of her mother, who died when she was only eight, and how her father raised her alone, trying to be both parents.

You know, she said when dessert was served, I never used to be interested in my father’s business. I thought it wasn’t for me, that I’d do something completely different. Now I realize how much I missed.

We could have spent more time together if I had shared his interests. Don’t blame yourself, Charles said softly. You were young, you had your own life, and your father understood that.

He never pressured you, did he? No, never, Tracy smiled. He supported all my hobbies. When I wanted to become a ballerina, he took me to dance classes.

When I got inspired to become an artist, he bought expensive paints and canvases. When I decided to study economics, he didn’t object, although I think deep down he hoped I’d join his business. And now you’re here, continuing his work, Charles smiled.

He would be proud of you, Tracy. She looked at Charles and suddenly realized that for the first time in a long while, she felt truly happy. Despite all the difficulties, despite the loss of her father and the stepmother’s schemes, a person had appeared in her life with whom she wanted to be herself.

Charles, she gathered courage, may I ask you a personal question? Of course, he nodded. Why aren’t you married? How old are you now? 32, he smiled. Not married because I haven’t met the one I want to spend my life with.

He hesitated. I thought he just hadn’t met anyone, but now I wasn’t so sure. Their eyes met, and Tracy felt her heart skip a beat.

Could he really mean me? She thought. Charles took her hand in his. I’ve wanted to say this for a long time.

I like you very much, and not just as a client or colleague. I understand that now might not be the best time for such confessions given everything happening in your life. It’s the best time, Tracy interrupted, squeezing his hand in response.

I like you very much too, Charles, and I don’t know what I would have done all these months without your support. He smiled, and his eyes shone with such warmth that Tracy was breathless. Then maybe we can stop using formal you with each other? He suggested.

With pleasure, Tracy laughed. After dinner, Charles walked her home. At the entrance, he stopped hesitantly.

May I invite you on a real date? This weekend, for example. You may, Tracy nodded, feeling her cheeks flush again. I would be very happy…