Not True Generosity, Just No Point in Saying No

Three years ago, Ethan Blackwood took off on a private helicopter, only for it to crash into the ocean under mysterious circumstances. Rescue teams scoured the sea for over two weeks, recovering little more than wreckage and a few crew members’ remains. With no sign of Ethan’s body in the vast waters, survival seemed impossible, and the Blackwood family reluctantly declared him dead. Unbelievably, on the day of the crash, a gravely injured Ethan was rescued by John and his daughter Anna, who were out fishing near a remote island. They brought him back to Amoi Island, a backward place with spotty communication and transportation, leaving news of his survival delayed for years.

John settled Ethan into their home and called in a local healer to tend to him. Thankfully, Ethan’s robust health pulled him through after a month and a half of recovery. But his memory was gone—he couldn’t recall who he was and fell into a routine of helping out, practically becoming part of the family. John was impressed with his work ethic and nicknamed him Jack, treating him like a future son-in-law. He even taught him woodworking and fishing skills to help him thrive on the island. Six months ago, John fell ill, and on his deathbed, he gripped Ethan’s hand, pleading with him to look after Anna. A few months later, Ethan ventured off the island for trade, and his identity was quickly recognized by those he met—a story Sophia pieced together from his account, seasoned with her own take on human nature.

According to Ethan’s version, John and Anna had simply saved him out of kindness. Fair enough—without them, who knows if he’d have lasted until rescue arrived. Sophia grabbed Anna’s hand with a warm smile. “Anna, thank you for saving Ethan. You’re not just his lifeline but mine, the baby’s, and the entire Blackwood family’s.”

The mention of “baby” pricked something in Anna’s chest. She yanked her hand back. “Don’t thank me—I didn’t save him for anyone’s sake.”

Sophia’s hands hovered awkwardly before she pursed her lips and lowered them. Victoria stepped in to smooth things over. “Sophia’s right—you’re a blessing to the Blackwood family.”

“Whatever you need, just say it. We’ll do our best to make it happen.”

Anna shook her head. “My dad’s gone, Ethan’s found his family, and I’m on my own now. I don’t want for anything.”

“Then why not stay with us for now? We can figure everything out later,” Victoria suggested. Without waiting for a response, she turned to the butler. “Get a room ready for Anna—have the nanny clean it up.”

Panicked, Anna blurted, “I don’t want to stay here! I… I want to be with Ethan.”

She’d picked up from their chatter that Ethan wouldn’t be living here. Desperate not to be separated, she turned her wide, pleading eyes to him. “Ethan, can I stay with you?”

Ethan finally spoke. “Mom, with John gone and Anna new to the mainland, she might feel lost in a strange place. I’d like to keep her close until she adjusts, then we can sort something out.”

Victoria’s gaze darted between her son and Sophia, a hint of reluctance in her expression. After a pause, Sophia chimed in, playing the understanding card. “Ethan’s got a point—having Anna stay with us makes sense, and honestly, I really like her.”

It wasn’t true generosity; she knew refusing was pointless. Victoria might back her publicly, but deep down, she wanted Sophia to agree willingly. Might as well go with the flow and score some points with Ethan. Sure enough, as soon as she spoke, Ethan flashed her a grateful look. Victoria nodded approvingly. “I’m glad you see it that way.”

Ha, just as she thought. Sophia smirked to herself.

**

In a sleek, standalone villa downtown, Sophia took charge like the lady of the house. “Butler, show her to the east wing guest room to rest.”

That room was a good ten-minute walk from the main living areas—a deliberate choice to keep her distance. “Yes, ma’am,” the butler replied, nodding toward Anna. “Miss, please follow me.”

Overwhelmed by the grandeur of the mansion, Anna glanced at Ethan for reassurance. “Ethan…”

He gave her a calming look. “Go on, you’ve had a long day.”

Her tension melted away. “Okay, I’ll go then.”

“Bye-bye,” she said, waving with big eyes, turning back every few steps.

Sophia watched the scene unfold, her smile tight but polite. Once Anna’s figure vanished down the hall, she stepped forward and casually looped her arm through Ethan’s. “Ethan, let’s go check on the baby—he’s adorable and looks just like you.”

Her whole demeanor softened at the mention of the child. Ethan tensed for a split second, then pulled his arm free with a faint breeze. Sophia’s hand hung in the air before she slowly withdrew it.

The second rejection of the day—first Anna, now him. What was she, some kind of monster? Still, the show had to go on. She dropped her gaze. “Sorry, did I startle you?”

“No, I just don’t take well to strangers getting too close,” he said, his voice low and distant.

“Strangers?” Sophia echoed, her shoulders slumping as if wounded.

Ethan averted his eyes. “Didn’t you mention the baby?”

Seeing he wasn’t about to comfort her, she quickly masked her hurt. “Yeah, let’s go.”

They walked to the nursery, keeping a half-meter gap between them. Sophia eased the door open. Inside, the nanny’s playful voice mingled with the baby’s giggles. “Buddy, Mommy’s home,” she said tenderly.

The little one’s full name was Liam Blackwood, but everyone called him “Buddy,” a spirited two-and-a-half-year-old. “Mommy!” he chirped, his voice bright and clear.

He threw his arms open, his tiny feet pattering toward her, utterly adorable, with the nanny trailing close behind. Sophia crouched with a laugh, scooping him into a hug and planting a gentle kiss on his forehead. “Buddy, did you miss Mommy?”

Tilting up his rosy face, he cooed, “Yes, Buddy missed you lots!”

Ethan stood back, taking in the heartwarming scene.