Chapter 3 The Little Girl

Dustin’s vast private island was still beautifully maintained. Several guards and servants had been assigned to the island and were there to welcome Jacob upon his arrival.

Jacob stepped down from the helicopter, his feet slowly touching the soft grass beneath him. The sea breeze swept across his face, carrying the salty scent of the ocean and stirring bitter memories in his heart. A servant greeted him politely, took his suitcase, and guided him toward the room that had been prepared for him.

Jacob gazed at the mansion from a distance. The magnificent building, with its classic colonial touches, was still perfectly maintained, but to him, the place now held memories that existed only as shadows.

He was supposed to have come here with Anastasya. They were supposed to create happy memories together. But reality had said otherwise. The woman he loved was gone, leaving behind an emptiness that could never be replaced.

“Sir, allow me to show you to your room,” the servant said, breaking Jacob from his thoughts.

Without a word, Jacob nodded and followed the servant toward the room that felt unfamiliar despite having stayed there many times in the past. Much had changed since his last visit. The room was brighter, with new furnishings that gave it a fresh atmosphere.

“How many people work here?” Jacob asked flatly, his voice quiet but authoritative.

“Six people, sir. Three work on the farm, and the other three take care of the mansion,” the servant replied.

Jacob merely nodded before gesturing for the servant to leave. Once the door closed, he stepped outside in search of fresh air and somewhere to calm his mind. His feet carried him to a gazebo on the edge of a cliff overlooking the vast sea. The afternoon breeze swept through his hair, bringing him a moment of peace he had not felt since losing Anastasya.

“You should be here with me,” he murmured, his voice nearly drowned out by the crashing waves. He closed his eyes, allowing those beautiful yet painful memories to wash over him. “I still can’t believe you’re gone so soon.”

Jacob sat there in silence, letting time pass without caring how long it took. The sky had begun to darken by the time he returned to the mansion. A servant served him a simple dinner, but he ate with his mind elsewhere. Afterward, he went to the balcony of his room and sat there, staring into the darkness of the night, which seemed to mirror the emptiness in his heart.

“Why does it feel like this never gets any easier?” he thought, his hand resting against his heavy chest. Losing Anastasya and their unborn child felt like a hole that continued to grow larger.

_

The following morning, Jacob decided to take a walk through the garden. The morning air was fresh, and dew still clung to the leaves. He hoped the beauty of the morning would ease the sadness in his heart, even if only a little. However, his steps came to a halt when his ears caught the sound of cheerful laughter in the distance, almost as though it were mocking him.

He tilted his head, searching for the source of the laughter. Not far from where he stood, a young girl was running around in a white nightdress, chasing a small rabbit that hopped through the grass. Her face was filled with pure happiness, and her carefree laughter echoed through the morning air.

Jacob watched her from a distance, confused yet intrigued. “How can there be a child on this island?” he wondered.

Still, he made no attempt to stop the girl. He simply stood there, observing the simple joy radiating from her small face.

The girl finally caught the little rabbit and hugged it tightly, laughing with satisfaction. Her short hair was tousled, but it did nothing to diminish the brightness in her eyes. Watching her, Jacob felt something strike deep within his heart. He envied the carefree happiness that seemed to come so effortlessly to her.

When he returned to the mansion for breakfast, Jacob asked the servant, “Who is that little girl outside?”

The servant, who was arranging the food, turned toward him and hesitated before answering. “Her name is Luna, sir. I’m sorry if her presence bothers you.”

Jacob frowned. “Is she your daughter?”

“No, sir. Luna was abandoned by her parents. Her family refused to acknowledge her. Two years ago, when I started working here, I brought her with me. Mr. Dustin gave me permission to let her stay.”

Jacob fell silent, thinking about the story. That cheerful little girl was apparently carrying a deeper wound than anyone could see.

“If her presence makes you uncomfortable, I can ask her to...”

“No need,” Jacob interrupted, his voice gentle but firm. “Let her play. She’s still a child. How old is she?”

“Sixteen, sir,” the servant replied.

Jacob gave a small nod. “All right. Make sure she isn’t disturbed.”

A few hours later, as Jacob stepped out of the library, he accidentally crossed paths with Luna, who had just run in from the garden. The girl collided with him, her small body bouncing backward before she landed in a seated position on the floor. Jacob simply stood there, watching as she hurriedly got back to her feet.

Luna looked up, her eyes widening in surprise. “Who are you? Why are you here?” she asked quickly.

Jacob silently studied the girl. Luna was much smaller than she had appeared from a distance. Her short hair fell to her neck, and her round eyes had green irises.

After a long pause, Jacob replied, “I’m the owner of this place. What are you doing here?” he said coldly.

Luna’s expression immediately changed. She lowered her head deeply, her voice soft. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

Without waiting for a response, the girl turned and hurried away, leaving Jacob standing there in confusion.

Jacob watched her small figure disappear behind the door.

“Am I really that frightening?” he murmured.