Gael stepped on the gas pedal and drove away.

In the rearview mirror, Carter stood holding Ansley and watching Gael's car until they could no longer see him. Only then did Ansley look up at her father and hand him the little teddy bear. She said, "There’s money inside the bear."

Carter was a bit surprised. Ansley unzipped the back of the bear and pulled out a bank card. She told Carter there were 20 million dollars on it, and the password was her birthday. She also told him that Gael had given it to her.

Carter held the bank card as his tears fell. He wasn’t greedy, but he knew deep down that Ansley’s future would be secure with this money. He felt like a failed father, but Gael had given her a bright future.

Carter held Ansley as they boarded the ship bound for Singalune, bathing in the morning light. The sound of the ferry’s whistle echoed, marking the beginning of their new life.

…

Gael didn’t return to the villa. As far as he was concerned, the villa that held shared memorie