It was an ordinary workday. Steven walked his usual route, tapping the rails. He was a trackman. He didn’t love his job, but he did it conscientiously, never cutting corners—that was just his nature. Suddenly, a train’s whistle sounded in the distance. Steven instinctively moved to step off the tracks, but then, to his horror, he spotted a human figure lying motionless on the rails ahead. Panic-stricken, he gauged the distance with a practiced eye and sprinted toward the body, shouting loudly to get their attention:
— Hey, can you hear me? Get off the tracks now! There’s a train coming! — he ran, waving his arms frantically.
As he got closer, he realized it was a young woman. She lay completely still, arms spread out, staring blankly at the sky with glassy eyes.
— Miss, don’t you hear me?! Are you okay? Get up, now!
The train was dangerously close. The engineer slammed on the brakes upon seeing the figure and kept sounding the horn. But the train’s momentum kept it hurtling forward…
Mere fractions of a second separated the woman from death when Steven yanked her toward him with all his strength, tumbling with her down the embankment…
Coming to his senses, Steven shook the woman as if she were a rag doll, yelling at her:
— Have you lost your mind? Are you crazy? Do you want to die? — he fumed.
The woman started fighting back, shouting in return:
— Yes, I’ve had enough! Why did you interfere? It’s none of your business! Why did you save me? — she broke down, sobbing and trembling.
Steven faltered. He always felt helpless at the sight of a woman’s tears and realized he’d gone too far. Feeling a surge of pity for the stranger, he helped her stand and brush herself off. Then, putting an arm around her shoulders, he spoke as calmly as he could:
— There, there, it’s okay. Come with me, you can wash up and calm down, — he said, gently leading her to his watchman’s cabin.
“Something terrible must have happened for her to take such a desperate step. Yelling won’t help here,” Steven thought to himself.
He let her wash her face, gave her some water, and put the kettle on. The woman sat like a lifeless, beautiful porcelain doll, silent. Steven busied himself, stealing glances at her. She was striking—soft chestnut curls had escaped a once-elegant hairstyle and fell across her forehead, her full lips were captivating, and her enormous, achingly sad blue eyes seemed like they could swallow you whole.
— I’m Steven, I work as a trackman. What’s your name? What happened? — he ventured cautiously.
The woman didn’t respond, remaining stubbornly silent, clearly in shock.
“This is bad,” Steven thought. He needed to find a way to reach her, to get her to open up.
So, he started talking out loud, hoping his words would get through to her.
— You shouldn’t have done that, silly. No matter what happens in life, there’s always a way out, always, remember that. You know, I was foolish once too and tried to end it all, can you believe it? — Steven shared.
The woman stirred and looked at him with interest, waiting for him to continue.
— What, you think everyone else’s life is a bed of roses? I grew up in a poor family. My parents worked day and night at a factory, earning next to nothing. There were two of us kids—me and my older brother, Alex. Fifteen years ago, Alex was hit by a drunk driver in a horrific accident. No matter how much we tried, the treatments and doctors didn’t help—he never walked again. Things got even harder. Mom was torn between work and caring for Alex. She barely slept, crying quietly into her pillow at night so no one would hear. Alex was angry at me because I was healthy, and he… How do you think it feels to watch kids play soccer outside, living their lives, while you curse your wheelchair and your fate? But he didn’t break. He adjusted, accepted it, even learned to carve wood at home to keep himself sane. That’s your first example! I got sidetracked. Anyway, back in school, I fell in love with a girl, Julie. I couldn’t live without her. We were inseparable, I couldn’t stop looking at her, I treated her like a queen, brought her armfuls of flowers every day. Then I got drafted into the army. At my send-off, Julie cried, swore she loved me, promised to write. It was so hard to say goodbye, but I believed she’d wait for me. At first, she wrote often, telling me about her life, saying she missed me. Then the letters came less and less. I sensed something was wrong, asked my parents in my letters, but they stayed quiet, afraid to tell me the truth. Eventually, the letters stopped altogether. I was a wreck, couldn’t find peace, kept waiting, hoping, worrying. Then Alex couldn’t hold back anymore and wrote me the truth: Julie didn’t wait. She ran off with the son of some rich businessman. I could barely finish reading that letter; it felt like my insides were being crushed, I could hardly breathe. My beloved traded me for a rich, comfortable life. So, I decided there was no point in living anymore. It was like a burning iron searing my soul—I wanted to scream, to climb the walls. I even found a rope for the deed. But thank God for my army buddies—they literally pulled me out of the noose, stopped me from doing something unforgivable… When I came back from the army, I couldn’t stay home. It was too hard. So, I took this job as a trackman in the middle of nowhere, and here I am. I picked up a little puppy to keep me company, named her Bella. When I come home, she’s so happy to see me, and it makes things a bit easier. She’s a living soul by my side, you know. So, as you can see, my life’s no picnic either. But I don’t give up, I help my parents when I can…
The woman listened intently to Steven, her gaze softening, and finally, she spoke:
— My name’s Samantha. Thank you, Steve, for saving me. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be here anymore…
She frantically rummaged through her purse, pulled out some bills from her wallet, and held them out to him:
— Here, take this, thank you for everything. If it’s not enough, I’ll bring more tomorrow, — Samantha stammered.
Steven was genuinely upset:
— What kind of person are you? Put your money away, don’t throw it around. I don’t need it. I was trying to help you like a human being, and you… — he scowled and fell silent.
— I’m sorry, Steve, I’m just used to everything being about money. But you’re different, you’re the best, — she whispered, blushing.
Steven smiled, his tone softening:
— Alright, you poor thing, tell me, what happened to you? — he asked again.
Samantha sighed heavily and began her story…
It turned out Samantha wasn’t an ordinary girl but the daughter of New York’s most famous millionaire, Edward Thompson. Steven could hardly believe it—Samantha was quiet, reserved, not at all like the reckless, spoiled rich kids who reveled in their privilege. She’d been raised with strict discipline since childhood. Her father was a harsh tyrant, feared by everyone. No one dared defy him. Samantha attended the best private school, followed by tutors, singing lessons, and trendy fitness classes. On weekends, any outing was accompanied by her father’s omnipresent security. Her mother was always preoccupied with herself, never involved in her daughter’s life—first there were nannies, then tutors. Samantha didn’t even have real friends. The shallow girls who only talked about clothes and exotic vacations never interested her; she felt like an outsider among them. And if she ever got close to someone simpler, outside their circle, the security team would report it, and her father would decide whether she could continue the friendship. The poor girl lived in a complete vacuum, with no one to share her feelings with.
— It feels like I’m living someone else’s life, planned out for me from birth. No one ever asked my opinion. I’m like a robot following a program. It’s so exhausting, I’m so tired of it, — Samantha sighed.
— That’s tough, no doubt… But to end your life over it, silly? — Steven smiled gently.
— Wait, that’s just the beginning, — tears welled up in her eyes.
One day, her father invited a business partner and his family to a formal dinner. He’d long wanted to merge their businesses. Right in the middle of the dinner, without hesitation or asking her consent, he announced that Samantha would marry the partner’s son, Ethan. She was stunned, thinking at first it was a bad joke. She tried to talk to her father, but as usual, he wouldn’t listen. Samantha was in despair.
— You understand, Steve, this Ethan is awful. He gambles away huge sums in casinos, dabbles in drugs, and doesn’t care about me at all. He’s a womanizer, changing girls every night—he’s disgusting! How can I live with him? Why is this happening to me? — Samantha broke down again.
— That’s horrific. Is this for real? We’re not in the Stone Age! — Steven was outraged.
— And that’s not all. I planned to run away and started searching my father’s safe for my documents. Instead, I found my adoption papers, can you imagine? I’m not their biological daughter! That’s why I never felt loved in this family. My mom never showed affection. My father only gives orders. So, in despair, I decided to throw myself under a train. What else was left for me… — her voice trembled and broke.
Steven was floored by her story, struggling to believe it…
He didn’t know how to help her in such a tangled situation. Samantha glanced out the window—it was getting dark—and said nervously:
— I have to get home, or my father will raise hell, and I’ll be in trouble.
— Alright, Sam, I’ll walk you to the bus. If you ever want to talk, I’m always here. Come by anytime, — Steven replied.
Truthfully, he didn’t want to part with her.
— Thank you again, Steve. I’ve been carrying this burden for years, and now, talking to you, I feel lighter. It’s so calm and good with you, — Samantha admitted, blushing.
They parted warmly and went their separate ways…
That night, Steven couldn’t sleep, thinking about his beautiful stranger. She’d touched his heart deeply. He racked his brain for ways to help her but found no answers. After all, who was he compared to her father?
Steven’s joy was boundless when Samantha came back the next day! They talked endlessly, took long walks, admired nature, sat for hours by the river under a sprawling willow, and dreamed…
It felt like they were two halves of a whole, so warm and comfortable together.
A month passed like that.
Steven couldn’t imagine life without his cheerful Sammy. He eagerly awaited their meetings, picking wildflowers for her. He drowned in her bottomless, loving eyes and kissed her endlessly…
But one day, a massive black SUV pulled up to his cabin. Two burly men jumped out, grabbed Steven by the arms, and drove him off somewhere…
He knew where they were taking him—it was bound to happen eventually. In a way, it was a relief; the uncertainty and looming danger had been wearing them down.
Samantha’s father, Edward Thompson, was furious. His security team had reported the previous day about his daughter’s regular disappearances. The audacity—to get involved with a nobody, and right before her engagement to Ethan! What a disgrace. A lucrative deal with Ethan’s father was at stake! This was unheard-of insolence. He immediately ordered the “punk” brought to him, intending to scare him off for good.
Steven was shoved into the executive’s office. Edward didn’t give him a chance to catch his breath, launching into an attack:
— I trust you know who I am, kid? Do I need to spell it out? — he began menacingly.
— Yes, I know, you’re Samantha’s father, — Steven replied calmly, though his insides were churning.
— Good. Listen up. My daughter’s marrying a respectable man in a month. It’s all settled. You, on the other hand, pack your bags and get out of town today, nice and quiet. Or I’ll bury you! — Edward seethed.
Steven gathered his courage, determined not to let Samantha be hurt, no matter the cost.
— Do you even know your daughter lay down on the tracks and nearly died because of you? I barely saved her—one more second, and she’d be gone! Have you ever cared about what she’s going through? What she wants? You bulldoze everyone around you! All you care about is your money! Why are you tormenting her? Is it normal in the twenty-first century to force someone into marriage? She’s not your slave! — Steven blurted out in one breath.
Edward’s expression changed. He hadn’t expected to hear this…
He could see the young man wasn’t lying and genuinely cared about Samantha’s fate, defending her so fiercely. Edward even felt a grudging respect for this kid who dared face his wrath and stand his ground. He couldn’t recall the last time someone had defied him like this.
Softening his tone, he said:
— Sit down and tell me everything, — he requested.
Steven held nothing back—he told Edward he loved Samantha more than life, how she feared her father, that she was adopted, and how she dreaded marrying Ethan…
Edward listened silently, not interrupting, then said:
— I hear you. I need to think, — and called security. — Take the kid home, and don’t lay a finger on him, understood?
Steven felt a slight relief. If Edward didn’t lash out immediately, maybe he’d gotten through to him, found the right words.
“Maybe her dad will soften and leave us alone?” Steven hoped.
Edward thought long and hard, reflecting, analyzing…
He recalled years ago when he and his wife, desperate to have a child, visited an orphanage and chose a curly-haired little girl with sad, sky-blue eyes. They’d done it secretly, paying the director handsomely for her silence. They were meticulous, choosing a healthy child with no problematic genetics. Everything seemed perfect, better than most. No one suspected Samantha wasn’t their biological daughter. She excelled in school, was obedient, called him Dad and his wife Mom, and caused no trouble. But, hand on heart, neither he nor his wife had truly loved her. Their hearts never warmed to her…
Samantha, sensing this distance, grew up reserved and shy. This young man had boldly voiced what Edward hadn’t admitted to himself in years. After much reflection, that evening, he knocked on his daughter’s door:
— Sammy, sweetheart, may I come in?
Samantha was stunned. Her father never asked permission to enter.
— Yes, Dad, come in, — she replied.
He entered and looked at his daughter:
— Sammy, we need to have a serious talk, — he began.
Her heart sank, dreading what was coming. She feared he’d learned about her and Steven and would harm him. Edward saw her pale, her eyes welling up.
“My God, she’s truly terrified of me,” he realized.
— Sweetheart, I spoke with your Steven today… — he started as calmly as he could.
Samantha burst into tears, pleading:
— Daddy, please, don’t hurt him. He’s not to blame. I love him, he’s the best thing in my life. Punish me if you want, but I’ll always love him… — she sobbed.
— You didn’t let me finish. I’m letting you go, Sammy, and I won’t stand in the way of you and Steven. He’s a good guy. And you know what else? Forgive me and your mom—we really tried to love you, but we couldn’t. It’s true. But it’s not your fault, and you shouldn’t suffer for it. I wanted to secure your future by marrying you to Ethan. But if he’s so repulsive to you, you decide. Forget the deal, I’ll figure something out, — he finished, turning to leave.
Samantha leapt from her bed, ran to him, and hugged him tightly, genuinely.
— Thank you, Daddy, you’re the best. I love you! — she cried in a rush of emotion.
Warmth spread through Edward’s heart. He’d forgotten what it felt like to express emotions so openly, hardened by years of ruthless business.
Steven was beside himself. Samantha hadn’t come for three days. He cursed himself for confronting her father, unsure what Edward might do to her. He feared Edward would force her to marry Ethan, and they’d never see each other again. The thought plunged him into despair.
On the fourth day, the familiar SUV pulled up to the cabin. Samantha stepped out, bags were unloaded from the trunk, and the car sped off, leaving a cloud of dust. Steven ran to her:
— My love! Are you okay?
Samantha threw herself into his arms, kissing him endlessly, chattering:
— Stevie, my dad let me go—for good! We’re together forever now!
Steven scooped his beloved Sammy into his arms, spinning her with joy, hardly believing it. He introduced her to his parents, who took an immediate liking to her…
Steven built a small but cozy house near the cabin, where they lived happily as a family. They didn’t have much money, fancy cars, or exotic vacations, but they had something greater: every evening, they sat in their yard under an apple tree Steven had planted with love. Bella dozed nearby, content. They sipped fragrant herbal tea with sweet jam, utterly happy without riches. Because true happiness lies where love lives and the heart is at peace—no amount of money can replace that.
One day, Edward’s office phone rang. It was Samantha. He picked up and heard:
— Daddy, hi! I’m calling to congratulate you—you’re going to be a grandfather twice over! I’m having twins! I’m so happy, I had to tell you. Know that I love you and hold no grudge. A father is the one who raises you…
A single tear rolled down Edward’s cheek—the best news he’d ever heard! He was going to be a grandfather, and he smiled, warming to the idea.
— Sammy, sweetheart, I’m so happy for you. I’ll make sure your daughters have all the warmth and love I couldn’t give you!
Only now, hearing this news, did Edward fully realize he truly loved Samantha—he’d just understood it too late. But better late than never.
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