When Nicholas left his young daughter Paige with his mother, Doris Dakkar, he promised to return in just three weeks. But three weeks turned into months, and months into years—ten long years of silence and absence.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

Doris knew all too well what it meant to raise a child alone. Her husband had walked out when their son Nicholas was just seven. Back then, she had worked two jobs, sacrificing her youth and comfort to make sure her boy never went without. She thought those hard years were behind her.

Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine she’d be a full-time caregiver again in her sixties—especially not because her own son had abandoned his child.

Nicholas had once seemed to be on the right path. He married Sandra, a sweet, warm-hearted woman, and they had a daughter, Paige. But tragedy struck when Sandra passed away unexpectedly. Paige was only nine. The loss shook the family, especially the little girl, who went from bubbly and cheerful to quiet and withdrawn.

Doris was heartbroken watching Paige grieve, but she hoped that with time, love, and support, the child would begin to heal. What she hadn’t expected was that Nicholas would remarry just weeks after Sandra’s funeral—to a woman named Donna, who didn’t seem particularly eager to take on the role of stepmother.

When Paige turned ten, Nicholas asked Doris if she could take care of her for a few weeks. He and Donna, he explained, needed a “couple’s retreat” to Alaska.

“Donna’s having a hard time bonding with Paige,” he said. “She needs space.”

Doris hesitated. “I understand that marriage takes effort, Nicky, but Donna knew you had a daughter. She should understand that Paige is still grieving her mother.”

Nicholas bristled. “You always take her side. Donna makes me happy. That’s what matters.”

Doris was stunned but didn’t argue. She agreed to care for Paige, believing it was temporary. Nicholas dropped his daughter off with a kiss on her cheek and a hug for his mother.

“I’ll be back on August 27,” he said, driving away with a smile and a wave.

But August 27 came and went.

No Nicholas.

Doris called his number. It had been disconnected. She tried texting, emailing, even contacting old friends—but Nicholas had vanished. The home he’d once owned with Sandra was sold. There was no trace of him. It was as if he had cut ties with his past—and with his daughter.

Heartbroken but resolute, Doris sat Paige down and gently said, “I don’t know why your father left. But I want you to know that I’m here. We’ll be okay, just you and me.”

And they were. Doris raised Paige with compassion and strength. Together, they built a quiet life. Paige grew into a confident, graceful young woman. She eventually fell in love and married a kind, successful man. Doris moved in with them, not out of need, but as a cherished part of their family.

Ten years after he vanished, Nicholas returned.

He pulled up to the old neighborhood in a rusted-out car, wearing clothes that had seen better days. But what shocked him wasn’t just the state of his life—it was how much had changed in his absence.

His mother’s house stood quiet, shuttered, and neglected. The garden was overgrown. He knocked on a neighbor’s door. The woman stared at him, her expression cold.

“They don’t live here anymore,” she said. “Paige is married now. Doris lives with her. And don’t expect a warm welcome.”

But Nicholas, ever self-assured, believed he could smooth things over. He got the address and drove straight there—only to be stunned again.

His daughter and mother were now living in a luxurious mansion.

He rang the bell. A uniformed maid answered.

“I’m here to see Doris or Paige Dakkar,” he said confidently.

“You mean Mrs. Dakkar or Mrs. Henderson,” she replied with a raised brow and led him into a beautiful sitting room.

Moments later, Paige entered. She stood tall, elegant, composed.

“Paige… my little girl,” he whispered, arms outstretched.

“What do you want, father?” she asked, her tone calm but distant.

“I missed you… I missed Grandma. I wanted to see my family,” he said, forcing a smile.

Doris entered behind her, graceful as ever. “Family?” she repeated, voice quiet. “You abandoned us.”

Nicholas grew defensive. “It wasn’t like that. Donna pressured me. She said she’d leave me if I didn’t cut ties.”

Doris smiled sadly. “And yet you’re here alone. I guess Donna left anyway—once the money ran out?”

Nicholas glanced around the room, his envy impossible to hide. “You seem to be doing quite well,” he muttered. “Surely you could help me out a little…”

“I’m surprised you even ask,” Paige said coolly. “You left us, but we survived. Grandma made sure I had everything I needed. And now, thanks to my husband, we have more than enough.”

“I’m still your father,” he said.

“No,” Paige replied, taking Doris’s hand. “You lost that title when you walked away. But for Grandma’s sake, I’ll help.”

She walked over to an ornate desk, unlocked a drawer, and pulled out a set of keys and an envelope.

“These are the keys to the old house. There’s $5,000 in here. Don’t come back asking for more.”

With that, Paige and Doris turned and left the room. The maid returned a minute later and showed Nicholas the door.

He sat in his car, staring at the grand home, bitterness clouding his thoughts.

“I did what I had to do,” he mumbled. “No one understands how hard it was for me… There’s no gratitude in this world.”