Field of dandelion

The Return of the Lost

Chapter 2 the return of the lost

Nikolai Armando sat in his study, the soft glow of the desk lamp casting shadows on the dark mahogany. Papers were strewn across his desk, but his eyes were fixed on a single photograph—a faded image of a smiling little girl, held by a woman with eyes full of love. Elena and Sia. The photograph was taken a year before everything fell apart.

Elena’s death had shattered me. She died just a year after Sia was born, and I plunged into my work as a coping mechanism. I threw myself into the business, both legal and illegal, thinking that keeping busy would dull the pain. I thought that by providing for my family, I was doing the right thing. But in my absence, an enemy struck.

Sia was kidnapped when she was three. The memory of that day is seared into my mind. I came home to find her gone, the house empty and silent, the only sign of a struggle a broken vase and a note from a rival who saw my distraction as an opportunity. My enemy had taken the most precious thing from me. The fear and guilt were crushing. I had failed to protect my daughter when she needed me the most.

For years, I searched for her, using every resource at my disposal. My legal connections were vast, but it was my influence in the underworld that proved most useful. Information was a valuable commodity, and I was willing to pay any price to find my daughter. Countless leads led to dead ends, each failure cutting deeper into my soul.

My four sons stood by me, a testament to the strength and loyalty of
the Armando family. Each one had their role in the organization, and they worked tirelessly to assist in the search for their sister. Alexei, my eldest, was my right hand, overseeing operations with a sharp mind and steady hand. Dmitri, the enforcer, used his muscle and intimidation to extract information. Sergei, the strategist, plotted our moves with cold precision. And Yuri, the youngest, used his charm and connections to navigate the political landscape.

It was Yuri who brought me the news that changed everything. "Father," he had said, entering the study with cautious optimism. "We've got a lead. A reliable one this time."

My heart pounded in my chest. "What is it?"

Yuri handed me a file. "A private investigator found her stepfather's address. He confirmed that Sia is living there."

Relief and fury surged through me. Relief that my daughter was alive, and fury at the thought of the man who had taken her, likely mistreating her. I wasted no time. Arrangements were made swiftly, and within hours, I was on a plane, my sons at my side.

The house was as decrepit as I had imagined, a stark contrast to the life I could have provided her. I entered cautiously, my heart aching at the sight of Sia's small, frail form. The look of disbelief and hope in her eyes nearly undid me.

Now, back in my study, I waited for the arrival of the social worker who would finalize the transfer of custody. The legalities had been expedited, thanks to my influence and the undeniable evidence of the stepfather's neglect and abuse. The man had met a fitting end, found dead in an alley, a victim of his own vices. I had made sure her tormentor would never hurt anyone again.

Alexei entered the room. "Everything is ready, Father. Sia's room has been prepared. The boys are eager to meet her."

I nodded, a rare smile touching my lips. "Thank you, Alexei. This family will finally be whole again."

The doorbell rang, and moments later, Sia stepped into the study, her eyes wide with uncertainty. I stood, my heart in my throat. "Welcome home, Sia," I said softly, opening my arms.

She hesitated for a moment, then ran to me, burying her face in my chest. I held her close, feeling her small body tremble. "You're safe now," I whispered, stroking her hair. "No one will ever hurt you again."

As I held my daughter, I vowed silently that I would protect her with everything I had. She would never have to fear the shadows again. In this house, she would find her voice, her strength. The Armando family would ensure it.