The Debt Bride

Chapter Three

  In the heart of Nimers City, beyond the towering skyscrapers and the bustling streets, lay a quaint, tree-lined neighborhood. Here, nestled among the serene surroundings, stood a charming house, the home of Rile Kingstone and his daughter, Amy.

The house, with its ivy-clad walls and a garden brimming with vibrant flowers, had been a sanctuary for them both through many stages of their lives.

Rile, despite his busy schedule, always made time for Amy. She was the light of his life, the inspiration behind many of his endeavors. Amy, a bright and curious child, had inherited her father's inquisitive nature and love for technology.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the garden, Rile and Amy sat on the porch, their favorite spot.

"Dad, tell me again how you started your company," Amy said, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Rile smiled, his gaze softening as he looked at his daughter. "Well, it all began in a small garage, much smaller than this house. I had a dream and a lot of determination."

"Did you ever get scared?" Amy asked, leaning closer.

"Sometimes," Rile admitted, ruffling her hair.

"But I believed in my vision. And having you made everything worthwhile. You were my little beacon of hope."

Amy beamed. "I want to be just like you when I grow up."

Rile chuckled softly. "You can be anything you want, Amy. And I'll always be here to support you."

One particular memory stood out vividly in Rile's mind, a day when Amy was just six years old. It was a warm spring afternoon, and the garden was in full bloom. Amy, with her boundless energy and curiosity, was determined to build a birdhouse with her father.

"Dad, can we build it now?" Amy asked, her eyes wide with excitement as she clutched a small set of tools Rile had given her.

Rile smiled, setting aside his work. "Of course, Amy. Let's get started."

They spread out the materials on the grass, and Rile patiently guided Amy through each step. Her little hands worked diligently, her face scrunched up in concentration.

"Here, hold the nail steady," Rile instructed, his hand covering hers to show her how to hammer it in place.

Amy giggled as she managed to tap the nail in, albeit a bit crookedly.

"Did I do it right, Dad?"

Rile nodded encouragingly. "You did great, sweetheart. It doesn't have to be perfect. What matters is that you're trying and learning."

They spent the next few hours working side by side, the garden filled with the sound of their laughter and the gentle hum of nature. When the birdhouse was finally complete, it stood as a testament to their teamwork and Amy's determination.

"Look, Dad! We did it!" Amy exclaimed, her face glowing with pride as she held up the finished birdhouse.

Rile scooped her up in a hug. "Yes, we did. And it looks fantastic. Let's hang it up in the tree."

They chose a sturdy branch and carefully secured the birdhouse in place. As they stepped back to admire their work, a small bird fluttered down and perched on the new home, chirping cheerfully.

"See, Dad? The bird likes it!" Amy said, her eyes shining with delight.

Rile smiled, feeling a profound sense of happiness. "You've made a new friend, Amy. I'm so proud of you."

That evening, as they sat on the porch, watching the birds explore their new home, Rile and Amy shared a quiet moment of contentment.

The memory of that day remained etched in Rile's heart, a reminder of the simple joys and the unbreakable bond between father and daughter.