Sergey Razumovsky read the news to find a new assignment for Lera Makarova as a plague doctor. A frown marred his brow as he read of a tragic incident in which the Minister of Education's son, under the influence, had caused the death of two adults, leaving a child injured in his wake. Oleg sensed a fierce anger burning in Razumovsky’s eyes upon learning that the wealthy youth had slipped unscathed from justice. Yet, in a bid to keep Razumovsky distanced from the case and to allow Lera her retribution, Oleg Volkov proposed an alternative: they would help the surviving child.

The two men generously financed the child's treatment, spending time nurturing him, their hearts entwined with memories of their own orphaned pasts. Soon, following a labyrinth of legalities, they were granted the privilege of adopting the girl. On that momentous first day in their apartment, Sergey felt the weight of uncertainty, unsure how to relate to a child, while Oleg exuded a natural calm, seemingly endowed with an instinct for nurturing.

"And so, princess, this is your new home," Volkov whispered softly, his voice tinged with emotion, as he gently maneuvered the wheelchair into the hallway, mindful of the child’s fragile condition post-surgery.