The young woman didn’t pass by the old man who had gotten lost on the road. The next day, something was waiting for her.

Anna rushed to reach her office following a business meeting with several partners.

She chose to cut through a city park to save time. The sun illuminated the pathways, but an icy wind from the river chilled her to the bone. Anna trembled and pulled her coat tighter around herself.

People walked briskly, ignoring one another. Anna also moved quickly, worried she might arrive late for a crucial meeting. Suddenly, she spotted a quiet bench positioned away from the main path.

An elderly man occupied that bench. He appeared well-groomed, gripped a walking stick, and gazed pensively into the distance. Something about his demeanor caused Anna to reduce her pace.

"Pardon me, could you tell me the time?" the old man inquired, observing her glance.

"The time is 1:30," Anna responded, checking her watch.

The man rose and gazed at the horizon once more. Anna prepared to continue, but she observed a bewildered expression in his eyes.

"Are you alright? Do you require assistance?" the young woman questioned, drawing closer.

The old man regarded her with appreciation.

"I believe I have lost my way," he said quietly. "I went out for a stroll, and now I cannot locate my home."

Anna settled beside him. The meeting no longer felt so pressing. She inquired kindly:

"Could you share your name?"

"Viktor Semenovich is my name," he answered following a short pause.

"Do you recall your home address or any relative's phone number?" Anna asked tenderly.

Viktor narrowed his eyes, attempting to focus. Following a moment, he slowly provided his address and a phone number. Anna retrieved her mobile phone and called the number.

"Hello?" a man's voice responded.

"Good morning! I am at the city park near Lenin Street with Viktor Semenovich. He appears to be lost," Anna described.

"Dad?!" the voice cried out, filled with relief. "Thank you tremendously! I will arrive immediately. Please remain with him."

Following the phone call, Anna rejoined the old man, who was clearly trembling from the cold. Without delay, she removed her jacket and placed it over Viktor's shoulders.

"Oh, no, that is unnecessary," the old man objected.

"Do not worry, I feel warm," Anna comforted him, though the wind was already making her cold.

They started conversing. Viktor shared stories about his life, about his son, who remained constantly busy with work. Anna listened carefully, occasionally checking her watch.

Following fifteen minutes, a sleek black vehicle stopped beside the park.

A man in his forties emerged and approached quickly. Anna instantly recognized the family resemblance.

"Dad!" the man exclaimed. "I instructed you not to leave alone!"

"I believed I could manage it, Sergei," Viktor responded with a remorseful look.

Sergei assisted his father to stand and faced Anna.

"I cannot express my gratitude enough! I prefer not to consider what might have occurred," he said genuinely. "What is your name?"

"Anna," she answered, slipping her jacket back on.

"Anna, your kindness means so much to me. I guarantee my father will never walk alone again. We will drive you there."

Anna bid them farewell and rushed to the office. The meeting had begun, but nobody mentioned her tardiness.

The day drifted by like a haze. She struggled to focus on her tasks. Following lunch, she discovered an envelope on her desk. A note inside contained an address and an appointment time. The sender was the major corporation "StroyInvest."

Anna recognized the company, but wondered who might have sent this invitation. Her curiosity won. During her lunch hour, she traveled to the specified address.

A contemporary glass and concrete structure stood before her. She climbed upstairs and entered a spacious office. A familiar person stood behind a massive desk. Sergei, with a serious expression, gestured for her to sit.

"Does this surprise you?" he asked, observing her amazement.

"Yes, it does," Anna confessed. "I did not anticipate this."

"You assisted my father yesterday and expected nothing back," Sergei started. "You understand, few people pause to help strangers."

Anna responded with a modest shrug.

"I respect individuals who show compassion without wanting rewards," Sergei went on. "This is why I want to present you with an opportunity."

He retrieved a folder and set it before Anna.

"I am extending you a role at my company. Twice your present salary, company accommodation, and outstanding advancement opportunities."

Anna reviewed the contract details. The proposition appeared extraordinary. She studied Sergei.

"Does this stem purely from yesterday's events?"

"I researched your abilities. You are a skilled professional. Yesterday's incident simply revealed your character," he explained.

Anna requested time to consider.

A week passed, and she had begun working at StroyInvest. Her contributions received recognition and her input was valued. Sergei and she began spending increasing amounts of time together.

Initially, these were purely professional meetings and meals. Then Sergei asked her to join him for dinner at a restaurant. She accepted, though she could not explain why. A unique connection developed between them, one that words could not describe.

One afternoon, during a walk beside the river, Sergei admitted:

"You know, I feel thankful my father got lost that day."

Anna felt moved. She also appreciated that unexpected meeting. From that moment, her life transformed completely.

Their conversations grew more intimate. Sergei sought her thoughts, her past experiences, her preferred literature. The meetings evolved into extended discussions about various topics.

One evening, Sergei told her:

"You possess exceptional qualities, Anna. Finding someone with such compassion is uncommon."

Anna lowered her gaze, feeling shy. She had always viewed herself as average, and such compliments made her uncomfortable.

Shortly after, Sergei included her in significant meetings, presenting her not merely as a coworker, but as someone he trusted. Her coworkers observed the director's interest, but none ventured to comment.

Summer replaced spring. Work schedules mixed with riverside strolls. One afternoon, Sergei asked Anna to visit his countryside home. The large rooms created a cozy and inviting feeling.

"My father enjoys spending weekends here," Sergei mentioned.

Viktor Semenovich welcomed Anna warmly. The elderly man appeared healthy and alert, far better than during that park encounter. He recognized Anna and expressed his joy.

"My son mentioned you now work with us," he said while serving tea on the porch.

Evenings spent outdoors, extended talks beneath the stars... Anna discovered she had fallen in love without realizing it. Sergei proved to be a gentle and considerate person, unlike his workplace reputation suggested.

Twelve months later, they wed. The ceremony remained simple and private, held at the same countryside residence.

Anna relocated to live with Sergei, who granted her full authority to arrange their household.

"This home belongs to you now as well," he declared. "Make any changes you desire."

Anna developed a love for cultivating plants. She had never experienced this chance previously. Roses, peonies, and lilies now flourished outside her windows.

The residence gained an extensive book collection. Sergei supported his wife's love of reading and assisted her in building a selection of uncommon volumes. Anna finally achieved her aspirations.

During evenings, the family assembled on the porch. Meals occurred in a peaceful and comfortable setting. Viktor Semenovich became an essential member of their small household.

Anna and her father-in-law formed a strong bond. They frequently collaborated in the garden or relaxed on the bench observing the sunset. A quiet understanding grew between them.

"You know, Anetchka," Viktor said to her one afternoon, "I feel thankful to destiny for that park day. You have brought my son and me fresh joy."

Anna frequently remembered that accidental meeting. The freezing wind, the confused elderly man, her choice to help... Everything shifted that afternoon.

A minor act of compassion had changed her existence. She now understood that sometimes everything starts with a basic human gesture.