Chapter 13 - Blood and Silver
The pediatric recovery room was warm, filled with the steady, rhythmic hum of the cardiac monitor. Daisy lay in the center of the bed, swallowed by white sheets, her cheeks flushed with a healthy, warm pink that Clara hadn't seen in years. Her tiny chest rose and fell with smooth, unobstructed breaths.
Clara sat on the edge of the mattress, holding Daisy’s small hand against her cheek, tears quietly soaking into the bedding. Damian stood by the window, his silhouette outlined against the breaking dawn. The rain had finally stopped, replaced by a pale gold sunrise creeping across the city skyline.
A small flutter of eyelashes broke the silence.
Daisy’s brown eyes opened slowly, blinking against the soft morning light. She looked around the strange room, then found Clara’s face.
""Mommy..."" Daisy’s voice was a soft whisper, but it was clear, without the dreadful rasping rattle of fluid. ""My chest doesn't feel heavy anymore.""
Clara choked on a sob of pure joy, kissing Daisy's forehead repeatedly. ""I know, baby. The doctors fixed it. You're all better now. You're going to run, and play, and see the ocean.""
Daisy turned her head slightly, her gaze wandering past Clara until she saw Damian standing by the window.
The tall man froze. In the corporate boardroom, Damian could strip rival CEOs of their livelihoods without blinking, but under the gaze of this five-year-old girl, his breath hitched. He felt utterly defenseless.
Daisy tilted her head. ""Are you the man from the picture?""
Damian took a slow, hesitant step forward, stopping by the bedside. He dropped to his knees, lowering his towering frame until his eyes were level with hers. ""I am, Daisy.""
Daisy reached out with her free hand, her small fingers lightly touching the scar along Damian's jawline—the same jawline she had inherited. ""Did you say sorry to Mommy yet?""
A faint, genuine smile curved Damian’s lips, though tears glistened in the corners of his eyes. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the old silver signet ring Clara had preserved for five years. He placed it gently into Daisy's tiny palm.
""I spent five years being sorry, sweetheart,"" Damian said softly, his voice thick with emotion. ""And I’m going to spend the rest of my life proving it.""
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Suddenly, the door to the private room swung open. Dr. Alan Vance stepped inside, his expression grave.
""Damian,"" Alan said quietly. ""You need to see the news. Right now.""
