Chapter 5 - Lena Was the Last Living Heir to My Family’s Hidden Trust, and Anton Wanted Her Before She Was Old Enough to Know What She CarriedWe returned to the city.
Anton was gone.
His network remained.
I increased security.
Lena hated it.
“Everyone is watching me.”
“I know.”
“I want Bear.”
The dog was recovering.
“You can have him.”
She smiled.
That night, she asked:
“Did you know Mommy?”
“No.”
“I didn't either.”
She looked down.
“Daddy said she loved you.”
I couldn't answer.
Elena watched from the doorway.
“She did.”
I looked at her.
“Why did Sofia trust Gabriel?”
“Because Gabriel loved her.”
That hurt.
My family had been torn apart by secrets.
But love had kept pieces alive.
Lena had lost her mother.
Then her father.
Then her home.
Now she was living with the man everyone feared.
I didn't know how to be a father.
But I knew how to protect.
I arranged schooling.
Medical care.
Therapy.
A room.
Toys.
Everything a child should have.
The next morning, she asked:
“Can Bear sleep here?”
“Yes.”
“Can he have his own bed?”
“Yes.”
“Can I keep the locket?”
“Yes.”
“Can you promise nobody will take it?”
I looked at her.
“I promise.”
She smiled.
Then gave me the locket.
“Then you keep it.”
I stared.
“Why?”
“Because Daddy said you're the strongest man.”
I shook my head.
“No.”
She frowned.
“He said you're the strongest man.”
I looked at her.
“Your father was wrong.”
“Why?”
“Because you're stronger.”
May you like
She smiled.
For the first time, she looked like an eight-year-old.
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