Chapter 5 - Clara's Real NameClara finally told him.
“My mother's name was Isabella Cross.”
Damian went still.
His aunt.
His father's sister.
The woman who had disappeared years ago.
“You're her daughter.”
“Yes.”
“So you're my cousin.”
Clara nodded.
He stepped back.
“How long have you known?”
“Since I was a child.”
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“Because I didn't want to be part of this.”
“You were already part of it.”
“I know.”
He looked devastated.
“You worked for me for three years.”
“I needed money.”
“You came into my house knowing who I was.”
“Yes.”
“And you never said anything.”
“I was afraid.”
“What did you think I would do?”
“Take Lily.”
He stared.
Then understood.
She wasn't hiding because she hated him.
She was hiding because she loved their daughter enough to risk everything.
Damian's anger broke.
He looked at her.
“I would never take her away.”
“I know that now.”
“But you didn't then.”
“No.”
He nodded.
“I can't blame you.”
She cried.
“I thought you would hate me.”
“I don't.”
“What do you feel?”
He stepped closer.
“I love you.”
She looked at him.
He continued.
“I've loved you for longer than I knew your name.”
Clara cried harder.
“You're impossible.”
“So are you.”
He kissed her.
Slowly.
Carefully.
No force.
No claim.
Just choice.
Lily interrupted from the doorway.
“Are you kissing?”
They separated.
Damian cleared his throat.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because I'm your father.”
Lily looked at Clara.
“Does that mean you're my mommy's husband?”
Clara laughed.
“Not yet.”
Damian smiled.
“Not yet.”
That night, Victor attacked.
The mansion was surrounded.
Damian moved the family to the underground shelter.
Gunfire echoed above.
Clara held Lily.
Damian stayed at the door.
“You can't stay here alone.”
“I'm not alone.”
He looked at her.
She was right.
He had her.
The battle lasted thirty minutes.
Victor escaped.
But he left behind a final message.
I KNOW WHO CLARA REALLY IS.
Damian looked at her.
“What does he know?”
May you like
She whispered,
“Everything.”
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