Chapter 9 - THE MOTHER WHO FINALLY STOPPED RUNNING
Alina found me in the library after dinner.
She stood in the doorway.
"Mr. Cross?"
I looked up.
"Come in."
She entered slowly.
Her hands were clasped.
"I need to tell you something."
I put down my pen.
"I'm listening."
She took a breath.
"When I came here, I hated you."
I stared.
She continued.
"I thought my husband died because of your world."
I nodded.
"That may still be true."
Her eyes filled.
"I wanted answers."
"I know."
She looked down.
"But I didn't expect you to be kind to Sophia."
I smiled faintly.
"She's easy to be kind to."
Alina laughed through tears.
"She's stubborn."
"That too."
She sat across from me.
"Damian, I need to leave."
My chest tightened.
"Why?"
"Because Sophia deserves a normal life."
I nodded slowly.
"You're right."
She looked surprised.
"You won't stop us?"
I shook my head.
"No."
Her eyes filled.
"I thought you'd be angry."
I looked at her.
"Alina, I've spent my life making people afraid of me."
I paused.
"I don't want your daughter growing up afraid of the world because she lived in my house."
We arranged a safe relocation with independent assistance.
Alina chose an apartment near Sophia's school.
I offered financial support.
She refused at first.
Then accepted reimbursement for wages owed and help accessing victim-support services.
She insisted on making her own decisions.
I respected that.
On their last evening at the mansion, Sophia ran into my study.
"Boss!"
I crouched.
"Hello, sweetheart."
She held out a drawing.
It showed three people standing beneath a giant yellow sun.
One was tall.
One had long hair.
One was small.
I stared.
"Who's this?"
She pointed.
"Mommy."
Then the small figure.
"Me."
Then the tall figure.
"You."
My throat tightened.
"Why am I so big?"
She giggled.
"Because you're giant."
I laughed.
She hugged me.
"Don't be sad, Boss."
I held her gently.
"I'm trying."
She whispered:
"You can visit."
May you like
I closed my eyes.
"I'd like that."
