Chapter 5 - THE DAUGHTER HE NEVER KNEW EXISTED
Eliza's pregnancy progressed carefully.
She attended appointments.
Followed her doctor's recommendations.
And tried to build a peaceful routine.
At nineteen weeks, the ultrasound confirmed what she had suspected.
A girl.
Eliza stared at the screen.
Tears filled her eyes.
Paige squeezed her hand.
“She's beautiful.”
Eliza laughed through tears.
“You can barely see her face.”
Paige smiled.
“Still beautiful.”
The technician pointed toward the monitor.
“There's her hand.”
Eliza covered her mouth.
A tiny hand.
Five little fingers.
She began crying.
For years, she'd imagined having a daughter.
Someone to teach.
To protect.
To love without conditions.
She placed a hand over her abdomen.
“Hello, sweetheart.”
Then whispered, “I'm going to make sure you always know you matter.”
---
Dominic learned about the pregnancy three days later.
Not through gossip.
Through a formal communication from Eliza's attorney concerning the expected child and future parenting arrangements.
He read the letter twice.
Then called Griffin.
“Come to my office.”
Griffin arrived minutes later.
Dominic handed him the document.
Griffin read it.
His expression changed.
“Sir.”
Dominic stared toward the window.
“Eliza's pregnant.”
Griffin looked down.
Dominic swallowed.
“A girl.”
His voice broke.
May you like
“I have a daughter.”
For the first time in years, Griffin saw Dominic Rourke cry.
