Chapter 7 - THE DAUGHTER WHO DIDN'T WANT HIS MONEY
Daniel wanted to give Lily everything.
A piano.
A scholarship fund.
A better apartment.
A car when she turned sixteen.
He had missed fifteen years.
His first instinct was to compensate for them.
Emily stopped him.
“You can't buy back time.”
Daniel looked at her.
“I know.”
“Then stop trying.”
He swallowed.
“I just want to help.”
Emily nodded.
“Then listen to her.”
That evening, Lily arrived at Daniel's office.
She looked around the enormous room.
“Wow.”
Daniel smiled.
“Too much?”
She nodded.
“A little.”
He laughed softly.
She approached the window.
The city glittered beneath them.
Then she turned.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Anything.”
“Do you want to know me?”
Daniel stared.
“Of course.”
She swallowed.
“Or do you just feel guilty?”
His throat tightened.
He moved toward her, then stopped.
“I feel guilty.”
Lily looked down.
“Okay.”
“But that's not why I want to know you.”
She looked up.
Daniel's voice shook.
“I want to know you because you're my daughter.”
Tears filled her eyes.
“And because I think you're extraordinary.”
Lily smiled faintly.
“You barely know me.”
Daniel nodded.
“Then I hope you'll give me the chance.”
For a moment, she said nothing.
Then she whispered:
May you like
“Maybe.”
And Daniel understood that maybe was more than he deserved.
