Chapter 5 - The Trauma Suite at Cedars-Sinai
Before departing for the airfield, Edward walked back into the private guest suite where Lily was sleeping peacefully beneath the soft amber nightlight.
The gray cat Ash lay curled protectively beside Lily’s feet, lifting its head and giving a quiet, reassuring purr as Edward approached.
Edward sat on the edge of the mattress, leaning down to gently kiss his daughter’s cheek.
Lily stirred, opening her large hazel eyes, reaching out her small hand to touch her father’s thumb.
“Daddy…?” she whispered.
“I’m right here, my brave girl,” Edward answered with boundless tenderness.
“Is Mommy going to come back and hurt Ash?”
Edward wrapped his strong, warm hand around hers, looking into her eyes with the unshakeable promise of a father who ruled an empire.
“Mommy will never step foot inside this house again, Lily,” Edward said softly. “You and Ash are the masters of this home. Tomorrow, we are going to build a giant garden playground in the backyard, just for you and your kitty.”
Lily smiled—a pure, radiant, beautiful smile that banished every lingering shadow of fear from her heart.
“I love you, Daddy.”
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“I love you more than the stars in the sky, sweetheart. Sleep now.”
Edward waited until her breathing slowed to a peaceful, deep rhythm, then stood up, straightened his black suit jacket, and walked out into the corridor where twelve armed security operators were waiting in rigid formation.
