After more than six months apart, that was all he could manage.
He couldnât ask for more.
He couldnât risk making the same mistake and hurting the woman he loved again.
Sheâd made it clear she wanted space.
All he could do was honor her wishes and keep his distance.
As Albert took a few strides, the elevator doors slid shut behind him.
The sound was barely a whisper but it weighed heavy on him.
He hesitated, wanting to steal a glance back at her, but the doors were already sealed shut.
The longing to see her again gnawed at him.
âs BunnyBookery
He lingered for a moment before finally stepping out.
Outside, the sun beamed down.
But he felt no warmth.
Instead, a chill ran through him, leaving him feeling low even after he reached Heron.
Come evening, he found himself on the balcony, puffing away on a cigarette.
A servant hurried over, cradling the baby.
She looked distressed as she spoke, âSir, your daughter seems to have a cold and a fever.
Should we take her to the hospital?â
Albert furrowed his brow, stubbing out the cigarette before gently feeling the babyâs forehead.
It was burning up.
His frown deepened as he questioned, âWhat happened? Howâd she catch a cold in this warm weather?â
The servant feared Albert might blame her, so she spilled the beans.
âSir, while you were away on your trip last night, Mrs.
Waston showed up out of the blue.
She insisted on tucking Miss Jeslyn in herself.
We tried to stop her because sheâs never done it before, but she wouldnât budge.
Said sheâd talk to you if anything went wrong.
â
Her voice trailed off nervously.
Albertâs frown deepened as he heard this.
He figured Daisy got worked up again because he was away on business.
She deliberately made her daughter Jeslyn sick just to get Albert to hurry home.
Was she out of her mind?
Fuming, Albert stormed downstairs just as Daisy returned.
Their eyes locked.
Seeing the fatigue and anger etched on his face, she put on a coy smile.
âYouâre back at last! Why the rush? That floozy just landed in Duefron, right? Itâs been ages since youâve seen her.
Why not linger a bit longer?â
Daisy delicately traced the handrail with her fingers, asking, âAre you worried about the baby?â
Albert handed the child to the servant.
He descended the stairs slowly, delivering a sharp slap to Daisyâs face.
His tone was severe.
âHave you lost your mind? Sheâs your own flesh and blood.
How could you do this to her?â
Daisy staggered from the blow.
She leaned against the railing for support, taking a moment to gather herself.
Finally, she looked up at him and retorted, âYouâre the one whoâs driving me insane! Albert, why are you so concerned about the child? Youâve never ever touched me.
Sheâs not your kid anyway.
â
Albert narrowed his eyes, puzzled.
âWhat are you saying?â
Daisy lifted her head and let out a manic laugh.
âDid I say something wrong? Mr.
Waston⦠Youâre terrified people will find out about my affair, right? Are you scared theyâll know she isnât yours, huh? Itâs fine.
I wonât breathe a word.
I could even do away with her, and we can start fresh!â
âYouâre deranged!â
Albertâs face flushed with anger.
Daisy continued her tirade.
âIâm deranged? Youâre the one whoâs really lost it! Youâre willing to care for a child that isnât yours!â
Albert suddenly grabbed her by the throat.
Advancing on her, fury etched on his face, he uttered each word with venom.
âYou better keep that mouth shut in public, or Iâll make sure you and that old crone meet a grisly end.
Trust me, you donât want to go down that road!â
With that said, he turned to the servant.
âGet everything ready.
Wait in the car.
â
The servant was taken aback.
Sheâd been on the job for ages.
Despite Daisy and Albertâs rocky relationship and Daisyâs flings, she never imagined Jeslyn wasnât Albertâs child!
But she knew better than to meddle in her bossâ personal affairs.
The black car eased away.
Daisy glared as it disappeared.
Blood trickled from her forehead and mouth.
She was seething, her lips quivering.
âEven that bastard child means more to him than me.
â