Chapter 14 - THE NEW DRAWING
Marcus walked over slowly, pulling out a small chair and sitting down opposite her at the table.
He looked down at the paper, expecting to see more numbers or dark symbols of pain and hunger.
Instead, Rory had drawn a bright yellow sun, a grand stone mansion with tall windows, and two stick figures holding hands.
"That's you and me outside the big house, Mr. Thorne. There are no stars on this page," Rory explained innocently.
Marcus felt a lump form in his throat—a rare physical reaction for a man who ruled empires with an iron fist.
He reached out, gently placing his large, calloused hand over her small fingers on the table.
"Thank you, Rory. This is the greatest masterpiece I have ever seen in my entire life," Marcus said with quiet sincerity.
"Are you going away again today?" Rory asked, her big eyes suddenly filled with a flicker of childish anxiety.
"No, sweetheart. I am staying right here. Nobody is ever taking you away from this home," Marcus promised firmly.
She beamed with pure, untainted joy, leaning forward to give him a sudden, heartwarming hug around his neck.
May you like
Marcus held her close, realizing that his wealth and power meant nothing if he couldn't protect this one innocent soul.
***
