CHAPTER 6
Morning sunlight finally pierced through the heavy velvet drapes, casting a warm, golden glow across the safe sanctuary of Lily's bedroom. Ethan sat at the edge of the bed, gently brushing messy brown curls away from his daughter's face as she fluttered her eyes open.
"Good morning, sweetheart, how does your head feel today?" Ethan asked softly, offering a reassuring, gentle smile to chase away any remaining fear. Lily blinked a few times, sitting up in her cream-colored nightgown and testing her limbs with a hesitant, innocent smile.
"My head feels much better, Daddy, and the scary feeling in my tummy is completely gone," Lily reported happily, stretching her arms toward the ceiling. A profound sense of relief washed over Ethan, knowing the poison hadn't had time to cause permanent systemic damage before he intervened.
There was a sharp, aggressive knock at the bedroom door, followed immediately by Elena's muffled voice calling out with practiced theatrical concern. "Ethan, darling, open up; I've prepared a lovely, fresh breakfast for Lily down in the dining room!"
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Lily instantly froze, her small hands grabbing onto Ethan's dark green shirt with fearful urgency as her lower lip began to tremble. "Don't let her near me, Daddy, please promise me she won't touch my food again," Lily whispered, her eyes welling up with sudden tears.
Ethan pulled his daughter into a tight, protective embrace, whispering soothing promises into her hair before standing up to face the impending confrontation. He unlocked the door and pulled it open, revealing Elena standing there with a tray of pancakes and fresh orange juice.
