"How can I even call myself a father?"
"Sly," he called out.
A shadow emerged from behind the bookshelves and bowed before Edmund.
"Investigate the orphanage and find out everything that happened before the fire incident."
"Yes, Master."
Sly bowed once more before disappearing into the shadows.
A Father's Answer
The next morning, Edmund sat beside the girl's hospital bed, watching her sleeping face.
He hadn't been able to sleep since discovering the truth about her injuries. Guilt weighed heavily on his heart, leaving him restless throughout the night. Even after the morning sun had risen, he remained beside her bed, unable to tear his gaze away from her.
The girl finally stirred.
She squeezed her eyes shut before slowly opening them, allowing them time to adjust to the light. Her throat felt dry, and she desperately wanted some water.
Before she could voice her request, someone held out a glass of water to her.
"Have some water."
She froze.
Slowly, she turned her gaze towards the glass before looking up at the person holding it.
"You... again."
Her voice came out dry and hoarse.
Edmund carefully helped her sit up. He held the glass while she drank, allowing her to take small sips until she had finished. Once the glass was empty, he gently helped her lie back down, placed the cup on the bedside table, and returned to his seat.
Silence settled between them.
They stared at each other, neither willing to speak first.
Finally, the girl's weak voice broke the silence.
"You still haven't answered my question."
Edmund frowned slightly.
What question?
Then it clicked.
Who are you?
The memory of her question sent a sharp sting through his heart. He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, trying to steady himself.
Then he looked at her.
"I am your father."
One and a Half Months Later...
Aurora sat on the hospital bed, watching her father complete the final discharge procedures.
She had wanted to leave the hospital for a very long time, but someone had insisted that she wasn't fully recovered and always found another reason to keep her there.
The smell of disinfectant had become irritating, raising goosebumps on her skin. It had taken every ounce of her willpower to remain in the hospital without running away.
It wasn't as though the thought hadn't crossed her mind. However, whenever it did, she was reminded of one important fact: she had nowhere else to go. Besides, the lingering aches in her body served as a constant reminder of her condition.
Even if she ran away, how far could she possibly go?
"Aurora, are you ready to leave?" Edmund asked gently, looking at her with warmth in his eyes.
Aurora turned towards him.
Although she had initially struggled to accept the fact that this man was her father, his endless proofs and consistent care had gradually softened her heart. With time, she had come to accept him.
He treated her with such care and caution, as though she were a fragile glass ornament that could shatter at the slightest touch. He never allowed her to suffer any inconvenience if he could help it.
From the time she had spent with him, Aurora had reached one very important conclusion.
Her father was completely at her beck and call.
Anything she wanted, he gave her. Even when she made the most ridiculous requests, he entertained them without complaint.
He had proven time and time again how much he loved her. Perhaps knowing that she was his biological daughter had made it easier for him to accept her, and that, in turn, had made it easier for her to accept him.
Aurora looked at him and smiled.
"Yes, Father."
Edmund froze.
For a moment, he simply stared at her as though he wasn't certain he had heard correctly. Then his face broke into a wide grin that stretched from ear to ear.
Aurora noticed his reaction, and her smile widened.
He looked so happy over a single word.
It was almost amusing.
Edmund walked over to her bed.
"Can you walk? If not, I can carry you. Just say the word, and your father will be at your beck and call."
He waited eagerly for her response.
Aurora was about to refuse, but then she changed her mind.
"Okay."
Edmund's eyes lit up.
He immediately bent down beside the bed and turned his back towards her, allowing her to climb on. Once she had settled herself comfortably, he secured her position and slowly stood up.
With Aurora on his back, he walked out of the room.
The sight left the nurses and doctors staring in disbelief.
Although they had witnessed Edmund's softer side towards his daughter on several occasions, they still found it difficult to get used to the change.
The man who had once filled the entire hospital with an oppressive atmosphere now allowed the staff to move about freely without fearing that his displeasure might fall upon them.
He hardly even got angry anymore.
When it came to Aurora, it seemed he had absolutely no limits.
That was what everyone thought, including his bodyguards.
However, some of them had witnessed him lose his composure over another woman before.
And that woman was none other than Aurora's mother.
Apparently, even the ice-cold walls surrounding Edmund Devereux had their weaknesses.
His wife was one of them.
And now, his daughter had become another.
Meanwhile, Aurora was thoroughly enjoying all the attention.
She hadn't expected to find herself enjoying this much, but she couldn't deny that being pampered felt rather nice.
Besides, she had to admit something else.
Her father had a pretty good physique.
And with that handsome face of his, there was absolutely no denying his looks.
Approved.
She gave a small, satisfied nod to herself.
It suddenly occurred to her that she had three older brothers waiting to be discovered.
I wonder how handsome they'll be.
She could hardly wait to find out.
During her stay in the hospital, Aurora had already discovered one of her weaknesses.
Handsome faces.