5 Daisy
1513 Words
Kayla's POV
Once Harrison reluctantly gave me permission, I hurriedly got dressed and left his mansion. It was quite clear that Harrison's mansion was situated on the outskirts. The streets in this area were wide open, devoid of any cars passing by.
I pulled out my phone to check the time. It was already 2 a.m., and I couldn't think of anyone to call for help at that hour. But the thought of my daughter still being at the hospital urged me forward.
With a firm resolve, I began walking, fully prepared to reach the hospital on foot if necessary. The road ahead was cloaked in darkness, yet my determination remained unwavering. Time was of the essence.
Tap, tap—
As a car horn sounded behind me, a strong beam of light cut through the darkness, casting light upon my path. I turned my head, shielding my eyes from the intense glare. Before I could even open my mouth to ask for assistance from the driver, I heard Harrison's voice again.
"Get in the car."
Afraid that he might change his mind, I didn't hesitate. I swung open the door and climbed inside.
"Thank you, Harrison. I truly had an emergency tonight..."
While fastening my seatbelt, I expressed my gratitude to Harrison, who was seated next to me, his expression stern and unwavering.
"This entire area is my private property." Harrison's tone lacked emotion. "I don't want any mishaps happening here that might attract a swarm of police officers and disrupt my life."
"Regardless, Harrison, I'm really grateful."
Meeting Harrison's gaze, I sincerely conveyed my thanks. He averted his eyes, refusing to hold my gaze.
"Are you heading home?"
"No," I addressed the driver in the front seat, "please take me to St. Paul Hospital. Thank you."
"St. Paul Hospital?"
Harrison turned his head, regarding me skeptically. He studied me for a moment, then sneered, "Are you sure? As far as I know, St. Paul Hospital only admits children."
"I," I averted his gaze, biting down on my lip. "My friend's kid is sick. I came back this time to visit them, but I got tricked into going to Kelowna's party..."
"Kayla, have I ever told you that deceiving me comes with a price?"
"I'm not lying!" I retorted, though a small voice in me whispered, "At least not entirely."
"Which friend?" Harrison's voice sounded calmer than before, but his look still held suspicion as he scrutinized me. Just as I struggled with how to answer to satisfy him, Harrison's expression turned mocking again. "Going to the hospital to visit your friend's kid at 2 a.m., huh? I almost thought it was your child."
I stood silent, bowing my head, not wanting to let him catch my expression. However, at that moment, I noticed the dress I was changing in his home. It was the same one I had left behind years ago when I spent the first night at Harrison's house. After all these years, he had kept it.
I raised my hand and took the sleeve to my nose, giving it a sniff. A faint scent of grass mixed with a hint of flowers, just like the mate scent I had sensed on Harrison that night.
...
The car smoothly pulled up at the entrance of St. Paul Hospital. Once again, I thanked Harrison before preparing to get out. As soon as I opened the car door, the cold night breeze rushed in, carrying a sharp chill.
I quickly closed the door, but a force prevented it from fully closing. I turned around to see Harrison holding the door with one hand and his suit jacket that he had just taken off with the other. Before I could react, he tossed the deep blue suit jacket into my arms.
With a thud, the car door closed, and the car drove away. The suit jacket in my hands still carried the lingering warmth of Harrison. After hesitating for a moment, I draped it over my shoulders.
...
"Mommy!"
When I hurriedly arrived at the hospital room, Daisy was sitting on the bed, playing with a Rubik's cube alongside Nathan. As soon as she saw me, Daisy quickly dropped her toy and rushed into my arms.
"Oh, Daisy, how do you feel? Is there anything wrong?"
"I'm good and brave! Even when the doctor gave me a shot, I didn't cry! You can ask Nathan if you don't believe me."
Daisy patted my back gently, just like I used to do when she was sick, and I'd pat her to help her fall asleep.
"Yes, Daisy is really brave. The doctors and nurses said she's the bravest little girl they've ever seen." Nathan's enthusiastic praise brought a sweet smile to Daisy's face.
Seeing Daisy's pale complexion gaining a touch of rosy color, I turned to Nathan and asked about the specifics of tonight's events.
"The doctor explained that Daisy experienced a sudden heart palpitation due to the change in cities. You know, Gorden City has a larger temperature difference and drier climate compared to Europe. Given Daisy's preexisting heart condition, her adaptability is somewhat compromised. But the doctor assured me it was not a major concern. As Daisy grows up, everything should gradually improve."
"That's a relief." I breathed a sigh of relief, finally feeling at ease.
"But Nathan, what brings you here?"
Nathan was my best friend during my time abroad. I met him during my most sorrowful and vulnerable moments. He introduced me to freelance writing, enabling me to earn enough to support my daughter who had a heart condition.
"Do you recall when I mentioned our company's plan to expand the business division? I'm here on a business trip for that. After I landed, I tried calling you but couldn't reach you. So, I called Daisy, and she told me she had chest pain."
Nathan smiled and turned his gaze to Daisy. "Daisy is quite smart. She gave me the exact address, which helped me find your place quickly. It's like destiny. Don't you think, Daisy?"
"Yeah!" Daisy nodded and returned to playing with the Rubik's cube.
I stopped pondering the reasons for Nathan's sudden appearance in the city. Regardless, he was a lifesaver for my daughter.
As I watched my daughter play with such innocence, memories of the events over the past few days flooded my mind — from my father to Kelowna, and then Harrison. Maybe returning with Daisy was a mistake.
"Mommy, don't cry."
Before I could react, Daisy had wrapped her arms around my waist. She tilted her little face up to wipe away the tears from the corners of my eyes, her expression radiating concern.
"I'm okay, Mommy. As long as I'm with you, I am happy every day."
"Oh, my darling!"
I embraced Daisy tightly in my arms, tears welled up and cascaded down my cheeks uncontrollably.
"Mommy, is this your new jacket? I really love its scent. It reminds me of the little daisies on the park lawn."
Perhaps aiming to divert my attention, Daisy suddenly commented on the coat I was wearing. It was Harrison's coat. Even Nathan's gaze settled on the coat that was clearly designed for men.
I had to explain, "I just came from a party, and this coat was borrowed from a friend."
Confronted with my flimsy explanation, Nathan flashed a wry smile.
He stood up, saying, "It's getting late, Kayla. I'll head back to the hotel. I won't disturb your rest. Once I've sorted out my work, I'll come by to check on you guys."
"Thank you so much, Nathan."
I walked Nathan to the entrance of the ward.
Nathan nodded at me and waved goodbye to Daisy inside the room.
"Goodbye, Daisy."
"Goodbye, Nathan. Don't forget to visit me, okay?"
...
The Third Person's POV
On the opposite side of St. Paul's Hospital, a black car had been parked for half an hour.
Harrison leaned against the car's body, a cigar half-smoked between his fingers, his gaze fixed on the white building across the street.
"Alpha."
As his beta, Rick, crossed the road, emanating a frigid aura, Harrison finally redirected his gaze.
"Tell me."
"Miss Reeves went directly to a room on the third floor as soon as she entered the hospital. I asked a nurse, and indeed, there's a child in that room."
"Got it. Anything else?"
"Since the inpatient area isn't accessible to the public, I had to observe from outside. Apart from the child and the woman's voices in the room, there seemed a man in the room."
"A man?" Harrison arched an eyebrow, a hint of coldness evident in his eyes.
"Based on the snippets I overheard. The man was explaining the child's condition to Miss Reeves. I presume he's a doctor."
"I know. She didn't deceive me this time."
Harrison sighed, flicking the half-smoked cigar on the ground, the embers gradually fading away.
His Beta remained bowed, refraining from uttering a single word.
Harrison took one last look at a room on the third floor before leaving.
"Let's go."
"Yes, Alpha."
- Writer
