Chapter 152: Owen Kennedy
Theo sat at the edge of the bed, his gaze fixed on Daisy. At first, her sleep seemed peaceful as she was breathing slowly, her face soft against the pillow. But soon her expression shifted, her brows knitting as if shadows chased her in her dreams.
A faint murmur slipped from her lips. "Don’t... leave me..."
Theo’s chest tightened. He bent closer, brushing his fingers lightly against her hand. "I’m here," he whispered, his voice low, soothing. "I’m not going anywhere, Daisy. I’m right here."
But her restless mumbling continued, sharper now, almost pleading. "Dad... Dad..."
Theo froze. His hand, still hovering over hers, curled slowly into a fist.
"Hey... it’s okay. Your dad is okay..." he whispered, though his brows furrowed despite the soft words.
Since his father’s visit earlier, too many things had been gnawing at him. And now, hearing Daisy suddenly mutter about her father in her sleep only pressed harder on the weight he’d been trying to ignore.
Her lips trembled, the word slipping out again, "Dad... don’t leave me..."
Theo’s chest tightened. He sank down onto the bed, drawing her carefully into his arms. Her body instinctively curled toward him, seeking warmth, seeking shelter. He kissed the top of her head and murmured, "I’m here, Daisy. You’re not alone. Don’t worry... I’ll make sure your dad is safe."
"I’m afraid..." Daisy’s voice was low, but it didn’t sound like she was mumbling in her sleep.
Theo instantly looked down at her face and saw her eyes open, glossy with unshed tears. "Did you have a bad dream?" he asked softly, brushing his thumb across her cheek.
Her lips quivered before she nodded faintly. "It felt so real... like I was losing him all over again."
"Shhh..." Theo murmured, rubbing her back in slow circles. "He’s doing okay with his therapy. I checked with the centre just a few days ago... they reported everything to me."
Daisy’s chin lifted, her watery eyes locking onto his. "Can I go visit him today?"
Theo shook his head without hesitation. "Tomorrow. Rest first, get your strength back... and I’ll take you there myself."
Her fingers tightened on his shirt, like she wanted to argue, but the steadiness in his tone anchored her.
Theo exhaled softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "Daisy... let’s eat something first, okay? You need to take your medicine."
She hesitated, lowering her gaze. "I don’t feel like eating."
"You have to," Theo said gently, though there was a firm edge in his voice. The doctor’s words echoed in his head from the time they were discharged, ’After her miscarriage, it seems like her body and mind were not properly cared for. She’ll need strength to heal, both physically and mentally.’
The doctor’s warning had burrowed deep into him, and now, all he could think about was protecting her and making sure she was happy. Every fragile look on her face, every tremor in her voice, only fueled his resolve.
Theo tilted her chin up gently, his eyes soft but unwavering. "Let me take care of you, Daisy. You’ve been carrying too much on your own. Just... let me do this for you."
Her lips parted, as though she wanted to protest, but the warmth in his gaze left her words tangled on her tongue.
"Let’s go and eat..." Theo said softly as he sat up on the bed. He slipped an arm around Daisy and gently pulled her up with him, careful not to startle her.
Theo shifted, slipping an arm beneath her knees, already preparing to scoop her up. But Daisy’s hand pressed against his chest, stopping him.
"It’s okay... I can walk," she whispered, shaking her head.
He paused, reluctant to let go, his eyes narrowing as he studied her pale face. The way her body swayed ever so slightly told him otherwise. Still, he eased her back to her feet, though his hand never left her waist, steadying her every step.
"You don’t look okay," he muttered, his brows furrowing deeper. "You’re too pale..."
"I really am okay..." Daisy managed a faint smile as she carefully slid down from the bed. Her legs wobbled slightly, but she steadied herself and stretched out her hand toward him. "Let’s go..."
Theo’s gaze lingered on her, unconvinced, but the sight of her small hand reaching for his made his chest tighten. He slipped his larger hand into hers, holding it firmly.
"I already asked the maid to make you dried scallop porridge... is that okay? Or do you want something else?" he asked gently as he reached for the door with his free hand, pulling it open.
Daisy shook her head, her smile faint but soft. "That’s fine. You’re fussing too much."
Theo glanced down at her pale face and tightened his grip on her hand. "Not nearly enough," he muttered, guiding her carefully through the doorway.
Their walk through the hallway and down the stairs was quiet, heavy with unspoken thoughts. Only when they neared the dining table did Daisy finally break the silence.
"Don’t you want to ask me anything?" Her voice was calm, but there was a trace of weight beneath it.
Theo tilted his head toward her, brow furrowed. "Like what?" He genuinely didn’t understand.
Daisy’s eyes softened, a warm but pained look flickering in them. "Like... Why am I so afraid of that old man." Her voice dropped lower, almost a whisper. "My grandfather. Owen Kennedy."
Theo leaned down slightly, lowering his face closer to hers. "I’m all ears if you want to tell me," he murmured. Then, cupping her face, his thumb brushed tenderly across her cheek. "But if you don’t... I’ll wait until you’re ready."
Daisy’s lips pressed into a pout, her eyes glistening as if the words she held back threatened to spill over. She blinked rapidly, but a tear still slipped free.
Theo’s chest tightened. Panic flashed across his face as he gently wiped it away with his thumb. "Hey, why are you crying?" His voice dropped, urgent but soft. "Did I say something wrong? Hey..."
Daisy just shook her head and her sobbing getting heavier and her shoulders shaking as emotions spilling over.
Theo’s heart lurched at the sight, her sobs tearing through him like blades. He pulled her into his arms without another word, wrapping her against his chest, one hand cradling the back of her head.
"Daisy... hey, shhh... it’s okay," he whispered against her hair, rocking her gently as if she were something fragile he could shield from the world. "You don’t have to say anything. Just let it out. I’ve got you... I’m here."
Her fingers clutched at his shirt, bunching the fabric as she buried her face into him, her tears soaking through. Each shaky breath she released made him hold her tighter, as though he could keep her from falling apart just by refusing to let go.
"I—I still remember that day when I was eight..." Daisy’s voice cracked against his chest, her words muffled by sobs. "He belittled me... just because my father is Thomas Sinclair..." Her body trembled as the memories clawed their way back, every despising word, every cruel look flashing through her mind.
Theo’s chest hurt, fury sparking in his veins even as he kept his touch gentle. He tipped her chin up, brushing away her tears with his thumb. "Daisy... look at me," he whispered, his voice rough but steady. "None of his words matter. Not then, not now. You are worth more than every Kennedy put together. And Thomas Sinclair... your father is a better man than he could ever dream of being."
She pouted again, shaking her head harder. "You don’t understand..."
"Then tell me," he murmured softly. Without warning, he slipped his arms beneath her and lifted her effortlessly.
Surprised, Daisy let out a small shriek. "Theo—!" Her wide eyes flicked toward the maids lingering in the dining room, but they quickly lowered their gazes, pretending to be absorbed in their tasks as if nothing unusual was happening.
Unbothered, Theo carried her straight to the dining table. "If we’re going to talk for a while, standing isn’t good for you," he said, his tone calm but brooking no argument. He gently lowered her into a chair, adjusting her so she sat comfortably before taking the seat beside her.
Theo glanced at the maid standing by. "Fix her food," he instructed before turning his attention back to Daisy. His eyes softened. "Do you want your favorite? Vanilla milkshake?"
Daisy blinked at him, a little startled. "Can I?" She gave a faint smile, wiping away the last traces of her tears. "I’ll just drink warm water for now..."
"Okay..." Theo signaled to the maid, then shifted his gaze back to Daisy. "Anything else you want to eat? We can talk after your tummy is full."
Daisy shook her head gently. "I’ll eat the porridge first... if I feel like—"
Before she could finish, his phone buzzed sharply, breaking the moment.
"It’s okay, answer it first," Daisy said with a small smile as the maid carefully set a steaming bowl of porridge in front of her.
Theo frowned, reluctant, but finally stood up and turned away to take the call. "Yes, Miles..."