The disdain was palpable, almost a physical thing in the air, making Eltham want nothing more than to turn on his heel and leave. But then, she spoke, her voice fragile, "Sir, I'm lost. Can you please help me find my way back to my room?" Her voice cracked with emotion, and it was then that Eltham really looked at her. She bore a striking resemblance to Brittany Lynette.

The same starry eyes, brimming with tears.

A rare flicker of compassion lit within Eltham as he crouched down to her level. "What's your name?"

"Twila."

"What's wrong?"

"I have a cold. And a fever." Twila looked up at Eltham with timid eyes. She hadn't ever encountered such a handsome man. She thought to herself that if he were her dad, her mom wouldn't have to suffer, and neither would she have to endure the beatings. Eltham extended his hand, "Come on, I'll take you back."

Twila's heart leaped with joy, "Really, sir?"

"Of course."

Holding onto Eltham's hand, she allowed him to guide her back to the room.

Hestia had gone to make her soup.

Climbing into bed by herself, Twila turned to Eltham, "Thank you, sir."

"Just rest up," Eltham said with a soft smile before he left.

Eltham mused to himself. If he and Brittany had a child as adorable as Twila, he wouldn't mind showering her with affection, at least providing some semblance of fatherly love.

until Hestia returned, opening up a pot of chicken noodle soup and ladling out a small

bowl, Twila asked, "Aren't you

two large pots full, she couldn't possibly finish

ate at the diner," Hestia replied, shaking her head. She had made extra soup, thinking

she was grateful. He had rescued her from a

"Mommy, he was so handsome. Wouldn't it be great if he were my dad?" Hestia's expression stiffened, "Just

dad was no

her mom upset,

...

back, Brittany

bet

he can leave the hospital. I might not go out,

day."

QUMS

understand," Eltham replied, "You can talk,

I'd advise you to discard them right away." He

had contingencies. Rather than plotting an escape, she decided to stay. She was curious

"Alright."

pleased with

only his gaze lifting

could always be

compliant." ContentAllent

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