GENESIS
He was different.
Scary… but different. The worst kind of scary.
"Here, you can have this."
Daisy's tiny hand stretched out, offering me a chocolate.
I hesitated, fingers barely brushing hers as I took it. My eyes flicked toward my husband, half-expecting a glare.
But he wasn't even looking at me.
He was smiling—softly—at Daisy, as if he hadn't caught me trembling minutes ago.
"We'll eat it like this," Daisy said carefully, like she was teaching something important. "You'll eat one, then I'll eat one, then you again. Okay?"
I just stared. The words bounced in my head but didn't stick.
Say something. Move. Anything.
But nothing came.
Her smile faltered, and panic stirred deep inside me. I tried to nod. My body wouldn't listen.
The chocolate suddenly felt heavy in my hand, heartbeat loud in my ears.
Then—
"She's shy, Deirdre," Kier's deep voice broke the silence. His gaze brushed over me—sharp, unreadable—before returning to Daisy. "Give her time."
He said it so easily.
Daisy's smile bloomed again. "Okay!"
She unwrapped a chocolate and popped it into her mouth, legs swinging beneath the stool.
I held mine tighter, unsure if what I felt was fear… or something else.
---
"And little missy, you're only allowed three chocolates."
The plump woman from earlier stepped out from behind the counter, setting steaming bowls on the table. The air filled with the smell of something warm and homey.
Daisy's face fell. "Nooo." She turned to Kier, wide eyes pleading.
"No, don't you dare," the woman said, wagging a finger at him. "Three's the limit. Two was enough, but I'm being nice."
"But if I get an upset stomach, I'll be fine later… right?"
Kier's lips twitched. The woman answered before he could.
"Yes—after you take a shot."
At that, Daisy's color drained.
"No shot! Please, Uncle K!"
She clung to him, tiny arms around his neck. He chuckled, rubbing her back.
"Then three chocolates, little Deirdre. No more."
She sniffled but nodded, settling against him with a pout.
---
I watched from the edge of my seat, the untouched chocolate glinting in my palm.
I couldn't remember the last time I had one—maybe when Papa was still alive. The memory blurred.
It looked too perfect, too sweet for someone like me.
You don't deserve that, Monica's voice hissed in my head.
I gripped the chocolate tighter, heart pounding.
Then a soft voice broke through.
"Little Miss, I don't think we've met properly."
I froze. The woman stood beside me now, kind eyes studying me.
My first instinct was to rise, to show respect, but her hand rested gently on my shoulder.
I flinched before I could stop myself.
Guilt burned through me, and I shook my head quickly—an apology without words.
She didn't look offended. Just smiled. "It's fine, honey."
I blinked. No one ever said that after I recoiled.
"I'm sorry we didn't talk when you arrived," she continued softly. "When I heard how you were treated, I wasn't happy. I agree with Kade's decision to let go of the workers who ignored you."
Let go.
My heart skipped. Fired… because of me?
I risked a glance at Kier, but he was still lost in Daisy's laughter.
Why would anyone be punished for not caring?
"Though my Kier isn't completely innocent either," she added, shooting him a look.
He chuckled, unbothered. But when his dark eyes flicked toward me, I looked down fast.
My fingers trembled over the chocolate wrapper.
"So you're welcome here, little Miss," she said, voice warm.
Welcome.
The word sat heavy in my chest.
Maybe she meant it. Maybe she didn't. But it was the first time someone had said it.
I looked away before the tears could win.
And across the table—unnoticed—Kier's gaze lingered, steady and unblinking.