𝐑𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐬 | 𝟏𝟖 +

𝐅 𝐎 𝐑 𝐓 𝐘 - 𝐅 𝐎 𝐔 𝐑

Marilyn

I returned to the estate, exhaustion settling over me like a heavy cloak. But the moment I stepped inside, I felt a wave of calm. Home. Safe. I made my way upstairs to Dakota's room, my heart aching to hold her, to feel her small warmth in my arms.

Pushing open the door, I spotted Savannah in the rocking chair, Dakota curled up in her arms and crying softly. Savannah gave me a small, relieved smile, and I felt myself soften as I moved toward them.

"Come here, sweetheart." I murmured, reaching for Dakota. Savannah carefully transferred her into my arms, and I felt an overwhelming rush of love as I cradled her close, gently rocking back and forth to calm her. I looked down at her tear-streaked face, her big, tired eyes staring up at me, and I felt tears prickling at the corners of my own eyes.

"Could you make her a bottle?" I asked softly, not wanting to disturb the peace in the room. Savannah nodded, giving me a sympathetic smile as she slipped out.

Once we were alone, I allowed a few tears to fall, brushing my lips gently against Dakota's forehead. "I missed you so much, baby." I whispered, smoothing her tiny curls. She looked at me with droopy eyes, as if she was fighting so hard to stay awake. I could see the exhaustion in her gaze, the last remnants of the day's fears weighing on her. But here in my arms, she was safe, and I hoped she knew that.

Savannah soon returned, handing me the bottle. "Thank you." I said, glancing up to meet her warm gaze. I settled back in the rocking chair, holding Dakota as she latched onto the bottle, her eyes already starting to close.

I hummed softly, just a quiet tune, something soothing as Dakota drank, her eyelids fluttering with the weight of sleep. Each second, I felt her relax a little more, her body softening against me until she finally gave in, her tiny breaths slow and even.

Gently, I lifted her and laid her down in her cradle, tucking her snugly under her blankets. Leaning down, I pressed one last kiss to her cheek, brushing back a stray curl.

Savannah watched me, her expression soft. "I'll stay the night, keep an eye on her." she offered.

I nodded, grateful beyond words. "Thank you, Savannah. Please, make yourself comfortable in any of the guest rooms."

She smiled. "Get some rest on the way back."

With a final glance at my sleeping daughter, I forced myself to leave her side. The night was still long, and there was someone else waiting for me back at the hospital.

• • •

I returned to the hospital with the weight of exhaustion settling over me. As I walked back into the waiting room, I noticed Sevan's sister, Samara, sitting by herself, her posture a little slumped but her gaze alert as she stared at the floor. She looked up when I entered, and I gave her a small smile, moving to take the seat next to her.

"Have you been in to see her yet?" I asked gently.

She nodded, her face a mix of worry and resilience. "I did. She... she looks so peaceful, you know?" She looked away, biting her lip. "Too peaceful."

I reached over, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. We both sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the past twenty-four hours sinking heavily into the quiet.

Then, Samara suddenly turned to me, her expression curious. "I just realised, I recognize you now." she said, eyes narrowing playfully.

I raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh? And how do you know me?"

Samara's smirk grew a little mischievous. "You're thee Marilyn Eloise D'Angelo. The rich lady from the billboards. The one who's everywhere in New York."

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Guilty as charged."

She studied me for a moment, a slight smile on her face. "Sevan's really lucky, you know?"

Hearing that brought a warmth to my chest, and I smiled softly. "I think I'm the lucky one." I admitted, my voice barely a whisper. It was true; Sevan had been a light in my life that I never knew I needed.

We sat in comfortable silence for a while before I turned back to her. "So, are you still in school?"

"Yeah, my last year." she said, rolling her eyes but smiling. "Then hopefully off to university. I want to become a heart surgeon."

I smiled, impressed by her ambition. "A heart surgeon? That's incredible, Samara. Keep studying, work hard, and I'm sure all your dreams will come true."

She looked down, her cheeks slightly flushed but with a proud smile playing on her lips. "Thanks, Marilyn. It means a lot, coming from you."

I squeezed her shoulder, and in that moment, it felt like maybe, just maybe, we were all going to get through this together.

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Short I know, but I'm tired 🥲

~ R