Through the Dark

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Daughter?

Harry has a daughter?

Why didn't he tell me?

Is he playing games with me?

Me being stunned was an understatement. My mind was spinning, tangled in disbelief. Harry... a father? How could he already have a daughter? He seemed so carefree, so effortless—nothing like the other young dads I'd seen.

How did he even hide this from everyone? Or was I the only one in the dark? My thoughts raced, and then—suddenly—another realization hit me like a punch to the gut.

Oh my God.

He's married.

Harry glanced at me, his expression calm, carefully masking his worry. Then he returned his gaze to the road, hands tight on the wheel. I could feel the tremor through our intertwined fingers, the subtle sweat on his palm, and my chest constricted even more at the weight of what I was discovering.

"I know what you're thinking, and I'm sorry I didn't tell you," he sighed, breaking through the whirlwind of my thoughts. "I'm not playing games with you, Sweet cheeks. I always tell you how I feel. And I've never been married—not even before."

He was still tense, yet there was a calmness beneath it. I realized I'd been holding my breath and let out a slow exhale.

"I'll explain everything later. I promise," he murmured quietly.

I squeezed his hands reassuringly. It's okay, I thought. I wouldn't let this shake our bond. He had always been there for me, and I wanted to be there for him too.

"It won't change anything, Harry. I won't judge you. Don't worry. I'll be here for you," I whispered, eyes fixed on his concentrated, tense expression.

He let out a small, sad chuckle. "I guess you're not the only one with a difficult past," he said, still focused on the road.

I smiled softly, thinking about his life before we even met. "I'm sure your past is nothing compared to mine."

He stayed quiet for a moment, then gently lifted our intertwined hands and pressed a soft, tender kiss to them.

Sweet.

*****

When we arrived at the hospital, Harry immediately headed to the front desk.

The nurse behind the counter was taking her time with her makeup. When her eyes landed on Harry, she gave him a smile—far too flirtatious for my liking. The top three buttons of her white uniform were undone, revealing more than was appropriate, and her bright red lips curved into a smile that made it obvious Harry was her target.

I fought the urge to slap her and tell her to back off.

"How can I help you?" she purred, leaning forward over the desk. Harry and I instinctively stepped back.

"I want to know the room of Gabriella Simpson," Harry said, his voice tight with impatience.

"Are you related to the patient?" she asked, tapping her fingers on the counter. I could feel Harry tense beside me, his hand tightening around mine. He didn't want to reveal that Gabriella was his daughter.

"Uhm... S-she's my—" he started, but I cut him off.

"She's our cousin," I barked sharply. "Now can you tell us what room she's at, or should I call one of the head doctors and report that you're not doing your job."