Chapter 26 - A Safe SanctuaryMark knew they couldn't stay in that house another night. Every corner of the grand mansion was poisoned by fear and painful memories.
He drove them straight to a quiet luxury hotel in the city center, where he rented the top-floor suite. He personally drew a warm bath for Lily and Owen, gently washing the dirt from their hands, hair, and knees.
When he applied soothing cream to Lily's raw skin, she winced slightly but didn't make a sound.
"You can cry if it hurts, sweetie," Mark whispered softly.
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Lily looked up at him with big, hollow eyes. "If I cry, will you get mad?"
Mark felt a sharp pain in his chest. He pulled her close and whispered, "Never. You can cry, you can scream, you can do whatever you want. Daddy will always be here to hold you."
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Chapter 27 - The Broken Teddy BearThat night, after ordering a feast of soft soups, warm bread, and fresh fruit, Mark laid down between his two children on the massive hotel bed.
Chapter 28 - Uncovering the DeceptionWhile the children slept peacefully, Mark sat in the adjoining room with his lawyer, Miller.
Chapter 29 - The First MorningWhen the morning sun streamed through the sheer hotel curtains, Mark was already awake, sitting beside the bed.
Chapter 30 - Leaving the Past BehindA week later, Mark made a decision that shocked the business world. He resigned from his position as CEO of his global investment firm. He transferred his shares, kept a comfortable passive income, and walked away from the corporate ladder completely.
Chapter 31 - Shadows in the NightHealing, however, was not a straight road.
Chapter 32 - Light in the DarknessLily stopped shaking slowly as Mark’s familiar, warm voice penetrated her panic. She looked up, seeing the tears streaming down her father's face.
