Chapter 3 - Meeting the Children
Dominic turned back to Clara, his demeanor softening as he looked toward the staircase. "I want to see them, Clara. Not as a stranger. As their father."
Clara looked up, fear still flickering in her eyes. "Dominic, they don't know anything about your world. They think their dad is a fisherman who died at sea. I didn't know how to tell them the truth."
"I don't need them to know about my world," Dominic said softly, crouching down beside her chair. "I just need them to know that I am here now. And that nobody will ever hurt them again."
Clara swallowed hard, then nodded. She stood up and walked to the stairs, calling out, "Abby, bring the kids down, please."
A moment later, Noah and Lily walked down the steps, their mouths stained with chocolate. Noah was still holding his sister’s hand protectively. He stopped when he saw Dominic, his serious gray eyes evaluating the tall man in the expensive, wet coat.
Dominic didn't step forward. He stayed on one knee, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a heavy, silver pocket watch—an heirloom passed down from his own grandfather. He wound it up, and a soft, beautiful melody began to play.
Lily's eyes widened. She let go of Noah’s hand and took two steps forward. "It plays music."
"It does," Dominic smiled, his voice incredibly gentle. "My grandfather gave it to me when I was exactly your age. He told me it only plays for people who are brave." He extended his hand, holding the watch out. "Would you like to hold it?"
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Noah watched closely, but when he saw Dominic’s steady, unmoving hand, he gave his sister a small nod. Lily took the watch, her tiny fingers brushing against Dominic’s.
Dominic looked up at Clara, and for the first time in five years, a genuine smile touched his lips.
