Chapter 5 - The Sanctuary
Daniel carried Ivy into his spacious, sunlit master suite in the west wing—a part of the house Stella rarely entered without permission.
He gently laid her down on the massive king-sized bed, propping her swollen ankle up on two silk pillows.
"Stay here," Daniel commanded softly. "I’m calling Dr. Vance."
"Daniel, no," Ivy pleaded, grabbing his wrist with her polished-stained fingers. "You can't bring a private doctor here for a maid. Your mother—"
"Ivy," Daniel said, covering her hand with his own. "Stop worrying about my mother. You are in my room now. Nobody touches you here."
Ten minutes later, the Harrington family physician, Dr. Vance, arrived. He examined Ivy’s ankle, applied a cold compress, and wrapped it in a tight brace.
"It’s a severe sprain, Daniel," Dr. Vance explained, setting down his bag. "No weight-bearing for at least three days. She needs rest and elevated ice."
"Thank you, Doctor," Daniel said, writing out a personal check. "Keep this confidential."
"Of course."
When the doctor left, Daniel sat on the edge of the bed beside Ivy. He pulled a warm glass of water and two pain relievers from the nightstand, handing them to her.
Ivy took them silently, her eyes fixed on the plush duvet covering her lap. She felt completely out of place in his luxurious room, surrounded by mahogany furniture, silver-framed photos of London, and the scent of expensive cedar and cologne.
"Why are you doing this, Daniel?" Ivy asked quietly, her voice trembling slightly. "You've only known me for three days."
Daniel looked at her for a long moment. He reached out and gently tucked a stray lock of brown hair behind her ear.
"Because three days ago, a girl yelled at me in a crosswalk for squishing her oranges," Daniel said, a soft smile touching his lips. "And when I offered her money, she told me she wasn't a beggar. She had more pride, courage, and fire in her eyes than anyone I’ve ever met."
He took her bruised hand into his.
"And because every minute I spend watching you, Ivy," Daniel added softly, "I realize I don't ever want to look away."
Ivy’s heart thundered in her chest. She looked into his dark, sincere eyes and saw something she hadn't felt since her parents died: safety.
May you like
"They will never accept me, Daniel," Ivy whispered. "Your mother will destroy us both."
"Let her try," Daniel said, his thumb softly stroking the back of her hand. "She has money. But I have power. And I will use every ounce of it to protect you."
