Dominic's gaze softened instantly.
The mere thought of Vespera seemed to lift the weight off his shoulders.
Though he still carried a lingering guilt for not being able to bring her back himself the night before, he found comfort in knowing she had been safe all along, and that Calvert had ensured everyone made it home.
"Dominic... Dominic..."
A faint, trembling voice called out from the hospital bed.
It was Fawn.
She had been rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but after receiving emergency care, her life was no longer in danger.
Yet, throughout the night, she had been plagued by unrelenting seizures and nightmarish visions, twisting and turning in a feverish daze.
Dominic and Samuel had remained by her side all night, not once closing their eyes.
The doctors explained that Fawn's condition had been caused by extreme shock.
When she fell into the lotus pond, her gown had soaked up the water, becoming heavier with each passing moment.
The underwater roots and stems had entangled around her limbs, forcing her into a desperate struggle.
Her body now bore countless scratches and bruises.
When Dominic first heard the words "lotus pond", his heart sank. He braced himself for the worst.
But despite the terror Fawn had experienced, her will to survive had proven stronger.
Samuel was utterly heartbroken.
Fawn had never so much as scraped her skin before—and now, after attending a party full of laughter and celebration, she found herself in this condition.
Samuel was drowning in grief, his eyes red and puffy. Fury burned inside him as he vowed to tear Emily apart and wipe her entire family off the map of Halewick.
Exhausted, Dominic stepped in.
"Enough with the mob boss routine. And no more crying," he said.
It wasn't until around 5:00 am that Fawn finally settled.
As she began to stir awake, she called out Dominic's name.
Samuel felt a pang of hurt. He leaned in closer and murmured, "I'm here, you know."
"…Move. I need to talk to Dominic."
Fawn gently pushed him aside.
Samuel's face fell.
Why did she have something to say to Dominic, but nothing at all for him?
Dominic gave Samuel an exasperated glance before stepping forward and asking softly, "Mom, what is it you wanted to say?"
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