Settled

Desi strolled through the mansion halls, feeling the weight of the security cameras that tracked her every step. It was uncomfortable, but she attempted to brush it off. She needed to concentrate on Lily and figure out how to function under these circumstances.

As she approached the kitchen, she discovered Mia, one of the staff members, preparing dinner. Desi cleared her throat. "Hi, I'm Desi."

Mia looked up in amazement. I know who you are. "Doctor Jones, correct?"

"Yeah, but call me Desi," she replied, smiling. "I'm trying to settle down here. "This place is intense."

Mia chuckled quietly, looking around. "You will get used to it. But I can't say if the cameras will ever cease being weird."

Desi leaned against the countertop. "How long have you been working here?”

"About five years," Mia explained, cutting vegetables. "It isn't as bad as it appears. Mr. Romano might be... demanding, yet he cares for his employees."

Desi lifted an eyebrow. "Demanding is an understatement."

Mia smiled. "Yeah, you have seen the worst of him. "He's different from Lily."

"I noticed," Desi said, reflecting on the way Lucas gazed at his daughter. "He's a good father."

Mia nodded. "She's his entire universe. "He is just scared."

Desi sighed. "I get that. I'm also terrified. I want to help her, but there is a lot of pressure."

"You'll do fine," Mia remarked, her tone pleasant. "Lily is a fighter, just like her father. She'll get through."

Desi grinned, pleased for the reassurance. "Thanks. I needed to hear that."

Mia nodded, continuing her work. "Are you hungry? I can make you something."

Desi’s stomach growled, reminding her she hadn’t eaten since she arrived. "Actually, yeah. That’d be great."

She gestured to a stool. "Sit down. I’ll fix you a plate."

Desi sat at the counter, watching Mia work. The kitchen smelled warm and comforting, a stark contrast to the cold, tense atmosphere in the rest of the house.

"So, what’s Lucas really like?" Desi asked after a moment.

Mia paused, considering her words. "He’s complicated. Ruthless in business, sure, but when it comes to family, he is calm.”

Desi nodded slowly. "He doesn’t trust me."

"It’s not personal," Mia said. "He doesn’t trust anyone outside of this house."

"Still, it’s hard to work when someone’s constantly watching you," Desi muttered.

Mia glanced at the cameras. "You’ll get used to it. Just keep doing your job. That’s all he cares about."

Desi sighed. "I guess I don’t have much of a choice."

She set a plate in front of her. "Nope. But you’ll be fine. Just focus on Lily."

Desi took a bite of the food, surprised at how good it was. "This is amazing."

Mia smiled. "Thanks. It’s my way of taking care of everyone here."

"You’re doing a great job," Desi said, genuinely grateful. "I don’t know how I’d survive without some normalcy."

Mia laughed. "You’ll be okay. It’s strange at first, but you’ll find your rhythm."

Desi nodded, finishing her meal. "I hope so. I need to stay focused."

"You will," Mia assured her. "And if you need anything, just ask."

"Thanks," Desi said. "I’ll definitely take you up on that."

As she stood to leave, Mia called after her. "And Desi?"

"Yeah?"

"Don’t let him scare you too much. He’s tough, but he’s not as cold as he seems."

Desi smiled, appreciating the advice. "I’ll try to remember that."

She left the kitchen, feeling a little more settled.

She walked back toward the medical wing, mentally preparing for the night ahead. Lucas would probably show up again, hovering over her as always, but Desi was determined to keep things professional. She couldn’t let him distract her from the real reason she was here—Lily.

As Desi entered the room, she found Lily sitting up in bed, coloring quietly. She smiled and walked over. "Hi, Lily. How are you feeling?"

Lily looked up, her small face lighting up a little. "I’m okay. Just tired."

Desi sat next to her, glancing at the coloring book. "What are you drawing?"

"A house," Lily said softly. "With a big garden."

Desi smiled. "That sounds beautiful. Maybe one day you can have a house like that."

Lily nodded, though her eyes looked distant. "Do you think I’ll get better?"

Desi’s heart clenched at the question. She smiled softly, trying to stay positive. "We’re going to do everything we can to make sure you do."

Lily gave a small nod but didn’t say anything else.

"Do you like living here?" Desi asked gently, trying to get to know her better.

"It’s okay," Lily whispered. "But I miss going outside."

Desi frowned. "You don’t get to go outside much?"

"Only sometimes," Lily said. "Daddy doesn’t let me go far. He says it’s not safe.”

Desi nodded, understanding Lucas's fear, but she also saw the sadness in Lily's eyes.

"Maybe we can find a way to get you outside more," Desi suggested. "Even if it's just the garden."

Lily's face brightened. "I'd like that."

"I'll talk to your dad," Desi said. "I'm sure he'll agree."

Lily smiled for the first time, a small but genuine one. "Thank you, Dr. Desi."

Desi smiled back. "You can just call me Desi."

Lily nodded. "Okay, Desi."

Desi felt a small connection forming between them. Lily was a sweet, gentle child who didn't deserve to be trapped in this mansion, surrounded by illness and fear.

Just then, the door opened, and Lucas walked in. His eyes immediately scanned the room, landing on Desi and Lily.

"How's she doing?" he asked, his voice low.

"She's tired but stable," Desi replied, standing up. "We're waiting on the blood test results."

Lucas nodded, his gaze shifting to Lily. "How are you feeling, sweetheart?"

Lily looked up at her father, her small voice soft. "I'm okay, Daddy."

Lucas walked over to her, brushing her hair back gently. "Good. You let me know if you need anything, okay?"

Lily nodded, leaning into his touch. Desi watched the scene quietly, seeing the tenderness in Lucas that Lily had mentioned. He wasn't just the cold, intimidating figure she was used to. Around Lily, he softened, even if only for a moment.

"I'm going to step out for a bit," Desi said, giving them some privacy. "Let me know if anything changes."

Lucas nodded but didn't take his eyes off Lily. Desi left the room, her mind swirling with thoughts. 

Shit! Things were getting complicated.