Troubled

She found Lucas in his study, pacing. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door. He looked up, his expression cold, staring at her.

"What is it?" Lucas asked, his voice sharp.

"I need to talk to you about Lily," Desi said, stepping inside.

Lucas stopped what he was doing on his laptop, giving her his attention. "Is something wrong with her?"

"No, she’s stable," Desi answered, trying to keep her tone calm. "But I think we need to do more for her than just treat her in here."

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Desi straightened. "She told me she misses being outside. I think it would really help her if she could get some fresh air, see the sun. She needs to feel like a kid, not a patient."

Lucas’s jaw clenched. "No. It’s too dangerous."

"I understand your concern," Desi continued, standing her ground. "But staying locked up in this house isn’t helping her recover. It’s affecting her emotionally. We could take her to a park. Somewhere safe, with guards if needed."

Lucas shook his head, walking to the window. "You think a trip to the park will magically cure her?"

"It’s not magic," Desi replied. "But it will make a difference. She needs to experience life, Lucas. Not just be confined to this place."

Lucas glanced at her over his shoulder, still frowning. "And if something happens to her? What then?"

Desi stepped closer. "Nothing will happen if we plan it right. You said you’d do anything for her recovery. This is part of that. She needs to live, not just survive."

Lucas turned to face her fully, his eyes narrowed. "You’re asking me to risk her safety."

Desi didn’t back down. "I’m asking you to give her a chance to feel like a child again. She’s cooped up in here. It’s not good for her."

Silence filled the room as Lucas considered her words. Desi could see the struggle on his face.

Finally, he sighed, rubbing his temple. "Fine. But we do it my way. Full security, and we keep it short."

Desi smiled in relief. "That’s all I ask. It’ll mean so much to her."

Lucas nodded, his expression still tight. "Tomorrow morning. We’ll take her to the park. But if I sense even the slightest threat, we’re leaving."

"Agreed," Desi said quickly. "Thank you."

Lucas gave her a curt nod and turned away, signaling the conversation was over.

***

The following morning, Desi helped Lily in getting ready for their trip to the park. Lily's excitement was contagious, and Desi couldn't help but smile as the little girl joyfully moved about the room.

"Are we really going outside?" Lily asked, her eyes wide with amazement.

"Yes," Desi replied, carefully zipping up Lily’s jacket. "But we need to be cautious and stick together."

Lily nodded eagerly, unable to contain her excitement. "I can’t wait to see everything. I haven't gone out in months!"

Desi chuckled softly. "You'll see plenty of trees. Just stay by my side, okay?"

Lily beamed and took Desi’s hand as they made their way downstairs. Lucas was waiting by the door, flanked by his guards. His expression was stern, but a hint of tenderness appeared when he saw Lily’s excitement.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice low.

Lily nodded, proudly showing Lucas her new gloves. "I’m ready, Daddy."

Lucas gave her a small smile, then signaled for the guards to open the door. As they stepped outside, Desi felt a rush of cold air, but Lily seemed oblivious, her eyes filled with pure joy as she gazed at the sky.

"It’s so big!" Lily exclaimed, looking up at the vast blue expanse.

Desi laughed. "It is. And you’re going to have a wonderful time today."

The drive to the park was brief, but Desi could sense the tension emanating from Lucas the entire way. His eyes remained vigilant, never relaxing. She knew this wasn’t easy for him, but it was important for Lily.

Upon arriving at the park, Lily ran ahead, her laughter filling the air as she spotted the swings.

"Stay close," Lucas called after her, his voice sharp. His guards fanned out, securing the area.

Lily returned to Desi and took her hand. "Can we go to the swings first?"

"Of course," Desi said, smiling down at her. They walked to the swings together, and Desi helped her onto the seat. "Hold on tight."

Lily giggled as Desi gently pushed her, her feet swinging in the air. "I love this!"

Lucas stood nearby, watching closely. His posture was tense, but his eyes softened as he observed his daughter's joy. For a moment, he seemed to relax.

"I told you this would be good for her," Desi said quietly, standing beside him.

Lucas didn’t respond, but she could see that he agreed, even if he wouldn’t say it out loud.

As Lily swung higher, her laughter echoed through the park. Desi smiled, feeling a warmth envelop her. This was exactly what Lily needed.

Suddenly, one of the guards spoke into his earpiece. "Sir, we’ve got an unidentified vehicle approaching fast."

Lucas’s entire body stiffened. "What direction?"

"From the west entrance," the guard replied urgently.

Desi’s heart raced. "What’s happening?"

"Get her off the swings," Lucas barked, already moving toward Lily.

Desi hurried to Lily, lifting her off the swing. "We need to go, sweetie."

"Why?" Lily asked, her voice filled with confusion. "What’s wrong?"

"It’s just time to go," Desi said, trying to keep her voice calm as she pulled Lily toward Lucas.

The sound of screeching tires echoed through the park. Desi glanced over her shoulder and saw a black SUV speeding toward them.

"Move!" Lucas shouted, grabbing Desi and Lily and pushing them behind a tree.

The guards sprang into action, guns drawn as the SUV skidded to a stop a few yards away. Desi’s heart pounded in her chest, her grip tightening on Lily’s hand.

Lily looked up at her, eyes wide with fear. "What’s happening?"

Desi knelt down, trying to keep her voice steady. "Stay close to me, okay? Everything will be fine."

Lucas crouched beside them, his face grim. "Stay down and don’t move."

The door of the SUV flew open, and men dressed in black stepped out, their faces hidden behind masks.

Desi’s pulse quickened. She didn’t know what was happening, but she knew it wasn’t good. Lucas stood up, his eyes flashing with anger.

"Who are they?" Desi whispered, fear creeping into her voice.

"My enemies," Lucas muttered. "Stay with Lily. Don’t let her out of your sight."

The tension in the air was suffocating as the men approached.