Chapter Four

Daisy.

My love for children came naturally to me after being treated so badly while growing up. I knew I wanted to be someone who helps babies. While I may not be able to support them financially, I take great pride in helping them get better—to me, a healthy child is a happy child. Seeing a sick baby come into my ward and leaving happy and healthy has always been my top priority.

I have genuinely come to love the center where I work—my first week of being here, I'd thought I had lost everything, but now I'm glad I stayed and every day I pray that I won’t have any reason to run away again. I had to escape from the last hospital where I was doing my residency after spotting one of my uncle’s associates. It’s better to leave early than to have regrets later. When I arrived at this place, I thought I wouldn’t be able to complete my residency or get my license. Thankfully, I met a wonderful lady who showed me that anything is possible if you believe.

Our meeting was quite strange; I was on the verge of ending my life that day—though she doesn’t know that. I bumped into her, and we became friends, best friends, if I’m honest.

I was absorbed in a file I was reading about a child—specifically, a baby I was caring for with a severe heart condition that needed urgent attention when I felt someone tap me softly on the shoulder from behind. I looked up and smiled when I saw who it was.

Speak of the devil.

“Ana, how are you this morning?” I asked as we walked side by side.

Her hands moved as she responded, “It’s noon, Dee.” Mariana has a speech problem; she can speak, but very slowly, which is strenuous for her, so she decided to use sign language instead. I had to learn to sign to understand her, and I’m glad I did.

I paused to check my watch.

It really was noon; I must have lost track of time.

“Hold on,” I said, looking at her. “Is something wrong? Are you in trouble?”

I tend to get anxious when she has that look on her face. Who wouldn’t be concerned when her father is a crime lord? I never know when he might pull strings to marry her off to someone in his clan for more power.

“Don’t tell me you haven’t had breakfast?” she signed, and I let out a sigh of relief.

Oh boy, for a moment, I thought she was about to say something worse.

Breakfast? I hadn’t eaten anything since signing in, and I doubted I could swallow anything after seeing baby Ella’s condition.

“You haven’t, right?” She tapped me on the shoulder to snap me out of my thoughts.

I let out a low grumble. “I’m fine, Ana. I’m not hungry—“ Just then, my stomach growled loudly.

Mariana raised an eyebrow, as if daring me to finish my sentence.

“You know you need strength to take care of your patients, right? What would happen to them if something—“ I interrupted.

“Okay, okay. Fine, I’ll eat,” I said begrudgingly.

Her face lit up as if I had just promised to buy her the world; something I would definitely do for her. She grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the cafeteria, and as always, I made sure to be conscious of my surroundings.

I looked around and sighed with relief when I didn’t see anyone suspicious. I’m always on edge, feeling that one day this life I’ve built could be snatched away from me. It often feels like a dream, and I worry about what will happen when I wake up.

A light tap on my shoulder snapped me out of my thoughts, and I blinked at Mariana, who was holding a tray full of food.

I frowned. “Are you eating with me?” I asked, glancing from the food to her.

We usually share a plate, so I wouldn’t be surprised if she planned to eat with me.

Mariana shook her head and gestured for us to take a seat. Once we were seated, I looked at her expectantly, unable to believe that she had brought all this food just for me.

“You’re eating alone,” she signed.

“What? There’s no way I can finish this,” I replied, eyeing the large portion. Knowing Ana, I wouldn’t be able to leave until I did as she insisted.

She may not enjoy her life as a mafia princess, but she certainly possesses the qualities of one. She tries to deny it, but you can’t escape your roots. Just like I can’t hide forever; I know I have to confront my uncle one day. But for now, I just want to savor this little peace I’ve found.

“You can and you will.” Her face was stern as she signed—she really did look like a mafia boss.

I glanced at my next appointment, which was in twenty minutes, before I grabbed the spoon and started shoveling large bites of rice into my mouth.

There's no point arguing when I know I had no choice but to do as she says.

As I ate in silence, I couldn’t help but notice how worried Ana looked. She was glancing around as if she were disturbed.

“Are you okay?” I asked, bringing her attention back to me.

She shook her head and sighed. “I think my father is hiding something.” Her words sounded vague, but after growing up in the mafia world, I knew there was something deeper behind what she’d said.

“How do you know?”

“He’s been acting anxious, and there have been a lot of guards around the house lately.” She paused, taking a deep breath. “I don’t know what’s going on, but I hope he’s okay.” I smiled softly and held her hand.

“Your father will be fine. Trust me.” She let out a shuddering breath before meeting my gaze.

“I trust you, Dee.” Her words wiped the smile from my face.

Trust.

That’s such a heavy word.

As much as I want to be open with her, there are still some things I have kept hidden. For example, she thinks I came to this center because I'm a selfless girl who wants to help, rather than be in the top hospitals in the country. She doesn't know I'm here because I’m avoiding being caught. She doesn’t really know me as well as she believes, and I wonder how she would react if she found out the truth. I hope she forgives me though, I have been running all my life and she's the only person I have opened up to in years. I'm still trying to understand what it feels like to have someone who would do anything for you by your side.

“I’m glad I could lift your spirits,” I said. We continued to talk for the remainder of the time, and by the end, I managed to get her to eat with me.