Semua Bab FALLING FOR HIS DADDY: Bab 31 - Bab 40

“Don’t,” I said softly, my voice shaking—not just from fear, but from how confused I felt about everything.He let me go instantly, his hands falling back to his sides as though nothing had happened. As though he hadn’t just held me like he owned the air I breathed.A few seconds passed.Then his voice cut through the tension, low, calm, and razor-sharp. "Can’t you at least try to stand up for yourself? Must you let them get away with everything they throw at you?”The words sliced through me like a blade.I flinched, eyes wide. I wanted to respond. I wanted to scream to him that I could. That I wanted to, only that it would cause more trouble. But no words came out. I just stared at him, pain stinging me.He took a step closer, his arms crossing his chest. His expression is undecipherable.“Is that all you are?” he asked again, his voice neutral but cruelly blunt. “A weakling? Someone who cannot lift up even a finger to defend themself?”Now, wasn’t he pretending to know a whole lot wh

The evening came. I had passed the message across to all residents about the brief meeting. We were now all gathered into the main conference hall, all of us tired from the busy day but curious enough to stick our butts on the seats and exercise some patience.After a few minutes of waiting, Dr. Aldrich walked in with his usual composed expression, holding a black folder.He cleared his throat. “Good evening, everyone.”A polite chorus of “Good evening, sir,” echoed back.“I have two important things to announce,” he said, his eyes scanning the room.All ears snapped, and all eyes shot forward.He continued. “I have received an invitation to attend a three-day nationwide surgical seminar this weekend at PrideInn Beach in Mombasa. I am also honored to be selected as the chief guest and keynote speaker at the event.”Polite claps followed. I didn’t clap, but I watched him closely. I couldn’t help but admire his posture and calm confidence.I was wowed, just like everyone. But I had to cl

I had never loved the ticking of a clock more than I did that night. Because every tick signified I was nearly approaching the beautiful city of Mombasa. I could picture myself there—mingling with high-profile surgeons and doctors and others from other fields and learning a few things. The thoughts of the picturesque historical sites like the Vasco Da Gama pillars, the Fort Jesus, the beautiful beach, and Bombolulu were not really in my mind because I did not know whether I would get spare time for enjoyment. But if I did, that would make the visit to the coast as satisfying as a balanced puzzle.One leg went over the other as I shifted my posture at the edge of my bed. I rested my laptop on my knees, its screen glowing with the details of the PrideInn hotel beautifully nestled on the shoreline.The pictures were stunning—white sands, tall palm trees, and ocean breeze. I felt super excited to imagine my naked eyes overlooking that view or the white sand caressing my bare feet. Looking

The tension in the room was so thick, it was like breathing through water. Dr. Aldrich stood motionless near the doorway, his jaw set, arms stiff at his sides as though keeping them there was the only way to stop himself from reaching for me.“This is what I am afraid of. They are not going to leave us alone,” I said again, softer this time, but firmer.His eyes didn’t flicker. He didn’t move. Only the faint rise and fall of his chest betrayed the fire he was holding back.“For both our sakes,” I added.He stepped forward, his voice calm but quietly breaking. “The worst mistake you can ever make in this life is giving in to fear, Leylla.”I swallowed. Hard and bitter. “I am worried about that moment when things will blow out of control. I am afraid of waking up one morning and watching your career burn to the ground because of me. I am afraid of my career hitting the rocks even before it kicks off. You cannot tell me not to worry because you know such a time is coming.”“I will know w

The car ride had been quiet, but not in a bad way. We had chit chats and laughter here and there, and most of the time, I was just wondering what would have happened to me the previous night if he hadn’t shown up.It was eight at night when we arrived at the PrideInn Hotel in Mombasa—the city known as Mji wa Mapenzi na Raha. The white sand looked phenomenal, gracing the ground at night. The air was as cool as a breeze by then, soft breezes rolling in from the ocean. When we stepped out of the car, the view took my breath away. The hotel was beautiful, calm, and elegant, with soft golden lights glowing from every corner. But it was the beach that made my heart skip. From the hotel entrance, I could see it clearly—the ocean spreading wide like a mirror, black and silver under the moonlight. The waves danced gently, kissing the shore again and again. The moon hung proudly in the sky, round and glowing, casting soft light over the water. The palm trees swayed like they were humming a lul