Annika woke up half an hour later. The first thing she saw was the tall, imposing figure of a man standing before the floor-to-ceiling windows.
The curtains were wide open, and Conrad stood with his hands in his pockets, staring out into the night, lost in thought.
Perhaps sensing her gaze, he turned. Seeing she was awake, a faint smile touched the corners of his eyes. “You’re awake?”
Annika’s lips moved, and she managed a soft, raspy “Mm.”
She tried to get out of bed, but Conrad walked over and gently pushed her back down. “Annika, you’re too weak. You can’t keep pushing yourself.”
A pale, bitter smile touched her lips. “I’m fine. Just let Monroe come with me, please?” She clutched his sleeve, her voice pleading.
Conrad couldn’t meet her begging eyes. He turned his face away, hardening his heart. “Zoltan adores Monroe. He’ll be well taken care of at the Beryl Manor.”
His words were an indirect confirmation that he intended to let Monroe be taken from her. Fury erupted in Annika. “Conrad, I have nothing left in this world but Monroe! I promise you, I’ll never remarry. I’ll raise him well, I’ll give him the best education. Please, just let him stay with me, please?”
Never in her life had Annika spoken with such humility. For Monroe, she was willing to cast aside her pride, her dignity—everything. Monroe was her life.
Suddenly, the sound of a baby crying drifted in from outside. The cries grew closer, right outside the door.
“Monroe!” Annika released Conrad, scrambled out of bed, and ran barefoot out of the room, taking the baby from Yazmin’s arms.


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