GABRIELLA’S POV
Her cries continued as I carried her into the bathroom, the sound echoing in the small space.
I tenderly placed her in the warm water, lathering a soft sponge with gentle soap. As I began to cleanse her delicate body, I kept repeating my apologies, my voice quivering with sorrow.
Estella’s sobs slowly subsided, replaced by sniffs and occasional hiccups. The water cascaded down her small frame, washing away the remnants of a horrifying experience that no child should ever endure. Wrapping her in a plush towel, I held her tightly, my heart aching for the innocence she had lost.
Nicklaus, his eyes filled with tears, entered the bathroom, his footsteps heavy with guilt.
Together, we silently worked in harmony, preparing Estella’s bed in our room. The pale pink sheets, adorned with stars, were a gentle reminder of the love and protection we wanted to offer her.
As the room took shape, I gazed at Estella, her big, watery eyes searching for solace. The turmoil within me mirrored on her innocent face. I sat beside her on the bed, reaching out to hold her tiny hand, seeking forgiveness in her eyes.
“Sweetheart,” I began, my voice quivering with a mix of regret and determination. “I am deeply sorry for everything you had to go through. Your father and I will do everything in our power to be more attentive, to protect you always.”
Estella looked at me, her expression a blend of compassion and understanding. With a small gesture, she beckoned Nicklaus to join us. He approached, his eyes filled with sorrow and love, and took a seat beside us.
“I don’t blame either of you,” Estella said softly, her voice filled with wisdom beyond her years. “It’s nobody’s fault, not even mine. Sometimes bad things happen, and we can’t explain why. But what matters now is that we move forward and create better days.”
Her words hung in the air, wrapping around us like a comforting embrace. And then, like a ray of sunshine piercing through stormy clouds, Estella’s face lit up with a mischievous grin.
“Maybe we can start by making a little brother,” she suggested, her laughter filling the room. We couldn’t help but laugh along with her, the weight of the past momentarily lifting.
Tears of relief streamed down my face as I hugged Estella tightly. “Thank you, my darling,” I whispered. “You are so strong and resilient.”
“So, what would you like to eat? You must be hungry from all the stress of the day,” I asked, my voice laced with concern.
“Well, I’d love Daddy’s special pancakes with freshly squeezed orange juice,” she answered with excitement.
Turning to Nicklaus, I smiled. “So, my love, it seems our little princess has a craving. How about we make those special pancakes of yours and squeeze some fresh orange juice?”
His eyes sparkled with gratitude and hope as he nodded, his voice choked with emotion. “Anything for our brave girl.”
With a heavy yet determined heart, Nicklaus left to prepare Estella’s requested meal, leaving me alone with our precious daughter. The room seemed to hold its breath as I settled down beside her, her small body nestled against mine. I opened the pages of her favorite storybook, my voice filled with tenderness as I began to read.
As I turned each page, I could feel Estella’s eyes fixated on the colorful illustrations, her troubled thoughts momentarily forgotten. The characters came to life, and their adventures whisked us away to a world where joy and innocence prevailed. The words flowed from my lips, laced with love and an unspoken promise to protect her from harm.
Soon, the scent of warm pancakes wafted through the air, signaling Nicklaus’ return. He approached us with a tray adorned with a stack of fluffy pancakes, drizzled with maple syrup, and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. I couldn’t help but smile, grateful for his unwavering support and dedication to our family.
Carefully, I fed Estella small bites, savoring each moment of connection and nourishment. The taste of the pancakes was imbued with a bittersweet blend of relief and remorse. We had a long journey ahead of us, one where we would strive to make amends for the pain she had endured.
As Estella’s tiny hands reached for the last piece of pancake, her eyelids grew heavy, her yawns became more frequent. I gently placed the plate aside, my touch lingering on her delicate skin as I continued to rub her back, her head cradled in my lap.
Soft snores escaped her lips, a peaceful melody echoing through the room. It was a soothing sound, a reminder that despite the hardships she had faced, she still possessed the resilience to find solace in slumber. I watched her angelic face, her innocence preserved in the depths of her dreams.
Carefully lifting her fragile body, I cradled her in my arms and carried her to her own bed. With infinite tenderness, I tucked her in, pulling the covers up to her chin. Leaning down, I pressed a gentle kiss upon her forehead, my lips trembling with a mix of gratitude and determination.
“I love you, Estella,” I whispered, my voice filled with unwavering devotion. “I will protect you with everything I have, my precious child. No harm will ever befall you.”
Her presence, vulnerable yet resilient, filled my heart with fierce determination. I vowed to be her shield, to be the guardian she deserved. The weight of responsibility settled upon my shoulders, but it was a burden I carried willingly, for the love of my daughter.
As I turned, my heart skipped a beat as Nicklaus drew me closer, enveloping me in his warm, comforting embrace.
The strength of his arms encircled me, grounding me in the love we shared. I felt a sense of solace, knowing that in his arms, I was safe.
His voice, filled with remorse and tenderness, resonated in my ears. “Baby, I’m so sorry for putting you through all this stress,” he whispered, his words mingling with the weight of his emotions.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I felt tiredness wash over me. Burying my face in the crook of his neck, I inhaled his familiar scent. “It’s alright, Nic,” I murmured, my voice barely audible. “It’s not your fault, nor is it mine. We’re in this together.”
In that moment, the weight of the world seemed to melt away as our bodies merged into one. His love wrapped around me like a shield, protecting me from the pain and uncertainty that had gripped our lives.
His hands caressed my waist, his touch both gentle and possessive. Soft lips brushed against mine, a tender kiss conveying unspoken understanding and reassurance. It was a kiss that spoke of love, forgiveness, and the promise of healing.