Sitting nearby and tossing fish food into the lake, Anne spotted the adventurous little fish. She quickly scrambled over to her mother's side. "I want to play with the little fishies, too!"
Felicia slowly pushed herself up into a sitting position. Looking up, her gaze inadvertently collided with Max's unwavering stare. Standing against the brilliant sunlight, his white dress shirt fluttering in the breeze, he radiated an unexpectedly warm and gentle aura.
Placing the oars securely in the boat, Max walked over and crouched down beside his daughter, carefully shielding her from the edge. "Be careful," he warned gently.
Once he was sure Anne was safe, he sat down next to Felicia and poured a cup of warm water from a thermos. "Have some water."
Felicia reached out and took the cup. "Thank you." Wrapping both hands around the warm surface, she took a few slow sips.
Max then poured another cup for Anne, who was thoroughly engrossed in her playtime.
Lacking the energy to keep her eyes open, Felicia leaned back against the plush cushions. Basking in the glorious sunlight, she drifted off to sleep. For the first time in a while, her slumber was exceptionally peaceful and deep.
When the rowboat finally docked at the shore, Max securely lifted the sleeping woman into his arms and carried her back toward the villa. Anne trailed closely behind him.
Just then, the car sent to pick up Darin from the harbor pulled up to the main entrance. The moment Darin stepped out, he caught sight of Max carrying Felicia back. She lay quietly against his chest while Anne obediently walked by his side.
Seeing the unexpected guest, Anne looked deeply surprised. "Uncle Darin, what are you doing here?" she whispered, careful not to wake her mother.
Darin offered the little girl a gentle smile before turning his gaze to the woman resting in Max's arms. Felicia's peaceful face was hauntingly pale and frail. She had clearly lost a drastic amount of weight, and an undeniable aura of sickness clung to her fragile frame. A sudden, sharp ache pierced his heart, impossible to ignore.
Max kept his voice low. "I'll take her to her room to rest first."
He carried Felicia into the ground-floor bedroom, gently lowering her onto the mattress and pulling the covers up to her chin. Anne stood quietly by the bedside. Crouching down, Max looked into his daughter's eyes. "Stay here and rest with Mommy for a while."
Anne nodded obediently.
"When Mommy wakes up, you must not tell her that Uncle Darin is here," Max added firmly.
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