Chapter 5 - The broken doll
Within hours, Juliet’s life turned upside down. The East Wing of the Bennett estate was warmer and more luxurious than any place she could have ever imagined. Brandon was quickly settled into a massive bed, hooked up to an IV by a quiet, efficient private doctor. For the first time in months, his breathing was steady.
Emma, entirely unfazed by the sudden change in lifestyle, wandered the wide hallways, clutching her one-armed doll. Juliet was busy organizing her uniform in her new room when she heard a deep voice echoing from the main corridor. She rushed out, her heart in her throat.
Emma had wandered straight into Ethan’s path. The billionaire sat in his wheelchair, looking down at the tiny, quiet girl in front of him. Juliet hurried forward to apologize, but stopped dead in her tracks.
Ethan had reached out, gently taking the broken plastic doll from Emma’s small hands. His massive, strong fingers carefully adjusted the toy's remaining dress.
"She's missing an arm," Ethan noted, his voice surprisingly gentle.
"She got hurt," Emma whispered shyly.
May you like
"I know how that feels," Ethan replied softly, tapping the wheel of his chair. He handed the doll back. "We'll have to get her fixed."
Juliet watched from the shadows, stunned by the raw vulnerability in the intimidating man. But as she walked back to the kitchen, the head housekeeper pulled her aside. "Don't mistake his pity for kindness, Juliet. Mr. Bennett is hiding from a past that has ruined many people. Do your job, take care of your kids, but don't get attached."
