Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 61508 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 308(@200wpm)___ 246(@250wpm)___ 205(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61508 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 308(@200wpm)___ 246(@250wpm)___ 205(@300wpm)
“Amy,” Miss Frieda finally began, her voice smooth and measured. “Your rehabilitation has taken a rather… interesting turn.”
CHAPTER 21
Amy
I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. What did she mean by ‘interesting’? In my experience, that word rarely boded well when used by the staff at the Institute.
Miss Frieda’s lips curved into a small, enigmatic smile as she continued. “The assessors have been monitoring your progress closely, as I’m sure you’re aware. They’ve noticed something… intriguing in your responses and behavior patterns.”
She paused, her eyes never leaving mine. I felt as though she could see right through me, peering into the deepest recesses of my mind.
“What… what do you mean?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. My heart pounded in my chest as I waited for Miss Frieda’s response.
Miss Frieda leaned forward slightly, her steady gaze locked on mine. “The assessors have determined that you’ve fixated on something—or rather, someone. They’re just not quite sure who or what it is yet.”
My breath caught in my throat. They knew. Somehow, they had figured out my feelings for Daddy Daniel. Panic rose within me as I wondered what this might mean for my rehabilitation. Would I be punished? Separated from him completely?
“I…” I began, but the words died on my lips. Should I confess? Deny it? I had no idea what the right move was in this situation.
Miss Frieda’s eyebrow arched slightly. “Yes, Amy? Is there something you’d like to share?”
The moment stretched between us, heavy with tension. I could hear my own rapid breathing, feel the pounding of my heart. Miss Frieda waited patiently, her expression unreadable.
Finally, unable to bear the silence any longer, I blurted out, “It’s Daddy Daniel.”
The words hung in the air between us. I immediately wanted to take them back, to stuff them back down my throat. But it was too late. I had confessed.
Miss Frieda’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. She reached for a small device on her desk—an intercom, I realized. With a manicured finger, she pressed a button.
“Send him in,” she said simply.
My heart leapt into my throat. Send who in? Surely not…
The door behind me opened, and I heard footsteps entering the room. I didn’t dare turn around, my body frozen in place as I knelt before Miss Frieda’s desk.
“Good morning, Daddy Daniel,” Miss Frieda said, her eyes lifting to look at the newcomer. “Thank you for joining us.”
I gasped softly as I heard his familiar voice respond. “Good morning, Frieda. Amy.”
Daddy Daniel. He was here, in the room with us. I felt my cheeks flush hot with embarrassment and arousal. How much had he heard?
“Amy has just shared something rather interesting with me,” Miss Frieda continued, her tone conversational. “It seems our assessors were correct in their suspicions.”
I heard Daddy Daniel move closer, coming to stand beside me. From the corner of my eye, I could see the crisp fabric of his suit pants, the polished leather of his shoes. My fingers twitched with the desire to reach out and touch him, to confirm that he was really there.
“Is that so?” Daddy Daniel’s deep voice rumbled above me. “And what might that be?”
Miss Frieda smiled, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “It seems our little Amy here has developed quite the fixation on you, Daddy Daniel.”
I felt my cheeks burn even hotter at Miss Frieda’s words. My gaze remained fixed on the carpet beneath my knees, too afraid to look up at either of them.
“Amy,” Daddy Daniel’s deep voice commanded. “Look at me.”
Trembling slightly, I forced myself to raise my head. My eyes traveled up his muscular form, taking in the perfectly tailored suit that hugged his broad shoulders and narrow waist. When I finally met his cool blue gaze, I felt a jolt of electricity run through my body.
Daddy Daniel’s expression was unreadable as he looked down at me. “Is this true, Amy? Have you fixated on me?”
I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. “Y-yes, Daddy,” I whispered, unable to lie in the face of his direct question.
A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “I see,” he murmured, his eyes never leaving mine. “And what do you think we should do about that?”
Before I could formulate a response, Miss Frieda interjected. “If I may, Daniel, the assessors have some thoughts on the matter.”
Daddy Daniel turned his attention to her, raising an eyebrow in silent inquiry.
“They believe,” Miss Frieda continued, “that this fixation, while challenging and unusual, may actually represent an important step forward in Amy’s rehabilitation. Her willingness to admit it freely shows a level of honesty and self-awareness we’ve been working toward.”
Daddy Daniel nodded slowly, his eyes flicking back to me. “I see. And what do the assessors recommend?”
Miss Frieda’s lips curved into a small smile. “They’ve suggested that, given the circumstances, it might be beneficial for you to take on a more… prominent role in Amy’s rehabilitation.”