Page 24 of Daddy's Firm Hand

I was a good person.

I wanted only the best.

I wanted to heal myself.

I wanted to be good at my job.

I wanted love.

I was worthy of love.

I repeated the sentences to myself until I believed them, then, I ran myself a bath.

The lavender-scented steam swirled around me as I sank deeper into the warm embrace of the bathtub. My muscles began to uncoil, the tension of the past few days slowly melting away. I breathed in the calming aroma, letting it soothe my frayed nerves.

As I sucked the pacifier, I felt better, stronger, more sure of myself.

David was just away on business. He wasn’t avoiding me.

Even if things didn’t work out between me and David, I could still be happy, still find excitement and passion in the world.

After the bath, I slipped into my softest pajamas—a baby blue set dotted with tiny white bunnies. The fabric felt like a gentle hug against my skin. In the kitchen, I prepared a simple yet comforting meal: creamy tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich, cut into neat triangles, just the way David always did for me.

As I savored each bite, memories of our moments together danced through my mind. The way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled at me, the gentle touch of his hand on my cheek, the safety I felt when he held me close. Each recollection was a balm to my anxious heart.

With a full belly and a mug of hot cocoa, I nestled into the couch, my trusty journal in hand. I began to write, pouring my heart onto the pages. The scratch of pen on paper was a familiar melody, guiding me through the labyrinth of my emotions.

"Today, I got sad because Daddy’s still away. But then I tried to remember that even though Daddy makes my life better, it’s still good when he’s not around.”

As the words flowed, I felt a shift within me. The knots of worry began to loosen, replaced by a quiet strength. I wrote about my progress, the steps I'd taken to become the person I am today. I reminded myself that I am worthy of love, of care, of patience—lessons David had gently instilled in me.

"I am brave, I am resilient, I am capable of facing whatever lies ahead. I trust in the connection David and I have built, in the foundation of respect and understanding we've created together. No matter what the future holds, I know I have grown, and that growth is a testament to the love and support I've received."

I paused, my pen hovering over the page. A realization dawned on me, clear and bright. Our relationship, unconventional as it might be, had been a catalyst for my own self-discovery. Through David's guidance and affection, I had learned to embrace parts of myself I had long kept hidden.

With a smile, I wrote, "I am Candy, and I am proud of who I am—all of me. The professional, the little girl, the woman who yearns for connection and growth. I will not hide or apologize for any part of myself. I will stand tall, knowing that I am deserving of love in all its forms."

As I closed my journal, a sense of peace settled over me. The path forward might be uncertain, but I knew I had the strength to walk it. I had the love of a dear friend, the wisdom gained from self-reflection, and the courage to face whatever lay ahead.

And most importantly, I had the promise of a conversation with David—a chance to bare my soul, to seek clarity and understanding. Whatever the outcome, I knew I would emerge stronger, more authentic, and more deeply connected to myself.

Chapter 8

As I looked atmy reflection in the mirror, I couldn’t help but notice the judgmental way that Geoffrey seemed to be eyeing me from the corner of the room.

“Geoffrey, I honestly don’t think it’s too much. You’re always way more conservative than me when it comes to outfits.”

I imagined his response. He’d calmly remind me that I worked in a professional office, not a fun house, and that it was important not to betoorevealing with my clothes, even if Ididwant to make a big impression on David.

The outfit I had chosen was far bolder than anything I had ever worn to the office. The skater skirt, a vibrant shade of candy apple red that swirled around my thighs, ended just high enough to be considered daring. It was paired with striped thigh-high stockings that peeked out from under the hem, adding a playful touch to the ensemble. The fitted white blouse hugged my curves in all the right places, its delicate lace collar adding a touch of innocence to an otherwise daring look.

I twirled in front of the mirror, watching the skirt flare out around me like a blossoming flower, feeling a surge ofconfidence mingled with uncertainty. Was this outfit too much? Would David approve of my bold choice or would he find it too provocative for his taste?

I didn’t have too much longer to wait.

Today, he was finally back from his business trip. I’d received a simple message this morning:It’s been too long. Come straight to the nursery. See you at 8am.

This was no time to be pushing the rules, so I set out extra early this morning, making sure that I’d be at the office with time to spare. When I arrived, I didn’t even head to my desk, instead I went straight to David’s office. Heads turned as I passed. I wondered, for the millionth time, what people thought, and I concluded, for the millionth time, that I just didn’t care.

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