Page 77 of Royal Beast
“Hello?” I answer.
Everything seems to move in slow motion as I hear the words the person speaks. My face goes pale and I stop walking, the world spinning around me.
37
DARCY
The hospital room is quiet, the morning light filtering through the blinds casting soft shadows across the bed. I sit beside my father, watching him sleep, his chest rising and falling steadily.
When he stirs, his eyes fluttering open, I lean forward, brushing his hair back. “Morning, Dad.”
“Darcy,” he murmurs, his voice rough. His gaze lands on me, softening with recognition.
“I’ve been here just since this morning,” I say, offering him a small smile. “Rose is fine. She’s at home with Kellan.”
Something flickers across his face at the mention of Kellan’s name, an emotion I can’t quite place. He says nothing, just nods slightly, his expression guarded.
The nurse comes in then, setting down a tray with his pills. “Here you go, Max,” she says cheerfully, handing him the small cup and some water. She glances at me. “Would you like some coffee?”
“Yes, please,” I say, grateful for the offer.
She leaves and returns moments later, placing a steaming cup on the table beside me. I thank her and take a sip, the bitterwarmth a small comfort against the exhaustion tugging at me. I set the coffee down, a yawn escaping me.
“I’ll be right back,” I tell my father, needing a moment to wake myself up. I head to the bathroom just down the hallway and wash my hands, then splash cold water on my face, shaking off the weariness that clings to me like a second skin. When I return, my father is sitting up, his sharp eyes following me.
“I owe you an apology,” he says abruptly, his voice steady but low.
I stop, blinking in surprise. “Dad, we’ve already?—”
“No,” he cuts me off. “I need to say it again. I’ve failed you, Darcy. But I’m making things right now.”
My stomach twists at the weight of his words. “What are you talking about?”
Before he can respond, the door creaks open. Guy steps inside, his face split into a grin so smug it makes my skin crawl.
“It’s done,” he announces, his voice filled with self-satisfaction.
I blink, confused. “What’s done?”
Guy glances at my father, and Max gives a small nod of encouragement.
“I got your marriage annulled,” Guy says proudly, as if expecting gratitude. “You’re free of him now, Darcy.”
The words hit me like a punch to the gut. My breath hitches, and I stare at him, my mind reeling.
“What did you just say?” I demand, my voice rising.
“We annulled your marriage,” Guy repeats.
“It’s for your own good,” Max says firmly, his tone as unyielding as stone.
I turn on him, my anger boiling over. “You had no right! Neither of you! How dare you make decisions for me like I’m some child who can’t think for herself!”
Guy reaches for me, his hand brushing my arm. “Darcy, calm down. We’re just looking out for you.”
I jerk away, my vision starting to blur. The room tilts, the walls closing in. My head swims, and my legs feel like lead.
“Darcy?” My father’s voice cuts through the haze, but it sounds distant, warped.
