Chapter 172: Deal

The soft, rhythmic sound of water reaches my ears, pulling me from the haze of sleep. My eyes flutter open, the dim light of dawn filtering into the room. For a moment, I don't move, taking in the quiet stillness around me.

I glance down and see Mimi nestled against me, her tiny form rising and falling with each gentle breath. She's still sound asleep, her little hands clutching at my shirt as though she never intends to let go. I allow myself a moment to simply watch her, overwhelmed again by the realization that she's mine. My daughter.

I shift carefully, stretching a little in the chair. My back protests, the stiffness reminding me that sleeping here wasn't my best decision, but I don't mind. Not when it meant keeping Mimi close. Her warmth, her trust—it's worth every ache.