A millionaire unexpectedly returned home. He was completely appalled by what he found the governess doing to his daughter.
Behind him, the door clicked softly. Michael Whitmore had arrived home earlier than anticipated, still holding his briefcase and wearing a perfect suit.
He anticipated his home to be silent, seemingly motionless in waiting for him to return. But he was stunned by what he saw as soon as he stepped through the kitchen door.
Over the sink stood Gloria, the nanny he had always thought was above blame.
Emily, his baby, was clapping her hands softly in a translucent bowl of water that was tinged a strange blue.
As if following a well-practiced routine, Gloria was intently pouring a bluish liquid from a tiny vial.
Emily’s eyes, wide open and almost beseeching, met her father’s. Michael’s blood became icy.
He gripped the door handle tightly, unsure whether to jump in and demand an explanation or to wait and see how serious the situation was.
Fear mixed with anger within him.
The safety of his daughter came first. What was Gloria doing to Emily, exactly?
“What are you doing?” The kitchen echoed with the crack of his voice.
Gloria almost dropped the bottle as she flinched. She made an effort to calm herself
“It’s Mr. Whitmore, this bath is unique. An ancient family recipe. It calms the skin and guards against disease.
Michael took a brisk step forward, his gaze focused on the blue liquid. A pungent, herbaceous odor was already emanating from the sink.
With rage brewing behind each sentence, he repeated, “A special bath?” “You decided to experiment on my daughter without consulting me first?”
Gloria gave the infant a defensive-looking hug.
“I’d never do Emily any harm. You have to trust me. It is a safe medicine that has been used for generations.
Michael, however, saw only a risky act—another secret she had kept—and his heart began to race. He gripped his briefcase tighter. He was faced with a choice: find out how far Gloria was willing to go or grab his kid out of the basin right away.
Michael froze, gasping for air. Gloria rocked Emily in the bluish water in front of him, allowing the enigmatic liquid to flow drop by drop.
“Stop that right away!” His voice trembled with rage as he thundered.
Gloria leaped, bringing the infant closer out of instinct. Her eyes filled with tears.
“Please don’t think I want to hurt her, Mr. Whitmore.”
Michael’s eyes were intense as he closed the distance.
“Then give an explanation! Why this bath? Why the secrecy?
Gloria’s voice cracked.
“I’ve seen Emily struggle ever since she was born… restless nights and incessant sobbing. While you were abroad, preoccupied with your work, I I couldn’t watch her suffer in silence. This cure relaxes babies in my family. I only wanted to ease her… to assist her.
She patted the child’s head tenderly although her hands trembled.
As though she were my own, I adore her. All I have is her. I’ll be left with nothing if you take her away.
Michael’s rage faltered as shame, a heavier burden, took its place. Two realities clashed in front of him: the anguish of a woman who had gone too far out of love and the terror of losing Emily.
