To say Daphne was confused would be an understatement. She looked between the still body and the woman, who she thought to be Damian's mother.
"But… but he's in a coma…" she trailed off.
"Relax," the woman sighed. "I'm not pressuring you into anything. Damian may have been in a coma for the past two years, but his body functions as well as any other person's and is capable of fathering children as well.
You probably don't know too much about our family's situation. After all, we've basically kept everything private."
The woman looked at her son, then back at Daphne. "Damian has two younger siblings, a sister and a brother. But for various reasons, it's going to be difficult for either of them to get married when they grow up." A worried frown marred her face. "Anyway, I hope I'll be able to witness the birth of my grandchild soon."
Her brows furrowed, and she turned and kept her gaze on her son. "You two should try to have a few children while Damian's body is still functioning properly. Who knows what's going to change in the future…" She didn't complete her words, her throat tightening. She cleared her throat, then turned to Daphne. "You aren't highly educated, nor do you have anyone backing you. But I don't need you to be as outstanding as other people's wives. As long as you're able to bear Damian's child, I promise I'll protect you from any harm that might befall you." Her face scowled even more. "However, I won't be forgiving if you start having any ill intentions."
Daphne blinked as she soaked up all the woman's words. Then she smiled a bright smile that crinkled her eyes. "Don't worry, that will never happen. I promise to be the best wife to Damian." She paused to take a breath, then added, "Besides, not only will our child be able to inherit the family's business, you'll also be taking wonderful care of them, so I know we are in good hands.
And on top of that, I'll be rewarded handsomely, so it's not a bad arrangement for me at all."
Daphne was definitely at an advantage. Many women had to work while raising their children and also had to give pocket money to their in-laws as well. It's far worse if the husband has a nasty temper, gets abusive with his wife, or worse… even has an affair!
Daphne shook her head to clear the thoughts away.
The woman nodded and turned to the entrance of the room. "You sure are a sweet talker. Let's hope you remember everything you've just said and act on it." When she reached the door, Charles, the butler, was already present.
"Charles, please teach Daphne how to take care of Damian," she ordered, then left.
Charles was a young man, not over twenty-six if Daphne judged by looks.
"It's time for Mr. Damian's bath now, Ms. Daphne."
"I'm on it!"
Charles blinked when he saw Daphne raising the invisible sleeves of her dress. She approached Damian's bed with the determination of a hulk.
Charles, realizing what she was about to do, broke into a sweat. "No, no! You should let me do that instead. I don't think you'll be able to carry him," he put in hastily. "You only need to wipe his face."
Daphne didn't listen to a word that left Charles's mouth. She leaned over Damian's body and stared at him, both hands on either side of his shoulders, watching him breathe steadily.
"It's all right. I can do this. Carrying him will be a piece of cake."
Charles called her bluff. "Ms. Daphne, I really don't think you'll be able to carry him. Mr. Damian is over 190 cm tall…" He trailed off with shocked eyes when Daphne lifted Damian off the bed princess-style like a piece of cake. "Whoa! You're really strong!" he gushed.
Daphne chuckled. "I used to move cargo for work, so I'm stronger than I actually look."
Daphne walked toward the door she had guessed was the entrance to the bathroom. The large bathtub, which looked like a mini pool, was already prepped with warm water. She lowered Damian inside, making sure his head rested on the headrest.
"Do I start washing him now?" She turned over her shoulder and asked Charles as she crouched down before the bathtub.
"Y-yes," Charles stammered. "I'll be heading out, but please, if you need anything, call me."
"Okie!"
Unbeknownst to the two figures who had turned away from the still figure inside the bathtub, Damian's brows furrowed ever so slightly.