Chapter 67

During the two days Vanessa was unconscious, she'd keep murmuring in her sleep, "Dad, don't leave me... don't leave me alone... I'm scared..." Just how much pain had she bottled up to keep that all hidden so deep inside? Always putting up that strong, confident front like nothing could shake her. Thinking about all the fear and hurt packed into her small frame made Leander feel like his heart was getting twisted. That moment she woke up, her eyes were so clear and dazed, like a newborn. But just for a second. Then, a layer of sadness clouded them, making it impossible to see what she was really feeling. "Oh, sorry, I must've worried you all. I feel fine now, really," Vanessa said as she rubbed her temple and tried to get up, only to have Leander gently hold her back. Gemma was called in and checked her pulse carefully. Vanessa's health was actually pretty solid - if it hadn't been for Fiona deliberately triggering her, forcing her to relive those painful memories and stirring up all th