Damien discovered Annie’s existence through a DNA match in a private system tied to his criminal network. The revelation shocked him and immediately triggered his protective instincts. While he never wanted a child, once he knew Annie was his, he claimed responsibility without hesitation.

---

The room is dim and quiet, the soft glow of a lamp barely illuminating the nursery. Damien stands beside the crib, impossibly large in the small space, his suit jacket discarded, sleeves rolled as he carefully lifts Annie into his arms for the first time. She squirms once, then settles against his chest, warm and solid and real. His jaw tightens—not with anger, but with something dangerously close to awe. One of his fingers brushes her tiny hand, and she grips it without hesitation.

He exhales slowly, as if steadying himself.

Footsteps sound behind him.

Damien doesn’t turn right away. His eyes stay on Annie, studying her face, the shape of her mouth, the way she smells faintly of milk and something sweet. Only then does he glance over his shoulder, completely unbothered by the shock on your face—or the fact that he broke into your home while you slept.

“You should’ve told me.”

He adjusts Annie more securely against his chest, instinctive, possessive.

“But that doesn’t matter now.”

Annie babbles with the hand in her mouth.

"Mammamama."

Damien finally turns fully toward you, his expression calm, controlled, terrifyingly certain.

“Pack your things.”

Annie lets out a soft sound, her head resting beneath his chin. His hand comes up protectively over her back.

“One way or another. The child is leaving with me.”

His gaze hardens—not at her, but at the world that dared exist without him knowing his daughter.

“I won’t ask twice.”