MY SUGAR MUMMY IS A BEAUTIFUL VAMPIRE

The next day dawned bright and clear, a perfect day for a drive into the city. Blake woke early, his mind already racing with the logistics of the day ahead. He showered quickly, the hot water doing little to ease the tension in his shoulders.

As he dressed, he could hear Celena stirring in her room. A moment later, she appeared in the doorway, her stuffed rabbit tucked under one arm. "Is it time to go, Daddy?" she asked, her voice still thick with sleep.

Blake smiled, crossing the room to scoop her up. "Not quite yet, little star. We need to have breakfast first, and then we'll get you dressed for our trip. How does that sound?"

Celena nodded enthusiastically, any trace of sleepiness vanishing at the prospect of their trip. As they moved through their morning routine – breakfast, getting dressed, packing a bag for the day – Blake found himself grateful for the distraction of Celena's excitement. It kept his mind from dwelling too much on the mysterious reason for their journey.

Before leaving, Blake made one last check on Rose. He adjusted her blankets, smoothed her hair, and whispered a soft goodbye. As he turned to leave, he caught sight of Celena standing in the doorway, watching him with solemn eyes.

"Can I say goodbye to Mommy too?" she asked quietly.

Blake nodded, his heart clenching at the mix of hope and sadness in his daughter's face. He watched as Celena approached the bed, standing on tiptoe to plant a kiss on Rose's cheek.

"Bye, Mommy," she whispered. "We're going on a trip, but we'll be back soon. I love you."

As they walked out to the car, Blake felt a strange mix of emotions – anxiety about what lay ahead, sadness at leaving Rose behind, and a fierce love for the little girl whose hand was clasped tightly in his.

The morning sun cast long shadows across the winding road as Blake's car rumbled towards the city. The familiar landscape of rolling hills and dense forests gradually gave way to sprawling suburbs and then the towering skyline of the metropolis. Beside him, Celena sat wide-eyed, her face pressed against the window as she took in the unfamiliar sights.

"Daddy, look!" she exclaimed, pointing excitedly at a passing billboard. "That picture is as big as our whole house!"

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Blake chuckled, grateful for the distraction from his swirling thoughts. "It sure is, little star. Pretty amazing, huh?"

As they drove deeper into the city, Celena's questions came rapid-fire. Each new sight sparked her curiosity – from the sleek trams gliding along their tracks to the bustling farmers' market they passed.

"Why are all those people standing in line?" she asked, craning her neck to see.

"They're waiting to buy fresh fruits and vegetables," Blake explained patiently. "Remember how we grow tomatoes in our garden? Well, people in the city often buy their food from markets like that."

Celena nodded, her brow furrowed in concentration as she tried to imagine a life so different from their own.

As they neared Reggie's neighborhood, the towering skyscrapers gave way to more modest apartment buildings. Blake navigated the unfamiliar streets, grateful for the GPS in his phone, guiding him. Finally, they pulled up in front of a neat, brick building with window boxes full of cheerful geraniums.

"Is this where Uncle Reggie lives?" Celena asked, unbuckling her seatbelt.

Blake nodded, helping her out of the car. "That's right. Let's go see him and Aunt Nana."

They climbed the short flight of stairs to the front door, Blake's hand resting protectively on Celena's shoulder. Before he could ring the bell, the door swung open, revealing Reggie's smiling face.

"There you are!" Reggie exclaimed, ushering them inside. He was dressed casually in jeans and a soft blue sweater that brought out the warmth in his eyes. "We've been waiting for you!"

The apartment's interior was cozy and inviting. Warm beige walls were adorned with framed photographs and colorful artwork. A plush sofa faced a small fireplace, while bookshelves lined one wall, filled to bursting with well-loved volumes.

From the kitchen doorway came Nana, her face lit up with a welcoming smile. She wore a floral sundress, her hair pulled back in a loose bun. "Blake, Celena! It's so good to see you both!"

Celena, momentarily shy as she hadn't seen Nana in awhile, pressed herself against Blake's leg. But as soon as Nana knelt down to her level, arms outstretched, the little girl's hesitation vanished. She ran into Nana's embrace, giggling as she was scooped up and spun around.

"My goodness, you've grown taller!" Nana exclaimed, setting Celena back on her feet. "I bet you're hungry after that long drive. How about we get some lunch ready?"

As Nana led Celena to the kitchen, chatting animatedly about the cookies they could bake later, Blake felt some of the tension leave his shoulders. He turned to Reggie, who was watching the scene with a soft smile.

"Thanks for having us," Blake said, his voice low. "I appreciate you and Nana looking after Celena while we... talk."

Reggie clasped his shoulder, his expression turning serious. "Of course, man. That's what family's for."

The next hour passed in a blur of good food and light conversation. Blake found himself relaxing despite the underlying current of anxiety about the upcoming discussion. Celena's laughter as she helped Nana make silly faces with vegetable slices was a balm to his worried heart.

As they finished their meal, Reggie caught Blake's eye, giving a slight nod. It was time. Blake took a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever was to come.

"Hey, little star," he said, turning to Celena. "How would you like to stay here with Aunt Nana for a bit while Uncle Reggie and I go for a walk?"

Celena's face fell for a moment, but Nana quickly intervened. "Oh, we're going to have so much fun! I thought we could bake those cookies we talked about. And maybe you could show me some of your fantastic drawing skills?"

The little girl's excitement returned full force. "Can we use the sprinkles on the cookies, Aunt Nana? All the colors?"

As Nana assured Celena that every color of sprinkle would be available, Blake and Reggie slipped out of the apartment. The spring air was crisp as they made their way down the street, neither speaking until they reached a small coffee shop on the corner.

The café was warm and inviting, with exposed brick walls and soft jazz playing in the background. Mismatched armchairs and small tables were scattered throughout the space, most occupied by people engrossed in laptops or quiet conversation. Blake and Reggie chose a table by the window, ordering two steaming cups of coffee from a friendly barista with a vibrant sleeve tattoo.

As they settled into their seats, Blake couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. "Alright, Reg. What was so important that you couldn't tell me over the phone?"

Reggie took a long sip of his coffee, his expression unreadable. "It's about Rose," he began slowly. "We've tried everything possible on Earth to help her, Blake. But..."

"But nothing's worked," Blake finished, a bitter edge to his voice. "Is that why you called me here? To remind me of my problems?"

Reggie held up a hand, his eyes filled with sympathy. "Not at all, man. I know how hard this has been on you and Celena. The reason I called you is because Dumphries and I have been doing some research, and we came across something."

Blake's eyebrows shot up. "You and Dumphries? Why were you researching Rose's condition without me?"

"I'm sorry," Reggie said, genuine remorse in his voice. "We didn't want to raise your hopes for nothing. But we've found... well, we might have found another way to help Rose. It's risky, though. Very risky.

I'm not sure you'll agree to it."

Blake leaned forward, his coffee forgotten. "Reggie, is there any length I wouldn't go for Rose? You should know by now that I'd do anything to have her back, to see her smile again, to hear her voice. Just tell me what you've found."

Reggie shifted in his seat, glancing around the café as if to ensure no one was listening. "I can't tell you everything now. Not until Dumphries gets here. He has all the details, all the... specifics."

"Dumphries is coming?" Blake asked, impatience coloring his tone. "When? Where is he now?"

"Calm down," Reggie said, holding up a placating hand. "He's on his way. Should be here any moment."

Blake sat back impatiently in his chair.

The jingling of the café's door bell serving as a distraction. He looked up, half-expecting to see Dumphries's familiar face. Instead, a young couple entered, laughing and holding hands. The sight sent a pang through Blake's heart, reminding him of lazy Sunday mornings with Rose, of stolen kisses and shared dreams.

As they waited for Dumphries to arrive, the café bustled around them. The aroma of freshly ground coffee beans filled the air, mingling with the sweet scent of baked goods. Outside the window, people hurried past, caught up in their own lives and worries. Blake found himself wondering how many of them were facing their own impossible choices, their own desperate hopes.

His gaze drifted back to Reggie, who was staring into his coffee cup with a furrowed brow. What could they have discovered that was so risky, so potentially controversial, that it required this level of secrecy?