The journey back to the Rostov mansion wasn't just a drive—it was a full-blown military escort.
Five black armored SUVs flew down the cleared highways with hazard lights flashing and sirens blaring, making the whole city think the President was riding inside. In reality, it was just a three-year-old girl with a mild sugar-induced tummy ache sitting in a gold-threaded car seat.
Inside the main SUV, Alistair hadn't let go of Aliria for a single second. He cradled her wrapped in a soft cashmere blanket, holding a digital thermometer like it was a detonator for an explosive device.
Aliria Rostov (thought)=If someone took a picture of us right now, they’d think I was fighting a rare, deadly virus from the sss rainforest. It’s just ice cream, guys. My digestive system is twenty-eight years old on the inside, but this tiny body is throwing a complete toddler strike.😭
The moment the vehicles pulled up to the estate, the grand wooden doors flew open. A squad of six top pediatric specialists—dressed in pristine white coats and holding state-of-the-art medical equipment— stood lined up in the grand foyer, sweating profusely under Dante’s icy stare. 🩺👨⚕️
Dante Rostov(first brother)=If my sister suffers even a single second of discomfort, every medical license in this room will be revoked by sunset.
Chief Doctor(gulping nervously, bowing 90 degrees) =Y-Yes, Young Master Dante.We have assembled the finest herbal remedies, stomach soothers, and temperature-regulating technology in the nation. 🙇♂️💦
Aliria Rostov (thought)=Dante, please stop threatening the medical board.They look like they’re about to faint before they even check my pulse. 🤦♀️
Alistair carried Aliria upstairs into her massive royal nursery, but it didn't even look like a bedroom anymore. In less than an hour, the family had converted it into a high-tech recovery suite. Air purifiers hummed softly in every corner, expensive blackout curtains blocked out any harsh sunlight, and a giant tray of hot soup, warm water, and specialized toddler vitamins rested on her bedside table.
Gently, Alistair laid her down on the mountain of soft, silk pillows. He tucked the heavy comforter around her chin with extreme, trembling precision, as if a rogue gust of wind might blow her away.
Alistair Rostov(dad)=There... rested and safe. My sweet little princess, tell Dada... does the tummy feel bad? Should I buy the pharmaceutical company and make them invent a magic potion?
Valeria Rostov(mom)=(sighing, placing a gentle hand on her husband's shoulder)Alistair, leave the poor child alone for two minutes so she can breathe. You’re hovering so close you’re blocking the oxygen.
Valeria sat gently on the edge of the mattress, running her soft fingers through Aliria’s golden hair. She placed a fresh, cool damp cloth on her toddler’s forehead, her warm maternal gaze instantly making Aliria feel a little better. 🥰
Valeria Rostov(mom)=How are you feeling baby? Mommy is right here.
Aliria Rostov=Ria... okay... Tummy just bumpy, Mommy...🥺
Aliria Rostov (thought)=Honestly, the warm towel feels amazing. Mommy’s gentle touch is pure magic. If only her four giant bodyguards would stop pacing around like caged lions.
Matteo was currently marching back and forth across the plush carpet, dragging his hands through his messy hair. Every three seconds, he would glance at the digital heart monitor they had somehow hooked up to Aliria’s little finger.
Matteo Rostov(second brother)=Look at her. She’s so pale Cupcake, do you want me to bring the giant stuffed teddy bears in here. I can bring all three trucks into the courtyard right now.You can dive into a mountain of plushies.
Dante Rostov(first brother)=(crossing his arms, leaning against the bedpost)Silence, Matteo. Dust mites from three trucks of toys will agitate her sinuses. She needs absolute, uninterrupted silence.
Luca Rostov(third brother)(sitting quietly on a small stool right next to her pillow)=You guys are making her headache worse with all your arguing.
Luca reached out his small hand and placed a cute, warm heat-pad right over Aliria’s blanket-covered stomach. He leaned in close, his voice soft and soothing.
Luca Rostov(third brother)=Better, Chibi?.
Aliria snuggled her little chin down into the blanket, feeling the cozy warmth spread across her sore belly.
Aliria Rostov=Mhm... warm... thank you, Lu.☺️
Luca’s cool, composed face instantly broke into a tiny, victorious smirk as he glanced over his shoulder at his two older brothers. Matteo looked like he had just been stabbed in the heart with jealousy.
Matteo Rostov(second brother)=WHAT?! Why does Lu get a cute thank you.Cupcake, I’m the one who bought you the chocolate fudge.Wait—no, don't remember the chocolate fudge. Look at Teo,I can do a funny dance to make your tummy feel better.🕺
Matteo immediately started flailing his arms around, doing a chaotic, ridiculous toddler distraction dance in the middle of the room. He accidentally tripped over a plush stool, flying face-first into a pile of oversized throw pillows with a loud .
THUD 💥
Aliria Rostov=Pfft— HAHAHA!😂
Aliria couldn't hold it in. She burst into a fit of adorable, giggly toddler laughter, clapping her tiny, chubby hands together.
Aliria Rostov (thought)=Oh my gosh, this guy is an absolute menace to society, but he’s hilarious. Who needs medicine when you have a multi-billionaire brother acting like a total clown just to see you smile.
Alistair Rostov(dad)=(gasping, his face lighting up with pure joy)SHE SMILED! Valeria, did you see that.Our princess laughed.The crisis is averted.😭🎉
Valeria Rostov(mom)=(laughing softly, shaking her head)You men are completely hopeless. See A little rest, some warmth and a laugh from her foolish brothers is all she needed.
Dante stepped forward, his cold executive aura completely melting away as he pulled a small, silver velvet box from his suit pocket. He opened it up to reveal a gorgeous, custom-carved wooden music box shaped like a tiny rotating castle.
Dante Rostov(first brother)=I had our artisans in Switzerland rush-deliver this while we were driving home. Listen, Little Angel.
Dante wound up the little silver key on the back. A soft, soothing, lullaby melody began to play, echoing gently throughout the quiet room. The little wooden knights and princesses inside the castle started to dance in smooth, magical circles. 🎵
Aliria’s big, shining eyes sparkled as she watched the little figures spin. A soft, relaxed yawn escaped her lips, her tiny body sinking deep into the warm mattress. 🥱
Aliria Rostov=Pretty... Dan-dan...
Dante Rostov(first brother)=(a subtle, rare smile breaking across his handsome face)Anything for you, Little Angel. Now, close your eyes.
Alistair gently took Aliria’s small hand in his giant palm, holding it with absolute devotion. Valeria smoothed her blanket, Luca stayed right by her side keeping the heat-pad warm, and even Matteo quieted down, sitting cross-legged on the floor next to her bed with a proud, goofy smile.
Aliria Rostov (thought)=My tummy doesn't even hurt anymore. Sure, my past life was full of quiet, lonely apartments and working overtime until midnight... but this life. This chaotic, overprotective, insanely wealthy family is something else.💖
Aliria Rostov (thought)=They might be totally nuts, they might turn a simple tummy ache into a national emergency, but they’re my family now. And honestly... I wouldn't trade these crazy mobsters for anything in the world. 😴💤
Aliria let out one final, soft sigh, her tiny eyelashes fluttering shut as she drifted off into a deep, peaceful sleep, surrounded by the warm, protective aura of the Rostov family.
To be continued...