The Designer's Daughter

Chapter 7: A Brother’s Joy

Lucia sat on the edge of the enormous bed, running her fingers over the soft sheets. It still didn’t feel real. Just yesterday, she had been on the streets, selling bread, dreading the moment she had to go home to Annabelle. And now… she was here, in a mansion, with a man who called himself her father.

Her father.

The thought made her stomach twist. She didn’t know how to feel about him yet. He seemed kind, but so had others before they turned cruel.

A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.

“Come in,” she said hesitantly.

The door swung open, and a boy about her age rushed inside. He had tousled brown hair, sharp blue eyes, and a grin so wide it was almost contagious.

“You’re really here!” he exclaimed, excitement shining in his eyes.

Lucia blinked, confused. “Who are you?”

The boy laughed. “I’m Nathan! Your brother.”

Lucia’s breath caught. Brother?

She stared at him, trying to process the words. She had a brother? No one had ever told her.

Nathan plopped onto the bed beside her, completely at ease. “Father told me about you this morning. I couldn’t believe it—I have a sister!” He grinned. “And now you’re here!”

Lucia still couldn’t speak. A brother. She had spent her life feeling utterly alone, and now, in a single day, she had gained a father and a sibling.

Nathan’s expression softened as he noticed her silence. “I know this is a lot,” he said, his voice quieter. “But I want you to know… I’m really happy you’re here.”

Lucia finally found her voice. “Your mother…?”

Nathan’s smile faded slightly. “She passed away a few years ago.” His gaze dropped to his hands. “It was hard. But now…” He looked up at her again, his eyes bright with something warm. “Now I have you.”

Lucia’s heart squeezed. He had lost his mother. Just like she had.

Maybe… she wasn’t as alone as she thought.

Nathan nudged her playfully. “Come on, aren’t you at least a little happy to have a cool little brother?”

Lucia let out a small, unexpected laugh. The first real laugh she had in years.

Maybe this new life wouldn’t be so bad after all.

—

To Be Continued...