A New Home
736 Words
Elias's POV
My phone hadn't stopped ringing all morning.
I stood in the hallway with one hand tucked into my pocket.
"I need the west wing prepared."
"Immediately."
My assistant sounded confused.
"The guest suite, sir?"
"No."
"It's no longer a guest suite."
"It's Aaira's room."
Silence.
"...Permanent?"
"Yes."
"I want warm lighting."
"No harsh white lights."
"Rounded furniture."
"An art corner."
"Large bookshelves."
"Soft colours."
"A quiet environment."
"No overwhelming decorations."
I had spent half the night researching sensory-friendly spaces.
I wanted everything perfect.
Not luxurious.
Comfortable.
She deserved comfort.
"I'll send the rest of the specifications."
"Have everything ready before tonight."
I ended the call.
When I turned around...
Milli was standing behind me.
She offered me a gentle smile.
"Mr. Blackwood... may I speak with you?"
I nodded.
"Of course."
We walked into Mr. Armstrong's study.
The room still carried the scent of old books and polished wood.
Milli looked exhausted.
"You're really taking her."
"I am."
She lowered herself into a chair.
"I've cared for Miss Aaira since the day she was born."
"I've never seen her trust someone this quickly."
Neither had I.
"I don't understand it either."
She looked at me for a long moment.
"Why?"
"You already have everything."
"Power."
"Money."
"Success."
"So why take responsibility for someone like her?"
I looked out the window before answering.
"Because her father helped me when I had nothing."
"And because Aaira deserves someone who will protect her."
Milli smiled sadly.
"You care about her."
It wasn't a question.
I remained silent.
Finally...
"I do."
"More than I expected."
"And honestly..."
"That scares me."
Milli wiped away a tear.
"Then I'm coming too."
I looked back at her.
"You?"
She laughed softly.
"Someone has to remind Miss Aaira to eat."
"And someone has to remind you to eat too."
For the first time in days...
I laughed.
"I was already planning to bring you and Irin with us."
"I know."
"Thank you."
Her smile slowly faded.
"Nop won't stop."
"He's been watching Miss Aaira ever since she turned eighteen."
Every muscle in my body tightened.
"And Heidi only wants the inheritance."
My hands slowly curled into fists.
"They won't touch her."
My voice was calm.
Cold.
Deadly calm.
Milli nodded.
"Good."
"Because that little girl needs someone willing to fight for her."
I met her eyes.
"I will."
Aaira's POV
Packing was hard.
Every toy carried a memory.
Every memory had Mama or Papa inside it.
I picked up Mr. Robo.
"We're moving."
"You'll like the new house."
"It has big windows."
"You can watch the clouds with me."
I carefully placed him inside the box.
Then...
Voices.
Loud voices.
My stomach hurt.
I peeked over the staircase.
Nop.
He was back.
"I'm here to see Aaira."
Milli stepped in front of him.
"She isn't available."
Then...
I heard another voice.
"Elias."
It wasn't loud.
But everyone stopped talking.
"Step away from the door."
His voice was calm.
Cold.
Sharp.
Like ice beginning to crack.
Nop smirked.
"Still pretending to be her hero?"
"I'm not pretending."
"Aaira understands far more than you think."
Something inside me settled.
Safe.
That was the feeling.
Safe.
Nop glared at him.
"This isn't over."
"No."
Elias answered calmly.
"It isn't."
"But if you ever come near her again..."
"I'll make sure the law remembers your name for a very long time."
For the first time...
Nop looked afraid.
He turned and walked away without another word.
The front door slammed shut.
I ran downstairs.
"Watch Prince!"
Elias turned immediately.
The cold expression on his face disappeared the moment he saw me.
"Aaira."
"Were you scared?"
I nodded.
"Was that the bad man?"
"Yes."
"But he's gone now."
Without thinking...
I wrapped my arms around his waist.
He froze.
Only for a heartbeat.
Then his arms slowly came around me.
Carefully.
As though I might break.
"Thank you..."
I whispered.
"For being loud... and quiet."
He looked down at me.
"Loud and quiet?"
I nodded.
"You're quiet on the outside."
"But loud on the inside."
"Like a watch heart."
"It ticks quietly..."
"...but protects loudly."
For a long moment, he didn't speak.
Then I felt him gently rest his chin on top of my head.
"You're welcome, Aaira."
His voice was softer than I'd ever heard before.
And somehow...
For the first time since Mama and Papa left...
I truly believed...
I was going to be okay.
- Writer
