Chapter 6: A Room Filled with Sunlight
That night, Alexander did not allow Clara and Leo to remain in the staff wing for another second.
He personally carried Leo up the grand curved staircase into the south-facing master guest suite—a magnificent, sun-drenched room with vaulted ceilings, a king-sized four-poster bed fitted with plush goose-down duvets, and a private balcony overlooking the rose gardens.
Mrs. Gable, the head housekeeper who had secretly left fruit for Clara in the pantry, wept with joyful vindication as she brought up trays of hot chicken soup, fresh bread, and warm honey milk.
Alexander knelt by the massive bed, watching four-year-old Leo touch the soft velvet pillows in absolute wonder.
""Is this for us, Mister?"" Leo asked, his small fingers sinking into the down comforter.
""This is yours, Leo,"" Alexander smiled gently, tears shining in his eyes. ""And you don't have to call me Mister. You can call me Dad.""
Leo looked at Clara, who nodded with a soft, radiant smile through her tears.
The little boy leaned forward, placing his small hands against Alexander’s broad shoulders, wrapping his arms tightly around his father’s neck.
""Dad,"" Leo whispered softly against his collar.
May you like
Alexander held his son close, feeling the steady, warm rhythm of the boy’s heartbeat against his chest, swearing an eternal vow that no power on earth would ever separate them again.
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