Inheritance Redefined

Chapter Eleven

The Calviero estate was too quiet when Elara got back from training.

She had barely spoken a word since returning. Her body ached, her brain was foggy from school, and all she wanted was something, someone, to ground her.

She wanted to be with someone other than her mother, because even that could get overwhelming.

So instead of going to her room, she made her way to the west wing, to the heavy double doors that marked Alessandro's office.

She stood outside for a full minute, debating whether she should just go back to her room before she finally knocked on the door.

"Come in," came the deep, calm voice from the other side.

Elara stepped inside, clutching her book to her chest. He was seated behind his large dark-wood desk, sleeves rolled up, pen in hand, brow furrowed over a thick stack of papers.

He glanced up and then immediately straightened. "Is something wrong Elara?"

Elara shook her head. "No. I just... I'm tired of sitting in my room all the time."

There was a short pause.

Then, softer, she continued. "Can I just sit in here for a while? I won't make any noise. You won't even notice I'm here."

Alessandro blinked.

Then he set his pen down and nodded to the couch in the corner of his office without a word.

Elara didn't need any more than that.

Within minutes, she was curled up on the couch with her knees tucked under her, a book open in her lap, the familiar scratch of Alessandro's pen filling the room.

It was quiet.

Peaceful.

Safe.

About twenty minutes passed before Elara closed her book and looked up.

"Do you do this every day?" she asked.

"Most days," Alessandro said. "It's either paperwork, logistics, or putting out fires someone else started."

Elara smiled faintly.

Another minute passed.

Then, "Can I help you with something?"

Alessandro looked at her in surprise."You want to help with this?"

"I'm bored," Elara admitted. "And I don't want to go back to my room."

Alessandro's mouth tugged into the faintest smile. "Alright then. Come here."

Elara stood, crossed the office quietly, and then she was handed a neat stack of papers. "These need to be sorted by initials - just first letters of the last names. A through to M on one pile, the rest on another."

"Got it," Elara said, sliding into the chair on the opposite side of the desk.

They worked like that for a while - him flipping through files, her organizing stacks beside him - all the while Elara was talking about all the fun memories she and her mother had back in London. The atmosphere was warm. It was comfortable. Familiar.

Alessandro found himself surprised by how much he enjoyed Elara's company. Her voice, her quiet laughter, the way she filled the room without ever making it feel smaller.

Half an hour passed like nothing. Elara caught him glancing at her once or twice - not with suspicion or calculation, but something warmer.

Finally, she yawned, stretching her arms above her head.

"You can head to bed if you want," Alessandro said quietly. "You've done enough."

"I like being here," Elara mumbled.

And then she added, almost to herself,
"It's the only place in this house that doesn't feel too big."

Alessandro looked at her for a long moment, then he smiled softly."You're always welcome here, Elara. You don't have to knock next time."

Elara looked up, eyes wide.

"Really?"

"Really."

Elara had a gigantic smile on her face as she jumped from her chair, almost knocking it over in the process and throwing herself in Alessandro's arms.

She'd never had a real father figure growing up. But now... if she had to picture one, it would be Alessandro.

Elara gave a tiny smile, releasong Alessandro from her embrace, and something inside his chest softened.

She didn't say anything more - just picked up her book and curled back onto the couch, letting the warmth of his quiet presence lull her into a peaceful sleep she hadn't realized she needed.

Alessandro gazed at the sleeping girl on the couch and the wall he built around his heart cracked. He made a vow to himself that he would always keep her safe and she would get whatever her heart desired.

He realised at that moment that he loved Elara as if she was his own daughter.