69 | Rafael? Eiffel? Falafel?
What now, I'm hallucinating?
I dropped my suit jacket on the nearby table and inched closer to the french windows to make sure I wasn't imagining things.
I wasn't.
There was a little girl in my garden, stretching her arm out to touch the water springing from the fountain.
A restful smile formed over my face and I strolled out towards the adorable kid, plucking a fresh rose which was nothing compared to her pretty face.
"Hello there, little angel."
Her dark brown pigtails wiggled as she spun back, her light grey eyes growing wide at my sight and then switch to the rose I had offered her.
"For me?" She said shyly.
"Of course, sweetheart."
"Thank you sir. You are very kind." She took the rose and sniffed the fragrance.
Such a well mannered kid.
"May I ask who this beautiful little girl is?"
"I'm Xenia. My dadda works here." She replied and then gestured me to bend down with her tiny hands. "But don't tell him I was here." She whispered. "He'll scold me if he knew I left the car."
What kind of an idiot asks a kid to stay in the car alone?
"Don't worry about your dadda." I picked her up. "I'd love to have such a pretty girl in my house. Please be my guest."
Marble like grey eyes roamed across the white mansion in fascination. "You own this palace?" She gasped.
"Uh huh. Would you like to see it from inside?"
"Can I really?" She clapped her hands excitedly.
"Of course dear. Anything for you."
On our way inside, we met Jake who quickly hid his gun behind him. He passed her a small smile to look a little less intimidating.
"Don't be afraid of him." I sensed her discomfort as she kept looking at him curiously.
"No. He's cute." She remarked, sliding the rose over Jake's ear and giggling at the sight in satisfaction. "Much better."
"Hmm, I agree, little miss." Jake laughed, pinching her cheeks. "Does this remind you of anything, boss?"
Of course. That's what Vittoria did when she was brought here as a hostage. If Vittoria had a daughter, she'd be like her.
"Who's this pretty lady, boss?"
"Some guard's daughter." I replied, wondering if he knew but it didn't look like it.
We continued inside and the moment we did, a soft gasp left from Xenia's rosy lips and she gawked at someone seated on the couch, buried in her laptop.
"Toria?" She squeaked, disbelieved.
Toria? They knew each other? They were on nickname basis?
Vittoria's head snapped up and she mirrored her reactions, springing up from the couch and running towards us. "Sugarplum?"
Sugarplum – Toria – the mild British accent in her voice. Holy-
"Harrison has a daughter!"
"Ouch!" Xenia scrunched up her face, covering her ears with her tiny palms.
"I'm sorry sweetheart, did I cause you inconvenience?" I apologized genuinely, still trying to get over the shock.
"You kinda did but you're forgiven because you're handsome." She said in her silvery voice. I was so impressed by her already.
Vittoria chuckled at the little conversation, squishing her cheeks and placing a long kiss over them. "How's my little hero?"
"Harrison has a daughter?" Jake, who heard me from before ran inside frantically, replicating the state of my mind currently.
Poor little Xenia switched looks between us, not understanding why it was so surprising.
The twins, exiting from the kitchen both halted abruptly, not knowing what was happening and why there was a kid in our house. However, an evil plan formed in their heads and Liam hid behind a couch before Xenia spotted them.
"Hello, gorgeous." Toby greeted the little guest. "Who's this beauty?"
"Xenia. Harrison's daughter." I answered.
Ocean eyes went wide and his jaw dropped open.
"Harrison has a daughter?"
This time it was her who squeaked on his behalf. Junior Outhwaite just keeps getting better.
"Did you just read my mind, Miss Outhwaite?" Toby chuckled.
"You can say that...."
"Toby." He smiled.
"That's such a cute name."
"Wow." He enthused. "You wanna see a small magic?" He tapped her nose. She nodded enthusiastically.
"Close your eyes, hold my hand, count till ten and by the time you're done, there will be one more Toby."
She religiously followed his instructions and opened her eyes to find one more Toby standing next to him.
"Ohh..." She dragged out, looking bemused. Then she turned to me and whispered into my ears. "They're twins. But don't tell them I've figured it out. I don't want to make them sad."
Amazing. She was my favorite human now.
Vittoria just watched with an unmoving grin as Liam flirted with his latest crush.
"What is your name?" She asked out of the blue, noticing she still didn't ask me the first basic question.
"I'm Rafael."
"As in the tower?" She asked innocently.
"No baby." Vittoria chuckled. "That's Eiffel."
"Oh." She whispered, silently staring at my face while that of her housed a grin she was trying so hard to trap.
Was there something on my face? Or do I naturally look funny.
"Your name even rhymes with falafel." She laughed sheepishly and everyone joined her in the little tease Rafael moment.
Then suddenly something happened. She stopped talking. An adorable screech flew from her as she hid her face in the crook of my neck. Her ponytail tickled my skin as she did do.
I could get used to this feeling. I always wanted a daughter. With this brown eyed beauty standing next to me. Fate was so cruel.
"What happened sweetheart?" I asked, worried about the quick change in her behavior. Then I noticed Mason walking towards us, more like skipping towards us.
"Is she scared of him?" I whispered, asking Vittoria who simply laughed at my question.
"Little Nia has a secret crush on Mase."
"Ugh!" A low grumpy growl reached my ears. "Thanks Toria, it's not so secret now." Xenia scowled, hiding her face in her palms and oh boy, she was completely red.
"Call Alli. She was dying to meet her." Mason asked one of the guards.
I let her down and straightened her yellow summer dress for her. Mason crouched down to match her height.
"You know what, Xenia?" He twisted her pigtails in his finger. "I couldn't get you out of my mind ever since I met you." He said dreamily.
His little admirer crossed her arms and looked away angrily. "You look like someone who'd say that to every girl."
"She's goals!" Vittoria exclaimed like a proud mom.
Mom. But not my child's mom.
"What are you saying, princess." Mason feigned hurt, holding a hand over his chest. "You're the only girl I love."
Sure. Jake must be laughing at him on the inside.
"Really?" She swayed side to side with her cheeks still flushed.
"Yes, princess. Will you be my girlfriend?" He made a puppy face and she hopped excitedly.
"Yes, Masey." She played with his single earring.
He kissed her hand like the typical prince charming making her break yet another giggle.
I loved the sound of it.
And then came Alli with a broad smile which soon turned into a concerned one. I followed her vision and got the reason for her behavior.
Xenia went still like a stone. Her mouth agape and eyes wide, she stared at Allegra, spellbound.
I felt a soft hand curl around my arm and my heart beat went crazy at the slightest contact. Vittoria didn't even know what she'd done. Her attention was focused on Xenia, a wide smile stretched on her face.
Vittoria's smile was something else.
I snapped out of it and turned my attention back to the tiny lady a she ever so slowly raised her hand up to touch Allegra.
"Haw!" She sucked in a sharp breath as if fascinated. "She's real!" She whispered in awe, looking up at Vittoria.
"Yes Nia, she is."
"She's so pretty."
"Aww, come here sweetie." Alli knelt down and engulfed her into a huge hug, rocking them side to side. "I'm not as pretty as you, darling."
"Like father, like daughter." Vittoria chuckled, placing her hands on Xenia's shoulders. "Remember the first time Harri saw you? You're Allegra Tanner. The Allegra Tanner." She mimicked the way he must've said it.
I don't think I would be going to work today. It's a holiday. Yay!
"Where's grandpa?" Liam asked, looking around to find Oliver.
"Even you have a grandpa?" Xenia asked him with utmost seriousness. "Our grandpas could be friends."
No Nia, our grandpa isn't really a grandpa.
As if on cue, the sound of heavy footsteps became audible along with Oliver's enraged voice barking at someone on the other end of the call.
"Don't give me these damn excuses. I want it done by today, you get that? If not, don't bother showing me the procrastinating excuse for you face-"
He stopped dead, looked at the gathered crowd, down at the little guest and then back at us and finally end the call.
Xenia, terrified of him, ran and hid behind Vittoria.
He cast us a look silently asking who she was.
"Xenia. Harrison's daughter." We all replied in unison.
"Harrison has a daughter?" Xenia once again exclaimed, this time with an evident quiver.
"Hey there, cutie pie." Oliver walked stealthily towards her, afraid to scare her furthermore. She curled around Vittoria's leg in retaliation.
"Don't be afraid of him, Nia. He's my brother." Vittoria picked her up.
"But Masey is your brother, no?" She asked, confused.
"They both are my brothers. His name is Oliver. Say hi to Oliver."
She waved timidly.
"Great! Two seconds and you've managed to scare the girl." Allegra scolded him showing him angry mom eyes.
He was still trying to get over the shock. So was I. Xenia was four. That meant Harrison was nineteen whe he became a father?
"Nia darling." Mason held her miniscule hand. "Oliver was scolding Danny because he keeps messing with you. Don't be afraid of him."
Now who's Danny?
"He's the Luca to her Vittoria." Vittoria whispered, noticing my doubt.
Even four year olds have sworn enemies? Baffling!
"In that case," The fear on her face switched into a broad grin. "Let's be best friends. You know what he-"
"Xenia?" Harri's displeased voice cut her off.
Vittoria put her down and she stood with her hands behind her back and head hung low like a punished kid. "Yes dadda."
"What did I tell you?"
"To stay in the car."
"And what did you do?"
"Not listen to you. I'm sorry."
Alright enough is enough! You dance with my girl on Señorita, still okay. But you don't scold Xenia on front of me.
"You aren't allowed to scold my new friend, you get that Harrison." I warned.
"There's no use. He keeps scolding me. Twenty minutes of puppy eyes didn't work on him." She complained, looking up at her dad with a pout.
"What an essentially heartless man!" I glared at him, earning a thumbs up for Xenia.
Others laughed but he didn't. An abiding worry veiled his face as he shifted his gaze between his daughter and me. "I apologize, boss."
"There no need-"
"You're dadda's boss?" She gasped. "I have a request."
"Xenia." His sharp warning gaze snapped to her once again. "Do not interrupt when someone's speaking." He reprimanded and her face fell.
"Sorry, dadda."
What's with so much discipline? Was it a British thing?
"Dude! Stop scolding my girlfriend. I won't hear it." Mason snapped his fingers, pointing them at him in a challenging way.
"Girlfriend. Right." Harrison rolled his eyes. "I think I hate you now."
"That's not fair, dadda." She crossed her arms in protest. "You are Toria's boyfriend. He never said anything."
"You tell him, Nia." Toria and her did a high five.
"Yes, fight for your man." Alli praised.
"Now shut up and let me listen to my Nia's request. I'm listening." I bent down to her height.
"Can you please allow my dadda to come home a little early. I don't get enough time with him. I miss him."
My heart melted. No kid should feel that way.
As for Harrison, let him not come here at all and I'll still pay him. At least hell stay away from Vittoria. I'm a very nice boss, you know.
"Your wish is my command."
"Thank you, Mr Boss." She kissed me on the cheek, making me break a hearty chuckle.
"Alright now Xenia, go back to the car. I'll drop you home." Harrison said.
It was flabbergasting seeing the dad side of him. Maybe I was wrong about him. Nothing was wrong with him. He looked like a normal person with a normal family.
"Nooo." She wailed. "I want to stay here with Toria. Please." She jutted her bottom lip out.
"And she is." Vittoria declared, holding her hand.
"I'm not going to work today." Toby said, playing with her hair.
"Me too." Liam jumped.
"Me too." I shrugged.
Then we all flinged our heads towards Oliver.
"What? Of course he's not going. What will he do there? Swat flies?" Allegra decided for him, making him stop his protest halfway.
Smart move. That way he'd live to see the sun rise tomorrow. Speaking from experience.
"Boss." Harrison whispered. "This could be dangerous. She's a child. She can slip anything to anyone."
"That's not a problem. Let her stay here." I affirmed.
He brooded over it for a while and then turned to Xenia. "Okay listen to me carefully, sweetheart." He said softly but sternly while she listened intently.
"Yes dadda."
"You see this house?" He circled his finger around. "This is a magical place."
"Like Hogwarts?" She jumped in exhilaration.
Wait until I take you there, sweetie.
"Yes." Harrison stated. "You remember the story of Cinderella?"
"Yes."
"So just like that story, if you ever mention anything about what you saw here, everything and everyone will disappear. Even your Toria and your Masey."
"I won't say anything. I promise." She blurted in fear, the poor soul genuinely believing him.
He was a very good father. He knew how to handle things with her. He managed both the aspects so effortlessly. I noticed how he was so mature. Now I get the reason.
"What do you do over here, dadda?" She asked curiously.
He smiled and looked at Vittoria. "I protect your Toria."
"Why? Is she a princess?" She grinned, rocking back and forth on her heels.
"She's a queen."
"So if you marry her I'll become a princess?" She gaped, bewildered by the proposition that stabbed my heart like a dagger.
"You're already a princess, Nia." Allegra pulled her closer to herself. "Every girl is a princess in her own way."
"I'm so proud of my girls." Liam said, opening his arms and pulled all his girls into his embrace which reminded me of Camila. I promised to accompany her to her dress alteration but she had to go alone. I'd have to make it up to her.
"What happened, Harri. Why did you get her here? Isn't she supposed to be in her preschool at this time? Is everything okay?" Vittoria placed a worried hand on his arm, firing the questions.
His angry father stance was back. He narrowed his eyes at his daughter who was standing next to her boyfriend with a sheepish smile.
"Go ahead, Miss Outhwaite. Tell them what you did." He sighed, resting his hands on his hips.
"Why don't you take a seat first." Oliver picked her teeny weeny body and placed her on the couch whilst sitting down near her feet, ready to hear the story from the young guest. Alli watched him with a sad smile.
What was that?
"Where do I start from?" She asked, heaving an equally dramatic sigh.
"I was summoned to her preschool. I got so scared. Turned out out it was this little devil's yet another mischief. She's a very naughty kid, I tell you. Tell them Xenia. Tell them what you did."
"I made disgusting Danny's disgusting face a little more disgusting." She stated proudly, doing a hair flip which we soon learnt was taught to her by her Toria. "I poured ink on his head."
"You did what!" Liam exclaimed.
"That could've damaged his eyes, Xenia. That's not cool." Oliver said.
"I'll tell you what's not cool." The little girl went ballistic. Oliver legit jumped back from shock. "Danny kept pulling my ponytail. Okay. Forgiven. Dadda taught me non violence. But then he hit my bestie Jess. And no mister, I wasn't going to tolerate that."
No one spoke.
We were afraid we'd have a taste of her anger.
"Can I keep her?" I asked Harrison almost genuinely.
"Yeah he has a thing for keeping every girl who walks through this door." Mason scoffed.
"You did the right thing, Nia. I'm proud of you." Vittoria patted her back.
"No you don't teach her all that." Now it was Vittoria on the receiving end of Harrison's heated stare.
"Exactly! I can relate to you, mate." Mason fake cried. "Been there done that."
At this point I wasn't sure who was more mischievous— Vittoria or Xenia.
Mason's mocking comment ignited a petty fight between him and his sister while Xenia watched them in awe.
"Even I want a little brother. Even I want to trouble him like Masey does to Toria." She pouted.
Mason stopped and turned her to her father. "Tell him."
I noticed the way Allegra looked at me with pitiful eyes but she turned them away the moment my gaze met her own.
"Um...Mase, you once told me about her dance video. Why don't you show us, Xenia." Alli quickly changed the topic. She always understood.
"A dance video?" Vittoria interjected. "Why don't I know about it?" She narrowed her eyes playfully.
"I get the boyfriend privilages, alright." Mason sassed.
Harrison skimmed through his phone and opened a video while we, like excited kids gathered close to each other to watch Miss Outhwaite's talent.
It was the father daughter video dancing to The Man. I was surprised by my own confession about how endlessly adorable they both looked. It was a hit duo. Little Nia also had a fake moustache. She was phenomenal.
How a four year old kid could dance so well was beyond anyone's imagination. But then again, she was Harrison's daughter. It was in her blood.
We awarded the endearing duo a huge round of applause while Vittoria squeezed Xenia until she couldn't breathe. She was so overwhelmed by her.
"I'm not sure I can live after witnessing so much cuteness." Alli said, praising them both.
"Post this on Instagram. Your talent demands recognition." Toby suggested.
"I even won a trophy for a dance competition." She said, feeling proud of herself.
"And you'll win many more." Oliver flicked her forehead.
A sparkling glimmer of hope flashed in her grey eyes as she looked up at Vittoria, craning her neck back. "You know Toria, dadda has promised to enroll me in a dance class after my operation. I'm so excited."
Vittoria's smile died.
My heart broke.
A blanket of agony draped over us. I looked up at Harrison, the deeply inflicted sorrow in his eyes beginning to scare me.
Please tell me she wasn't dying.
Nia: So here's the promised update by our dear author. Vote, comment, share and I'll share my chocolate with you. Bye lovlies!