"Amara and her daughter will be staying at the small guest cottage," George declared, his tone final, leaving no room for debate. This was a permanent arrangement, and no one was to question it.
The atmosphere in the room shifted dramatically. A quiet tension took hold, born out of a mix of respect and unspoken fear. Out of deference, everyone avoided direct eye contact with the Chairman, but their curiosity was palpable. Speculative glances flickered toward Amara and her daughter, though no one dared voice their thoughts aloud.
Why Amara? Why now? Whispers of curiosity floated unspoken.
While Amara had worked at the mansion for years, there had never been any indication of a close connection between her and George. There were no whispers, no rumours—nothing to explain this sudden shift.
Amara could feel the scrutiny like a physical weight pressing down on her. Though her gaze remained fixed downward, her unease was evident. She could not look at anyone, let alone provide answers she didn't have herself. The truth was, she was just as surprised as the rest of them.
'What is the Chairman trying to do?' she wondered, her mind racing.
The speculative air was disrupted once again by George's commanding voice.
"Amara will now work directly for me, and the nature of the work will require frequent travel," he announced, his statement dropping like a stone into a still pond, sending ripples of shock through the room.
Amara, who had remained silent up until now, found herself unable to stay quiet any longer. The gravity of the situation demanded her voice.
"Please forgive me, Mr. Chairman," she said, her voice steady but tinged with urgency. "But I cannot leave Liora alone."
"That's precisely why you and Liora will stay here—to ensure you focus on work without distractions," George stated firmly, his tone leaving no room for debate.
"But how can I..." Amara began, her voice trailing off in uncertainty.
"As long as I'm alive, Liora will remain safe within the confines of this mansion, I assure you!" His words were not just a promise but an unyielding decree, like a white line etched into an unbreakable stone. There was no force in the world that could sway him.
While George decided on their future, Caspian and Liora seemed lost in their own separate worlds. Caspian's gaze remained fixed on Liora, his expression unreadable. Liora, on the other hand, couldn't understand why he was staring. Was there something funny on my face? she wondered, instinctively touching her cheek before quickly dropping her hand, hoping no one noticed. But Caspian noticed, his sharp eyes catching even the smallest of her movements.
Although everyone was seated at the table for breakfast, the food remained untouched. The morning meal turned into a dramatic standoff that felt more like a scene from a soap opera than the daily routine of an elite family.
Amara, accepting the inevitable, broke the silence. "May I move tomorrow morning?" Her tone was calm, a quiet resignation to the Chairman's unyielding decision.
George gave a single nod, his face impassive. "You may. Now, let's continue with breakfast."
Without hesitation, he picked up his cutlery and resumed eating as though he hadn't just dropped a bombshell on the entire family.
In the end, it was a practical decision for Amara. The message from Tony Gambino had already made leaving her house a necessity. With the Chairman's assurance that Liora would be safe within the confines of the mansion, there was little left to consider. Moving into such a secure environment was the obvious choice for her daughter's sake.
As Amara took a bite of her meal, her thoughts drifted to Mark. 'If I had taken a deal before, would Mark still be alive?' The regret was sharp, a pang in her chest that made swallowing her food suddenly difficult.
"You're a pretty doll," Caspian stated matter-of-factly before shifting his attention back to his breakfast plate.
'Doll?' The word echoed in Liora's mind. She tilted her head slightly, unsure of how to interpret Caspian's comment. 'Was he trying to insult me or compliment me?' she wondered, her small hands gripping her fork as she mulled over his words.
Once the Chairman had finished his meal, he stood while everyone else remained seated, following the tradition of not rising until George Glacier had left the table.
"Amara, let's adjourn to my office to discuss further terms and conditions," he announced, his tone firm but not unkind, signaling that the next chapter of the day's business was about to begin.
Before leaving the dining room, Chairman George's gaze shifted to Caspian, his grandson—his pride and future. "And my boy, I trust you will keep the little lady engaged," he said, the words almost a command, though coated in affection. It was clear he expected Caspian to comply.
"Yes, Grandfather, I will," Caspian replied immediately, his voice laced with excitement, as though he had been waiting for this very moment.
As the others filed out of the room, Caspian's eyes remained fixed on Liora, following her every move. She deliberately looked away, but that only seemed to intrigue him more. Without warning, he reached out and grasped her hand, his grip firm and purposeful.
"Let's go," he stated, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Liora froze, taken aback by his sudden boldness. No boy had ever grabbed her hand like that, not since her father. A wave of longing for him swept over her, but she quickly shook it off. She was here now, in this new world, and she needed to focus.
She turned to Caspian, who was still waiting expectantly for her to follow.
"Where are you taking me?" she asked cautiously, her voice soft but filled with curiosity.
Caspian's blue eyes gleamed with a playful, mysterious spark. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, as though he was savoring a private joke.
"All you need to do is trust and follow me," he replied, his voice laced with an enigmatic promise.
At just 12 years old, Caspian Glacier already stood out among his peers. He was taller than most of the other boys, which made him appear older than his age. His piercing blue eyes only deepened his charm, adding to his already captivating aura.
His tousled blond hair, falling naturally around his ears, framed his face perfectly, accentuating his youthful handsomeness. Caspian's features were the kind that made people take notice, particularly girls, who often found themselves glancing at him again, unable to help but admire his effortless appeal.
Liora couldn't help but roll her eyes inwardly as Caspian continued to stare at her, seemingly oblivious to her discomfort.
'We have just met, and he's already asking me to trust him? What a weirdo!' she thought, trying to shake off the awkwardness she felt under his gaze.
Caspian, however, seemed completely unbothered by her silence. He quickened his pace, still holding her hand firmly, almost in the same way her mother had earlier—comforting, yet assertive.
As they passed by the maids, all of whom wore serious expressions and maintained stoic faces, Liora felt as though she was intruding on some secret world. No one smiled here, not even in passing.
They stopped in front of a door, and Caspian turned to her, flashing a bright smile that lit up his face. Liora huffed, trying to catch her breath from the quick pace he had set.
"You're breathing," Caspian remarked, his voice filled with amusement.
Liora froze for a moment, dumbfounded. 'Is he crazy?' she thought. 'Of course I breathe.' She resisted the urge to roll her eyes at his stupidity, but kept her expression neutral. She wasn't about to show him her annoyance.
Caspian kept his gaze locked on her, not noticing, or perhaps not caring, how uncomfortable it made her. Slowly, she tried to pull her hand away from his, attempting to free herself, but Caspian's grip tightened, his fingers firm around hers.
"I'm not finished yet," he said, his tone not quite demanding but with a hint of finality.
Before Liora could protest, Caspian turned to the door. It clicked open with the swish of technology, revealing a biometric scanner next to it. Caspian stepped forward, his eyes briefly scanning the device. With a soft beep, the door clicked and swung open, confirming his identity.
Liora, unsure of what was going on, followed him into the room.
The room was bathed in soft, bright light, and instantly, she was overwhelmed by its charm. The decor was unlike anything she had ever seen, like something straight out of a dream. The pastel shades of pink, purple, and turquoise on the walls blended together to create an atmosphere that felt both whimsical and enchanting, a stark contrast to the cold sterility of the mansion's halls.
Glittering fairy lights were strung across the ceiling, casting a soft, twinkling glow that resembled stars scattered across the night sky.
Liora couldn't help but pause and take it all in. It felt like she was no longer in the mansion, but transported somewhere far more magical—a secret sanctuary. She looked around, her mouth slightly agape, unsure of what to make of the space.
It was as though she had stumbled into a place that belonged to someone much younger than her—a little girl's dream come to life.
"Do you like it?" Caspian asked, his voice carrying a hint of pride as he looked at her reaction.
Liora blinked, still in awe. "It's... beautiful," she admitted, a small smile creeping onto her face despite herself.
Caspian grinned. "I thought you might. It's my little hideaway."
Liora was still trying to process everything—how she had gone from feeling awkward and out of place to standing in this room, surrounded by whimsy and colour, with the tall boy, of all people, showing her his secret world.
Liora's eyes widened as she scanned the room, her fascination growing with each new discovery. The vibrant mural of the magical forest, with its talking animals and playful fairies, seemed to come alive before her.
Her gaze shifted to the overflowing bookshelf, stacked high with adventure-filled tales and fairy stories.
The floor, covered by a plush, rainbow-coloured rug, seemed to invite her to kick off her shoes and run barefoot, while the large, fluffy floor cushions offered a cosy space to curl up with a book or just daydream, where the line between reality and fantasy blurred.
As Liora's attention was drawn to every whimsical detail, Caspian, who had been silently watching her, finally released his grip on her hand and let her explore more.
He observed her with a sense of satisfaction, like a creator watching someone experience their masterpiece. Liora was like a child discovering a treasure chest, and he couldn't help but smile at her childlike wonder.
"Whose room is this?" Liora asked, her voice tinged with awe as she turned to face him.
Caspian, still basking in her reaction, slowly approached her.
"Let me share a secret," he said, his tone light and conspiratorial. He leaned in just enough to keep the air of mystery intact.
"This room," he gestured broadly with his hand, "I designed for someone special."
Liora blinked, confused. "Someone special?" she echoed, her head tilting slightly as she tried to figure out who he was referring to. It was an odd way of speaking for a boy her age.
"Yeah," Caspian said, a playful glint in his eyes. "Someone who matters a lot to me."
Liora's gaze flickered to the bed, where several dolls were carefully arranged. Caspian's eyes followed hers, and he smiled, enjoying the moment as she noticed.
Without hesitation, Liora rushed over to the dolls, intrigued by their intricate details. She picked one up carefully, examining its delicate features. "They're so pretty!" she exclaimed, admiring the craftsmanship.
Caspian, watching her, gave a knowing smirk, which Liora didn't seem to notice. "I know," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of satisfaction. "They're my favorites."
Liora turned to him with a curious expression. "Do you play with them?" she asked, genuinely interested.
Caspian hesitated for a moment before replying, a slight shrug accompanying his words. "I haven't, at least not yet. I liked them, so I kept them." His voice was casual, but there was a subtle layer of sentiment behind it.
Liora looked back at the dolls, noticing how they were all arranged so thoughtfully. There was something special about them, a sense that they held some kind of meaning, even if she couldn't quite place what it was.
This entire room, with its magical decor and thoughtful touches, seemed to hold a hidden story—one that Caspian wasn't yet ready to share in full.
"Are they for someone you know?" she asked quietly, turning back to face him, her curiosity piqued.
Caspian, sensing her intrigue, allowed the moment to linger before answering. "Maybe," he said with a small, mysterious smile, his eyes meeting hers.
Liora frowned slightly, still not entirely sure what to make of him, but the room, with its enchanting atmosphere, had managed to pull her in. She was no longer just a visitor in Caspian's world; she was part of it, even if only for a moment.
"What is your name?" Caspian asked.
Liora immediately offered her hand, realising they had not introduced themselves yet and smiled.
"My name is Liora Valentine. And yours?"
"Liora?" Caspian's eyes widened in surprise, followed by a burst of laughter that pushed him to fall on the bed.
Liora's hand hovered awkwardly in the air for a moment, her smile faltering as Caspian's laughter echoed in the room. She hadn't expected his reaction, and the sudden burst of amusement left her feeling flustered and uncertain.
She slowly withdrew her hand, her gaze dropping to the floor as she wondered if there was something wrong with her name. Was it too unusual? Too old-fashioned?
"Does my name sound funny to you?" Her voice was softer than before.
Caspian, still chuckling, immediately saw the discomfort on her face. He stopped laughing and shook his head, his golden locks bouncing as he did. He straightened up, gave a gentle smile as he tried to reassure her.
"No, no, don't mind me," he said, waving his hand in the air dismissively. "It's just that I found your name perfect."
Liora blinked, not believing him. "Perfect?" she echoed, still unsure of what he meant. The thought of changing her name even crossed her mind briefly.
"Yeah," Caspian replied, his tone now sincere, though a mischievous glint remained in his eyes. "You see, the name Liora—it's like light, isn't it? It's... bright like the sun breaking through clouds. It's rare, but it fits you. So you can drop the plan of changing your name."
Liora felt a warmth in her chest as she heard his words. She wasn't sure how to respond, still a bit embarrassed, but the thought of her name being associated with something as beautiful as light made her feel special in a way she hadn't expected.
"Thank you," she said quietly, her initial discomfort fading away. She shifted her focus back to the dolls, eager to steer the conversation back to safer ground.
"Do the dolls have names?" Liora asked, trying to regain some normalcy. "And why did you buy…," Liora began counting the dolls, "1, 2, 3... 7 similar dolls?"
Caspian nodded. "Yeah, but I am not telling you the name." His voice softened as he spoke, revealing a hint of vulnerability that Liora hadn't noticed before. "Each doll represents a different stage of her life, and as the years pass, I try to imagine how she would've been at that age."
"But why haven't you played with them? You seem to care a lot about them."
Caspian hesitated for a moment before replying to curious Liora. "I guess... I don't know." His voice trailing off.
"Anyway," he said, standing up from the bed and moving toward the window, "What do you think of this room?"
Liora raised an eyebrow, unsure. "I already said it's beautiful."
Caspian turned to face her with that same mysterious grin. "You're stuck with me now, Liora. I'm going to keep you entertained."
Liora's lips quirked up in amusement, despite herself. "I think I can manage," she said with a playful challenge in her voice.
"Let me guess your birthday. It might be on 1st September, right?" His eyes watched her closely, waiting for her reaction.
Liora blinked, surprised by the sudden question. She hadn't mentioned her birthday to him, and yet Caspian seemed so confident.
"How..."? Before Liora could respond to Caspian's statements, he interrupted her once more,
"Would you like to come here again?"
Liora's mind spun with Caspian's rapid-fire questions and the sudden shift in conversation.
"Do you want me to come next time?"
Caspian smiled cunningly. "Can you?" He teased her, playfully pushing her curiosity.
Liora took a step forward. "Can I?"
"Of course, think of this room as yours," Caspian encouraged.
She tried to process his offer, the idea of being welcome in such a whimsical room, but doubts lingered. Was he serious? Did he really mean she could treat this space as her own?
"Really? Can I think like that?" she asked, still unsure if she should accept his words at face value. She glanced around the room once more, taking in the dreamy colors and the carefully arranged dolls, wondering if Caspian truly meant what he said before.
"Of course," Caspian said, a confident grin spreading across his face as he leaned against the bedframe. "As long as you don't mess with my dolls too much, you're welcome here anytime."
Liora let out a small, uncertain laugh. "I'll be careful, I promise. You won't take back your words, right?" She seemed hesitant.
Caspian paused for a moment, then patted the bed where he was sitting. "Sit here," he invited her to sit beside him with a playful glint in his eyes.
For all his charm and wit, Caspian was still a mystery to her, and it was hard to tell whether he was simply being kind or pranking her.
Liora took a few steps forward and paused, her eyes looking for some kind of assurance from Caspian. "Pinky promise?" She extended her little pinky finger towards him to seal their agreement.
The thought of revisiting the room filled her with excitement; she had already grown fond of its cosy atmosphere and imagined many happy moments she could spend there. Maybe she should take her mother with her sometime. She would definitely like it, Liora thought.
Caspian intertwined his little finger with Liora's, sealing their agreement. "This room is yours, Liora." He said with all seriousness.
On one side, Liora and Caspian sealed a promise, while on the other, in the Chairman's office room, another deal was unfolding.