Alexander
The Cadillac glided through the wrought-iron gates, following the serpentine private drive toward the manor. Perfectly manicured lawns and towering ancient oaks flanked the road, casting dappled shadows in the moonlight. In the distance, my estate emerged from the darkness—a sprawling twenty-acre Italian Renaissance masterpiece that was truly home.
"Wow," Sofia pressed her face against the window, eyes sparkling with wonder. "Alex, is this really your house? It looks like a castle from a fairy tale!"
"Yes, sweetheart," I stroked her silky hair. "And starting tonight, this is home for you and Mommy too."
Anna sat rigidly beside me, and I could sense her absorbing the sheer scale and opulence of the manor. A perfectly normal reaction—most people felt overwhelmed on their first visit.
The car pulled up to the circular drive before the main entrance, where my estate butler Mark Anderson awaited on the limestone steps. A distinguished Englishman in his fifties who'd served the Volkov family for fifteen years—loyal and utterly reliable.
"Welcome home, sir," Mark bowed with practiced elegance, thenturned his attention to Anna and Sofia. "This must be Miss Anna and Miss Sofia."
"Mark, this is Anna Parker and her daughter Sofia," I said formally. "From this moment forward, they are family. Their safety and comfort take absolute priority."
"Of course, sir. I've prepared everything according to your instructions," Mark replied, understanding flickering in his experienced eyes. "All arrangements are complete."
I took Sofia's small hand while placing my other hand protectively on Anna's lower back. "Come. Let me show you your new home."
Stepping into the grand foyer, Anna drew a sharp breath. Gleaming marble floors reflected the brilliant crystal chandelier above, while an elegant spiral staircase swept gracefully toward the upper floors. Priceless oil paintings graced the walls, and the entire space radiated both luxury and warmth—a perfect reflection of Volkov family refinement and power.
"It's enormous!" Sofia exclaimed, her voice echoing beneath the soaring ceiling.
I smiled and ruffled her auburn curls.
"The manor boasts thirty-six rooms," Mark explained with quiet pride. "Twelve bedrooms, eight full bathrooms, dual libraries, a private cinema, plus an indoor pool and state-of-the-art fitness center."
I caught the storm of emotions crossing Anna's features—amazement, uncertainty, perhaps even discomfort. I understood completely. This world was as foreign to her as another planet.
"I want to formally introduce our new family members," I announced to the assembled household staff. "This is Anna Parker and her daughter Sofia. Effective immediately, they are Volkovs. Their word carries my authority, their comfort is your mission. Anyone uncomfortable with this arrangement may leave now."
Every head nodded in solemn understanding. In my sphere, loyalty wasn't merely admirable—it was essential for survival.
"Miss Sofia," Mark crouched to her eye level withgrandfatherly warmth. "Might you be hungry? Cook has prepared fresh milk and her famous chocolate chip cookies."
"Thank you!" Sofia replied with impressive politeness, then turned to me with bright eyes. "Alex, may I explore?"
"Absolutely, but stay close so you don't get lost," I chuckled. "This place is far larger than it appears."
I guided them through the manor's most impressive spaces. Anna showed particular fascination with the library, her fingers reverently tracing leather-bound spines, genuine awe lighting her features.
"How old are these volumes?" she whispered.
"Some date to the eighteenth century," I replied, watching her careful reverence. "My father was a passionate collector. He believed knowledge represented the truest wealth."
Reaching the second floor, Sofia stopped abruptly before a closed door.
"What's in there?" she asked with irrepressible curiosity.
I opened the door to reveal a children's wonderland—a sprawling playroom designed specifically for a little girl. Premium toys filled every corner: handcrafted German dollhouses, cutting-edge gaming systems, a cozy reading nook, and a complete art studio. Everything a child could dream of.
"Oh my goodness!" Sofia's eyes went wide as saucers. "Is this really for me?"
"Every single toy," I confirmed gently. "It's all yours, princess."
Anna stared in stunned silence before turning to me with questioning eyes. "Alexander... when did you arrange all this?"
I remained diplomatically silent, but Mark's knowing smile gave me away. "Mr. Volkov commissioned everything the very night he learned of Sofia's existence. Rush orders, custom pieces—nothing was too much trouble."
