"He's really better," she turned to look at me, voice choked. "Thank you, Ezio. Thank you for staying up all night."
"I told you I'd protect you both," I winked at Olivia, feigning lightness.
She looked at me, eyes full of complex emotions. Then she suddenly walked over and hugged me.
This embrace was full of gratitude, trust, and something indefinable. I wrapped my arms around her, feeling her warmth and trembling.
"Ezio," she said softly against my chest. "Thank you."
Outside, morning light was driving away the darkness.
I held Olivia tightly, my chest filled with a gentle emotion. I lowered my head and kissed the top of her head softly.
Leo recovered completely the next day. Even better news—Olivia had started to depend on me. When she had any problem, she'd come to me first. When she worried, I was by her side. When she needed help, I was always ready.
And the relationship between us was quietly changing too.
Breakfast was no longer silent confrontation but exchanging everyday conversation. Walking in the garden, we'd stroll side by side, occasionally our arms brushing lightly. After dinner, she'd proactively bring coffee to my study, then sit in the chair across from me for a while, talking about Leo, about the weather, about trivial things.
These were small changes, but cumulatively, they were significant.
Thinking of this, the corners of my mouth involuntarily curved up.
Alright, Ezio, don't get cocky. Carlo's still waiting for your response.
I forced myself to focus on the documents before me, but soon I heard quick footsteps in the corridor. Then a knock.
"Come in," I said.
The door opened, and Juliet poked her head in, her small face full of anxiety.
"Dad! Come quick!" her voice trembled slightly.
I immediately stood, alertly asking, "What's wrong?"
"It's Leo," Juliet said, eyes not quite meeting mine. "He fell in the playroom and keeps crying, says his hand hurts. Vivi told me to get you."
My heart tightened. I immediately walked around the desk. "Is it serious? Which hand?"
"Um..." Juliet paused. "Left hand? No, right hand..."
"Juliet," I crouched down, looking into her eyes. "What's really going on?"
"Just... just fell," her voice got smaller and smaller, fingers twisting her skirt hem. "From a chair."
I looked at her obviously guilty expression, suspicion rising, but Leo's safety was more important. "Take me there."
"O-okay," Juliet immediately turned, her steps hurried.
I followed her quickly out of the study, along the corridor toward the playroom. Juliet walked ahead, occasionally stealing glances back at me, quickly looking away each time our eyes met.
We reached the playroom door. Juliet's hand was on the doorknob when she suddenly turned back and grinned at me.
"Surprise!"
As she spoke, she cheerfully pushed open the door.
But the scene inside stopped me cold.
