(Damien's POV)
The mansion was alive long before I opened my eyes. Even in the dim light of early morning, I could hear the faint shuffle of feet across the polished floors, the soft clink of porcelain in the kitchen, the low hum of a maid polishing silver. It was all so orderly, precise, and yet it carried a rhythm I had learned to rely on over the years. Now, it included her. Aria Cole.
I sat up in bed, the covers falling around my legs, and let my gaze drift toward the open doorway. She stood near the bottom of the stairs, hands clenched slightly, observing the activity around her. Servants moved gracefully but cautiously around her, aware of the fragile dynamic she was stepping into. Good. She needed to understand the weight of this house, of my rules, and most importantly, of Lily.
I stepped down, my footsteps echoing slightly in the marble hall. Aria froze immediately, her wide eyes flicking to me, lips parting, then closing again as she tried to keep her posture straight. I let the silence stretch for a moment. It was intentional. I wanted her to feel it this house, this responsibility, wasn't a playground.
"Aria," I said, my voice cutting through the quiet.
"Yes sir?" she whispered, barely audible but steady enough to show she was listening.
"Listen carefully. Starting today, you will take Lily to school. She will wake with you, and you will make sure she is ready. Dressed properly, fed properly, and out the door on time. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir," she replied, a flicker of determination masking the tension in her voice.
I paced slowly, hands clasped behind my back, letting my gaze scan the room, the servants, the chandeliers, the polished floors. "You will also ensure the house remains in order. Dishes, cleaning, laundry, all of it. Every corner of this house reflects who is responsible for it. Mistakes will not be tolerated."
Her nod was subtle, but firm. That was acceptable. She was learning.
At that moment, a small, lively voice piped up from the stairs. "Daddy! Mum is taking me to school?"
I glanced down to see Lily, hair curling in golden spirals around her face, eyes shining with excitement. She ran forward, hands outstretched, and I could see the unfiltered joy she carried pure and unrestrained. My heart clenched slightly.
"Yes, Bunny," I said, crouching slightly to meet her gaze. "Mummy will take care of you today."
Her face lit up instantly, and she leapt forward to hug Aria before the woman could even react. "Mum! You're my mum now!"
Aria froze, her hands halfway up in surprise, eyes wide. I stayed silent, watching, letting the moment sink in. My little girl had wanted a mother for years, and now she had chosen one. Without knowing it, she had spoken the truth.
"she'll take good care of you," I said finally, keeping my voice calm. I didn't explain to Aria that this was one of the main reasons I married her. Not yet. She didn't need to know the full weight of it. Lily's happiness was mine to guard.
"Yes… I'll take care of you, Lily," Aria whispered, her voice soft but steady.
Lily squealed in delight and ran off to get dressed, tugging Aria gently by the hand. Aria moved after her, careful, patient, and precise. I watched as she dressed my daughter, braided her hair, adjusted her little ribbons, checked the collars, and tied the shoes perfectly. Even when Aria picked up my bag and carried it to the car, her movements were careful, deliberate, showing attention to detail I hadn't expected so soon.
The servants and maids moved around us quietly, cleaning, tidying, and preparing breakfast. None of them interfered with Aria; she had my silent approval, and they respected that. I let my mind drift briefly. I had married Aria for Lily's sake—because my daughter had longed for a mother—but watching her now, seeing her patience, her diligence, her gentle care… I wondered if I had underestimated her.
By the time I slipped into the car, Aria had already settled Lily safely in her seat, fastening her little seatbelt and adjusting her mirror. I took the passenger seat beside my driver, my eyes fixed on the mansion as we pulled away. The city stretched out before me, sprawling and alive, but my mind lingered on them Aria and Lily.
Work was a blur. Meetings, contracts, negotiations, endless numbers and names. Yet my thoughts wandered back to the mansion repeatedly. How was Aria handling the dishes? Did Lily enjoy her breakfast? Was she patient enough? I found myself checking my phone during a meeting, just to glance at a picture I had taken of Lily that morning.
Even amidst my responsibilities, my mind could not leave the image of Aria patiently tying Lily's shoes, smoothing her hair, brushing her curls into place. My daughter had wanted a mother for years, and Aria was giving her one. I had hoped for someone capable, but I hadn't realized I might be witnessing someone extraordinary.
When I returned home, the sun had dipped low, casting long shadows across the halls. The faint smell of dinner being prepared and the lingering aroma of polished wood greeted me. I noticed immediately that the mansion was orderly dishes done, floors cleaned, Lily tucked in bed. My steps quickened. I needed to see her. My daughter. The small living proof that I had chosen the right person for her.
Servants and maids moved quietly, nodding at me respectfully, but they kept their distance. I entered Lily's room, and the sight made me pause. Aria was asleep. My daughter lay beside her, breathing softly, curled against her side. A book rested on Aria's chest, her hand still holding it, as if she had fallen asleep mid-read.
I stood in the doorway, watching them. The quiet of the room, the innocence of Lily, the calm of Aria it was a fragile peace, delicate and unexpected. I had not expected her to handle everything so well. The way she cared for Lily, even in my absence, demonstrated patience, dedication, and perhaps something more heart.
I approached slowly, careful not to disturb the peaceful moment. My hand lifted, hesitating for just a moment before I tapped her shoulder gently.
"Aria," I murmured. "Wake up"