AURORA:
Morning light spilled through the tall windows of the villa, washing the marble floors in warm gold.
Aurora stood in the kitchen, tying her blonde hair into a loose braid as she prepared breakfast. The smell of toast and fresh coffee filled the room.
Across the island, Isabella sat on a tall stool swinging her legs while drawing in a small notebook.
Aurora glanced over her shoulder.
"What are we creating today?"
Isabella lifted the paper proudly.
"A dragon."
Aurora leaned closer.
The drawing showed a very small princess standing in front of a huge dragon.
The princess had long blonde hair.
Aurora smiled softly.
"And who is the dragon?"
Isabella shrugged.
"Maybe Papa."
Aurora laughed quietly.
"I don't think your father would like that comparison."
Isabella giggled.
"He's scary sometimes."
Aurora couldn't argue with that.
Even after a few days in the house, Luca's presence still filled every room like a storm waiting to happen.
At that moment, the deep sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway.
Aurora felt it before she even saw him.
Luca Romano entered the kitchen, already dressed for the day in a dark suit that fit him perfectly.
His presence instantly changed the atmosphere.
Isabella jumped off the stool.
"Papa!"
He caught her easily as she wrapped her arms around his waist.
Aurora tried not to stare as he lifted the little girl, pressing a brief kiss to her hair.
"Good morning," he said.
His voice was calmer in the morning.
Less dangerous.
Aurora placed a plate of toast on the table.
"Breakfast is ready."
He glanced at her.
Just for a moment.
But that look made her stomach twist strangely.
"Thank you," he said.
They sat together.
It felt strange.
Almost normal.
Isabella talked nonstop about dragons and princesses while Luca listened quietly, occasionally responding with short comments.
Aurora noticed something surprising.
When Isabella spoke, Luca's expression softened.
Not much.
But enough.
For a man rumored to be ruthless, he was incredibly gentle with his daughter.
The thought made Aurora uneasy.
Because it meant the rumors about him weren't the whole story.
And that made him harder to understand.
LUCA:
Luca rarely allowed himself moments like this.
Breakfast with Isabella.
Silence.
Peace.
But today he watched from across the table as Aurora laughed softly at something Isabella said.
The sound was light.
Warm.
And completely out of place in his world.
Aurora Reyes had been in his house less than a week, yet the atmosphere had already shifted.
Isabella smiled more.
She laughed more.
And somehow the cold emptiness of the villa had begun to disappear.
Luca didn't like the feeling.
Because peace meant vulnerability.
And vulnerability got people killed.
His phone vibrated in his pocket.
Matteo.
Luca stood slowly.
"I have work."
Isabella pouted slightly.
"Will you come home early?"
He hesitated.
Then nodded.
"I'll try."
Aurora watched him leave.
Her eyes were thoughtful.
And Luca hated the strange awareness he felt under her gaze.
AURORA:
Later that afternoon, Aurora decided Isabella needed fresh air.
The villa grounds were enormous.
Tall cypress trees lined the long stone paths, and the garden stretched almost endlessly toward the distant cliffs overlooking the sea.
Isabella ran ahead happily.
"Catch me!"
Aurora laughed, jogging behind her.
"Careful! Don't fall!"
The little girl stopped near a large fountain, her dark hair blowing gently in the wind.
Aurora caught up and knelt beside her.
"You like it here?" she asked.
Isabella nodded.
"But it was lonely before."
Aurora's heart tightened.
"Before?"
"Before you came."
Aurora swallowed.
She brushed Isabella's hair gently behind her ear.
"Well," she said softly, "you're not alone anymore."
Isabella smiled.
But as Aurora stood again, a strange feeling crept over her.
Like someone was watching.
She turned slowly.
The garden was empty.
Just trees.
Wind.
Silence.
Still, the uneasy feeling stayed.
LUCA:
Luca's office overlooked the skyline of Milan.
Glass walls.
Steel.
Power.
Matteo stood across from him holding a folder.
"There's been movement," Matteo said.
"Ricci again?"
Matteo nodded.
"His men were seen near your villa."
Luca's expression darkened instantly.
Near the villa.
Near Isabella.
Near Aurora.
"When?" Luca asked quietly.
"This morning."
Cold anger spread through his chest.
Ricci had crossed a line.
Matteo watched him carefully.
"You want me to handle it?"
Luca thought of Isabella playing in the garden.
Of Aurora walking beside her.
Something dangerous flickered in his eyes.
"No."
Matteo raised a brow.
"I'll handle it personally."
AURORA:
Evening came quickly.
Aurora helped Isabella finish her dinner while the sky outside turned deep blue.
The little girl was unusually quiet.
"Tired?" Aurora asked.
Isabella nodded.
Aurora carried her upstairs, tucking her into bed.
"Story?" Isabella whispered.
Aurora smiled.
"Of course."
She read softly until Isabella's breathing slowed.
When she finished, Aurora carefully stood and turned toward the door.
And froze.
Luca stood in the hallway.
Watching.
She hadn't heard him arrive.
"How long have you been there?" she asked quietly.
"Long enough."
His voice was low.
Aurora suddenly felt self-conscious.
"You're good with her," he said.
She shrugged slightly.
"I just treat her like a child who needs love."
His eyes darkened.
"Love is complicated in my world."
Aurora studied him.
"For you maybe," she said softly.
"For her, it shouldn't be."
For a moment neither of them moved.
The tension in the hallway was almost physical.
Finally, Luca stepped aside.
"Goodnight, Aurora."
Her name sounded different coming from him.
Deeper.
More dangerous.
She walked past him slowly.
But even after she reached her room—
She could still feel his eyes on her.
LUCA:
Later that night, Luca stood alone in his office inside the villa.
Matteo's warning echoed in his mind.
Ricci is near the villa.
That wasn't a coincidence.
That was a message.
Luca poured himself a drink, staring at the dark window.
His empire had enemies everywhere.
But the villa was supposed to be safe.
A place where Isabella could live without fear.
Now Aurora lived there too.
And suddenly the risk felt much greater.
Because Luca realized something dangerous.
He no longer just cared about protecting Isabella.
He cared about protecting Aurora too.
And that—
That was a feeling he couldn't afford.