The soft chime of the antique Swiss clock echoed through the grand Carvil estate, where even time itself seemed to have lost its purpose after Aurora's departure.
Edward Carvil sat on his usual grand leather armchair, with a glass of whiskey in hand. He usually sat there when the weight of his past mistakes pressed against his chest, and even the paperwork in his office couldn't help bury it.
However, tonight was different. Someone special requested to see him late at night, not caring about being tired herself.
His sweetheart Seraphina.
Edward had been forced to take his medication and eat as much as he could just to keep up with her energy. He couldn't allow himself to grow weak while spending time with her.
She was the only light left in this broken family he failed to protect.
The little girl sat on the carpet with her tiny legs crossed, giggling as she excitedly narrated the events of her school sports day.
