ELI
I don't think I've ever dreaded a day as much as I dreaded Sonya leaving. It crept up on me like a bitter chill, a weight I tried to shake off by keeping myself busy laughing a little louder, holding her hand tighter, staying outside with her for just a few minutes longer. We'd been glued together the past week, whether it was painting in the sunroom, feeding the koi in the garden ponds, sneaking extra desserts from the kitchen when the maids weren't looking, or staying up whispering until I finally dozed off with her little arms wrapped around me.
But even laughter has an expiration date.
The day before she was supposed to leave, my smile began to wear thin. I didn't say it out loud, but Damir noticed. He always did. He watched me with that unreadable gaze of his as I wandered the hallway in one of his oversized sweatshirts, the sleeves dragging past my fingers, my shorts barely visible underneath. I didn't even bother putting on gloss or brushing my hair properly. Everything felt heavy, like my chest had been hollowed out and stuffed with sorrow.
I found myself curled up on the couch in his study, legs tucked under me like I could just disappear into the cushions. Damir walked in quietly. He didn't say anything at first, just sat beside me, pulled me into his arms and let me bury my face into his shoulder. The moment his fingers brushed down my spine, I lost it. Silent sobs shook my frame as I clung to him.
"She's going," I whispered, voice tight. "She's really going."
He held me tighter.
"She'll be back," he murmured, his lips brushing the top of my head. "But you're allowed to miss her, kotenok. It means you love her."
I did. I really, really did.
And then… the day came.
The estate was unusually quiet. The usual chatter of the staff had softened, and even the sunlight seemed gentler, like the world was trying to give us one last soft memory. Sonya's suitcase was by the door, her plush unicorn backpack slung over her tiny shoulder.
Regio had arrived, dressed immaculately in his navy coat with sharp lapels and leather gloves that looked like they cost more than my entire wardrobe. His presence filled the room like smoke, thick, heavy, and hard to ignore. He exchanged a stiff nod with Damir. There was always a quiet tension between the two of them, a tight string that never quite snapped.
Sonya, on the other hand, was not having it.
"I don't wanna go yet!" she announced firmly, hugging my waist with all her strength. I looked down at her and smiled weakly, brushing her dark brown hair out of her eyes.
"You'll come back soon," I told her.
"No!" she argued, stomping her foot in defiance. "Not unless Papa stays too. Two days! Just two more days and then we'll go! Right, Papa? Please?" She spun to look at her father.
Regio arched a brow at her, then at me.
And to everyone's surprise…including mine, I actually stepped forward.
"Please, Regio," I said, voice quiet but steady. "It would mean a lot."
Damir choked on a laugh from behind me. I could practically feel him clutching his stomach in amusement. My cheeks burned instantly, but I didn't turn to look. I just kept my eyes on Regio, even though something about the way he stared at me made my stomach twist.
His gaze dragged slowly across my face, then down, lingering too long on the way my shirt stretched slightly over my chest, and how my shorts hugged my hips.
Uncomfortable. That was the only word I had for it.
And then Damir's voice cut through the air, calm but razor-sharp.
"Regio, stop looking at my baby like that. He's obviously uncomfortable."
The tension cracked like a whip.
Regio looked away, clearing his throat, and for once, didn't fire back with a sarcastic remark.
"Fine," he said simply. "Two days."
Sonya squealed in delight, throwing her arms around her dad's leg before running straight back into my arms. I knelt and hugged her tight, my heart pounding in a strange mix of happiness and unease.
We had dinner together again that night.The maids moved in and out silently, serving wine and wiping the corners of the table.
Damir's hand kept brushing my thigh under the table.
His eyes were too soft.
And mine were too tired.
Regio remained quiet most of the evening, watching Damir and I with that same unreadable expression. But he didn't say much, and for once, neither did I.
After dessert, Sonya fell asleep on the couch in the parlor, her unicorn plush hugged tight to her chest.
I followed Damir upstairs after making sure she was tucked in. We didn't talk much. We just got into bed, and he wrapped himself around me like he was trying to protect me from the world.