29

29
Alaric’s POV
After Emilia had come to my study last night with her drenched phone in hand, I’d known I’d have to get her a replacement. She hadn’t asked for it directly, and part of me respected that; she wasn’t one to demand things. But that phone was her connection to the world outside these walls, and in a way, I knew she relied on it. I’d told myself it was just a practical decision, a way to keep her occupied and, hopefully, content.
So, this morning, I’d arranged for a new one to be delivered. I picked a model similar to the one she had, simple enough but even more upgraded, and left it with Allesio to hand over to her.
That was over three hours ago. And I know that Allesio had given her the phone by now. I ran my hands through my hair, focusing on my schedule for this month. It was already tight as fuck. And I didn’t know how I was going to get through with it.
A soft knock on my door pulled me from my thoughts, and I already knew who it would be.
“Come in,” I called, sitting back in my chair.
The door opened, and Emilia stepped inside, the new phone in her hand, her fingers carefully wrapped around it as though she were afraid it might slip from her grasp again. Her gaze lifted to meet mine, and she offered a small, tentative smile.
“Thank you for this, Alaric,” she said softly, gesturing with the phone. “I… I wasn’t expecting it so soon.”
I shrugged, keeping my expression neutral. “It was just a phone. You needed a new one.”
She took a step closer, her smile widening a little. “It means a lot, though. I was afraid I’d be cut off completely without it.”
I nodded. “I understand the need to stay connected. Besides, it’s also practical for me. If you need anything while you’re here, I’d prefer you have a way to reach me-or anyone in the house, for that matter.”
She nodded, her expression thoughtful. “I appreciate it. Really.” She paused, as if searching for words. “I know you didn’t have to go out of your way.”
“It’s hardly going out of my way,” I said. “It’s just efficient.”
She bit her lip, her eyes drifting to the phone in her hand. “I know it sounds silly, but I had a lot of things saved on my old one. Photos, notes… pieces of my life before all this. I’ll miss that.”
I studied her, trying to keep my face unreadable. “You’re welcome to back it up whenever you’re able to. Allesio can assist with that, if needed.”
Her eyes softened a bit, And she nodded. “Thank you,” she said, her voice quieter this time. There was a hesitation in her gaze, a kind of uncertainty, as though she wanted to say more but held herself back.
I didn’t like that she hesitated. I preferred when people got to the point, and I found myself annoyed that she felt the need to tiptoe around me. “If you have something to say, just say it,” I told her, the words sharper than I intended.
Her cheeks flushed, but she lifted her chin, meeting my gaze with a new steadiness. “It’s just… I know things have been different between us. You’ve been distant, which is fine. I understand why. But I just wanted to say thank you. For the phone, and for everything else you’ve done.”
The honesty in her voice caught me off guard, and I was silent for a moment. She’d always been straightforward, and that had been one of the things I respected about her. But hearing her acknowledge the distance I’d put between us made something in my chest tighten.
I nodded, clearing my throat. “You’re here for a reason, Emilia. I’m just doing what’s necessary.”
A small, knowing smile touched her lips. “I understand. And I’m grateful.”
We both stared at each other, the silence in the room deafening. Part of me wanted to end the conversation, to dismiss her and return to my work, but there was something about the way she looked at me-something that pulled at the edges of my resolve.
“Is that all?” I asked, keeping my tone even, though I was already expecting her answer.
She hesitated, glancing down at the phone in her hand before looking back up at me. “Actually… there is something else.”
I raised an eyebrow, waiting.
“Would you mind if I took some photos of Francesca? Just little moments, you know… She’s growing up so fast, and I think it would be nice to capture that.”
I hadn’t expected that, and for a moment, I was taken aback. “Photos?” I repeated, my mind racing.
She nodded, her smile softening. “Yes, just for memories. I could share them with you if you’d like. It’s just… I feel like she should have some record of her childhood, even if it’s small.”
A memory flickered in my mind, of the few photos I had of Francesca as a baby. I’d never been the sentimental type, but there was a strange comfort in knowing that some things, at least, could be remembered.
I cleared my throat. “You can take photos, but I want to approve them first. No sharing with anyone else.”
She nodded, her smile warm. “Of course. Thank you, Alaric. That means a lot.”
A silence settled between us, comfortable and oddly familiar. She shifted on her feet, glancing down as if gathering her thoughts.
“Anything else?” I asked, more gently this time.
She shook her head, holding up the phone with a small laugh. “No, I think I’ve already asked for enough today. Thank you again, truly. For everything.”
She turned to leave, but something in me made me speak up one last time. “Emilia.”
She looked back, surprised, and I found myself meeting her gaze, my voice softer than I’d intended. “You’re welcome.”
A small smile played on her lips as she nodded, and with that, she slipped out of the room, leaving me standing there, caught somewhere between relief and something else entirely.