Amara walked into her room, her footsteps almost inaudible against the plush carpet. She closed the door behind her and leaned against it, exhaling a deep sigh. The day’s events had left her feeling drained, yet her mind remained restless, a whirlpool of thoughts and emotions.
Rowan stood in the lit corridor of the Venetian hotel, leaning casually against the ornate wrought-iron railing.
His mind was a whirlpool of conflicting thoughts and emotions as he watched Amara’s retreating form disappear down the hallway. He turned around and walked downstairs.
Vaughn walked with determined little steps down the grand hallway of the Venetian hotel.
Lucas followed behind him, trying to keep up with him.
Vaughn’s little face, usually full of youthful curiosity, was now a mask of coldness, just like certain someone.
“Stop following me, Lucas,” Vaughn commanded, turning to face the older man.
Lucas shook his head. “I can’t let you wander around alone, little master. This is Venice, not our Las Vegas.”
Vaughn’s small face twisted into a frown. “I am not a little kid anymore who will get lost.”
Lucas couldn’t help but think to himself, ‘Is a four-year-old child not a kid anymore?’ He shook his head at the thought, knowing that Vaughn’s stubbornness often exceeded his years. As Vaughn began walking away again, Lucas followed, keeping a watchful eye on him.
“Your mom will kill me if you go missing,” Lucas said, trying to inject a bit of humor into the situation, though his voice carried a hint of genuine concern.
Vaughn stopped and turned back, his expression softening just a little. “Mommy is a gentle person; she won’t kill you. And I can take care of myself.”
Lucas sighed, knowing that arguing with Vaughn was futile. Vaughn was remarkably independent for his age, a trait that both impressed and worried Lucas. Vaughn’s mother, Amara, had instilled a sense of resilience and self-sufficiency in him, but he was still just a child.
As they continued down the corridor, Vaughn’s determination led them to the grand staircase that overlooked the hotel’s magnificent lobby. The intricate chandeliers cast a warm glow, reflecting off the marble floors and creating a mesmerizing pattern of light. Vaughn paused at the top of the stairs, taking in the grandeur of the scene below.
“Where are we going, Vaughn?” Lucas asked, trying to keep his voice calm and patient.
Vaughn glanced back at him, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “I want to explore. We won’t be here forever, and I want to see everything.”
Lucas nodded, understanding the boy’s curiosity. “Alright, but let’s stick together, okay? We can explore, but I need to be with you.”
Vaughn reluctantly agreed, and they began their descent down the grand staircase. As they reached the lobby, the hotel’s opulence surrounded them. The walls were adorned with intricate frescoes, and the air was filled with the soft strains of classical music.
The bustling activity of the lobby captivated Vaughn’s attention. He watched as guests checked in, bellhops hurried about with luggage, and elegantly dressed individuals conversed in various languages. The diversity and vibrancy of the scene fascinated him.
“Lucas, look at that,” Vaughn said, pointing to a large, ornate fountain in the center of the lobby. The fountain’s cascading water sparkled under the chandelier’s light, creating a soothing and mesmerizing effect.
“It’s beautiful,” Lucas agreed, glad to see Vaughn’s mood lighten.
They walked toward the fountain, and Vaughn leaned over the edge, peering into the clear water. Coins glittered at the bottom, thrown by guests making wishes. Vaughn’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.
“Can I make a wish, Lucas?” he asked, looking up at his guardian.
“Of course,” Lucas replied, handing Vaughn a coin. “But remember, it’s just for fun. Wishes don’t always come true.”
Vaughn took the coin, his small fingers gripping it tightly as he closed his eyes.
In the stillness of the moment, he whispered his deepest longing, a silent prayer that only the water and the stars above would ever hear.
“I wish for a father who will love me and my mommy,” he murmured softly, the words filled with an innocent hope. He yearned for the warmth of a father’s embrace, the sound of laughter shared over a family dinner, and the feeling of being part of something whole and unbreakable.
Vaughn opened his eyes and tossed the coin into the fountain.
The coin made a soft plunk as it hit the water and settled among the others at the bottom.
“What did you wish for?” Lucas asked, curious about the boy’s thoughts.
Vaughn opened his eyes and smiled mischievously. “If I tell you, it won’t come true.”
Lucas chuckled, ruffling Vaughn’s hair affectionately. “Fair enough.”
As they moved away from the fountain, Vaughn’s heart felt a little lighter. He knew that wishes were just dreams whispered into the universe, but in that moment, he allowed himself to believe in the magic of possibilities.
Lucas’s phone rang, breaking the peaceful silence. Glancing at the caller ID, Lucas picked up the call, engrossed in the conversation. Vaughn, feeling a surge of independence, wandered off toward the back garden.
The path to the garden was lined with blooming flowers and neatly trimmed hedges. Vaughn walked slowly, his eyes wide with curiosity, taking in the vibrant colors and the sweet scent of the blossoms. He was so absorbed in his surroundings that he didn’t notice the tall man walking toward him.
Without warning, Vaughn collided with the man. He stumbled back a step and looked up, his eyes meeting the stranger’s. The man wore a crisp white shirt and black pants, his appearance impeccable. Vaughn thought the man looked incredibly handsome, almost like a character from one of his storybooks. There was something familiar about him, but Vaughn couldn’t quite place it.
The man looked down at Vaughn with a gentle smile, his eyes softening as he took in the sight of the small, cute boy. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice warm and soothing.
Vaughn nodded, his curiosity piqued. “Yes, I’m fine. Sorry for bumping into you.”
The man chuckled, kneeling down to Vaughn’s level. “No harm done. My name is Rowan. What’s yours?”
Vaughn hesitated for a moment, then replied, “I’m Vaughn.”
“Nice to meet you, Vaughn,” Rowan said, extending his hand. Vaughn shook it, feeling a strange sense of comfort in the man’s presence.
Rowan studied Vaughn’s face for a moment, a flicker of recognition passing through his eyes. “You seem familiar,” he said thoughtfully. “Are you here with your family?”
Vaughn nodded. “Yes, my mommy is here, and Lucas too. We’re here for my uncle’s wedding.”
“Ah, that explains it,” Rowan said, smiling again. “Weddings are such a joyful occasion.”
Vaughn’s eyes lit up. “Do you like weddings?”
“Yes, I do,” Rowan replied.
Without hesitation, Vaughn asked, “Will you marry my mommy?”