Hi guys this is Part 2 of this novel
Part 2: A New Presence
The morning light slipped gently through the curtains.
Elara lay comfortably on the bed.
Her head resting softly on the pillow as she watched Damian.
He sat beside her.
Focused.
Cold.
Going through a stack of documents like the usual man he was.
Elara smiled faintly.
Then turned slightly.
"Babe… can I say something?"
Damian didn't reply immediately.
But after a second—
He dropped the documents beside him.
And turned to face her.
His full attention now on her.
"What is it?"
She hesitated a little.
Then spoke.
"My brother… Ethan… is coming to stay with us."
Silence.
Damian stared at her.
Longer than usual.
"Why?"
"You know he just got into college and it's closer from here and—"
"Your mum asked for this, right?"
He cut in.
"She begged you."
Elara slowly reached for his arm.
Holding it gently with both hands.
Then she nodded.
"Can he stay… please?"
Her eyes softened.
That look—
The one Damian could never resist.
He exhaled quietly.
He didn't like this.
He never shared his space.
His world had always been controlled.
Limited.
Safe.
Just him.
Elara.
And Seraphina.
Letting someone else in…
Was unfamiliar.
Uncomfortable.
Before he could respond—
A small voice spoke.
"Please don't say no, daddy…"
Both of them turned.
Little Seraphina stood at the door.
Her big eyes hopeful.
Damian stared at her.
Then sighed softly.
How can I say no to her?
He stretched out his arms.
"Come here."
"Yay!"
Seraphina ran straight into his arms.
Laughing happily.
"Thank you, daddy!"
He kissed her cheeks gently.
"You're welcome, my love."
Elara watched them.
Her heart warm.
"Guess you both didn't forget about my presence, right?"
She teased lightly.
They both turned to her.
Seraphina looked guilty.
"I'm so—"
"No."
Damian cut in immediately.
Sharp.
"Don't apologize when you're not wrong."
Then he glanced at Elara.
"Don't listen to mummy. She's just jealous."
"Damian!"
Elara gasped.
Seraphina burst into laughter.
And just like that—
The decision was made.
The Next Day
The mansion felt slightly different.
Not quiet anymore.
The sound of a car pulling in echoed through the compound.
Elara stood by the entrance.
Seraphina beside her.
Excited.
The door opened.
Ethan stepped out.
Tall.
Confident.
A slight smirk resting on his face.
"Uncle Ethan!"
Seraphina ran straight to him.
He laughed lightly.
Bending down to catch her.
"Well, look at you… you've grown."
She hugged him tightly.
"I missed you!"
"Yeah, yeah… I know."
He said casually.
Elara walked closer.
Smiling softly.
"You're finally here."
"Yeah… your mansion is closer than my school, so here I am."
He shrugged.
His eyes scanned around.
"Nice place."
Then he paused.
"Where is him?"
He asked casually.
Elara raised an eyebrow.
"Him?"
"Yeah… your husband."
"He's inside. Why?"
"Nothing."
Ethan shrugged again.
"Just checking if the 'boss of the house' exists."
Elara shook her head slightly.
"Come. I'll show you your room."
They walked upstairs.
Seraphina still holding his hand.
Elara opened the door.
"This is your room."
Ethan stepped in.
Looking around slowly.
"Hm."
He dropped his bag casually.
"Not bad."
Elara folded her arms.
"Just 'not bad'?"
He smirked.
"What? You want me to cry and say thank you?"
She rolled her eyes.
"You haven't changed."
"Of course not."
He replied calmly.
"Someone has to stay normal in this family."
Elara sighed.
"Behave yourself here, Ethan."
He raised his hands slightly.
"I always behave."
A pause.
"People just don't like how I behave."
Elara shook her head again.
Trying not to smile.
"Uncle Ethan, come play with me!"
Seraphina pulled his hand.
He looked down at her.
"…You're lucky I like you."
She giggled.
As they walked out—
Ethan glanced back once.
His eyes briefly scanning the hallway.
Curious.
Because one thing was certain—
This house…
Was not normal.
And neither was the man who owned it.
To be continued…