Chapter 5 - The Heir’s New Guardian
The sun dipped below the tree line, casting long, golden shadows across the grand foyer of the estate. The oppressive, cold atmosphere that had defined the house under Charles and Victoria’s rule seemed to have lifted, replaced by a quiet, healing energy.
Maria walked down the wide mahogany staircase, carrying a tray with warm apple cider and shortbread cookies. She pushed open the heavy oak door of the private library, where Oliver was sitting at a large mahogany desk, sketching pictures in a thick yellow notepad.
He looked up as the door clicked open, his face lighting up with a wide, bright grin that had been absent for months.
“Maria! Did you make the cookies?” Oliver asked, sliding off his chair and running over to intercept the tray.
“Only if you promise to finish your homework first, young man,” Maria teased gently, kneeling down to hand him a napkin.
Oliver took a bite of a cookie, chewing thoughtfully before looking up at her with serious, big eyes. “Are we going to have to leave this house? Aunt Victoria told me once that this place doesn't belong to people like us.”
Maria placed the tray on the coffee table and pulled Oliver close, resting her hands on his shoulders.
“Listen to me, Oliver,” Maria said firmly, looking straight into his eyes. “This house belongs to whoever takes care of it and loves the people inside it. And right now? The courts have appointed me as your primary legal guardian pending the final custody hearings.”
Oliver’s eyes widened in genuine disbelief. “Really? For real?”
“For real,” Maria smiled, a tear of pure joy slipping down her cheek. “You’re not going anywhere, and neither am I. We’re going to stay right here, fix up the east wing, and start a brand-new chapter.”
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“Does that mean I don't have to wear those itchy clip-on ties for Sunday dinner anymore?” Oliver asked, a mischievous spark dancing in his eyes.
Maria laughed out loud, a sound that felt like freedom. “Especially the clip-on ties.”
