𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒' 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐇𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐃𝐎𝐆 | 𝘷𝘢𝘥𝘵𝘥 𝘹 𝘔.𝘺/𝘯 |

(30) Family Ties... or Lack Thereof!

"........," 

Lowering myself to Alissa's level, I flashed a playful grin.

"Hey there, little one! I'm Callisto."

Alissa giggled shyly, peeking out from behind (Y/N)'s leg before offering a hesitant wave. 

"Hi!" she chirped, her voice surprisingly loud, eliciting a surprised chuckle from me. "Nice to meet you!"

"Pleased indeed..."

My words trailed off as I glanced at the duo before me: one a Grand Duke carrying secrets; another an innocent child caught between them.

Surprisingly, she didn't shy away from my presence but rather stared curiously into my eyes with those two emerald pools that reflected her thoughts.

"Are you papa's friend?"

She inquired, her innocent question a stark contrast to the complexities swirling around them. 

It was odd, how children seemed to have an uncanny knack for seeing straight through facades.

"Friends?"

I repeated gently, shaking my head slightly. 

"We've known each other since childhood… more like family, you could say." 

'Family my ass,' I thought, picturing (Y/N)'s potential reaction. 'The nerve of him, trying to paint this picture…'

He's probably thinking that, isn't he?

The bitch thinks I can't read him.

'I swear, if he says something...'

Just as I imagined (Y/N) bristling at the word 'family,' Alissa's eyes lit up. 

With a burst of surprising energy, she launched herself towards me, planting a wet kiss on my cheek before giggling uncontrollably.

"That means you're my family, too!"

My breath hitched in surprise, a strange sensation blooming in my chest. 

It was a feeling I couldn't quite define, a warmth that left me speechless for a moment. 

Her innocent declaration echoed in my mind even after she scooted back to (Y/N)'s side.

The unexpected gesture had left me stunned, but it wasn't entirely unwelcome. 

"Uncle Cally!"

She squealed pointing at me, her delight infectious. 

Despite myself, a chuckle rumbled in my chest.

"Looks like I've been promoted,"

I muttered, reaching out to ruffle her hair playfully as if she were truly a niece. 

"Fascinating…"

I finally managed, shaking off the strange sentimentality that had momentarily overtaken me. 

Shifting my gaze, I spotted Cedrick diligently collecting the fallen fruit. 

"Cedrick," I called out, "fetch me a blank cheque."

Cedrick raised an eyebrow in silent question, but wordlessly obeyed. 

With a flourish, I took the paper and began to write, the numbers reminiscent of a fantastical novel overflowing with unimaginable wealth. 

Even Alissa's wide eyes couldn't quite grasp the vast sum I inscribed as the zeros stretched farther than her limited understanding allowed.

"Here,"