"On your knees now"
Nedvar spoke with a harsh tone, a tone he never uses it with Hermione.
Hermione stood there shocked, not believing any word he just spoke. She stood there contemplating her thoughts and his order.
He was always requesting and h...
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"Come in..." a cold reply echoed from inside the room. As usual, Aurora peeked her head in, smiling sheepishly at Sam. He frowned upon seeing her after two days.
"Buongiorno, Mr. Houston," (Good morning) Aurora sang in a chirpy voice, making Mr. Houston, Sam's father, chuckle.
"Buon giorno, cara," (Good morning, dear) he responded in his deep voice, softened by a gentle tone.
"How are you feeling now, Mr. Houston?" Aurora asked about his health. He punched the air playfully and replied, "I am all fine."
"Dad... your medicine," Sam interrupted the conversation. Aurora shot him a narrowed gaze, but Sam ignored her presence as if she were invisible.
"How are you, Samuel?" she asked, to which he simply nodded.
"He is no fun, dear. Leave him and tell me about yourself," Mr. Houston said, trying to lighten the atmosphere. He sensed Sam avoiding Aurora.
"By any chance, are you my daughter-in-law?" This question caused Sam to cough loudly, while Aurora stood near the small stool with wide eyes, red ears, and flushed cheeks.
"No, Mr. Houston—"
"Call me Uncle Zayn, dear," Mr. Houston interrupted with a mock glare.
"Uncle Zayn, my name is Aurora. Dr. Daniele is my papa," she said politely, prompting Mr. Houston to nod in realization.
Mr. Houston motioned for her to sit, and she settled into the small chair, joking with him as if she were reuniting with her best friend after a long time. Aurora reviewed his reports to understand his condition while Mr. Houston reminisced about his younger days, sharing how he wanted Sam to be a pilot. Unfortunately, due to wrong decisions made by him and his wife, they ended up in a difficult situation.
Soon, Aurora shifted the topic to her minor antics at school, which made Mr. Houston laughed non-stop. She recounted the troubles she caused her nanny when she didn't receive her favorite pie—hiding in different places, faking death, and pretending to be possessed. This brought a refreshing sense of joy to Mr. Houston.
Sam sat in a wooden armchair, a little distant but still able to hear the conversation. A smile crossed his face; he was happy to see his father's mood improving, which was a step toward coming out of the darkness and into the light.
