"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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The evening was settling and comforting warmth of the living room, where the soft amber glow of the lamps bathed everything in a gentle light. Outside, the sky was painted in hues of deep blue and purple as duck slowly gave way to night.
The sounds of crickets chirping faintly in the distance blended with the muffled laughter from within the house.
Hermione sat in the large, plush armchair, nestled between Mama Arne (Nedvar's mother) and Sienna (Nedvar's younger sister).
She wore a soft smile, her eyes fixed on Ethan as he animatedly recounted his camp night. Her hands were folded neatly in her lap, her posture calm and composed. Yet, beneath her serene exterior, there was sadness gnawing her heart.
Sera and Aldo sitting opposite to the , in middle Ethan, perched on the edge of the couch, was the centre of attention, who sat with his best buddy Sisu (the dog Nedvar gifted him) snuggled in his lap.
Susan sat on the diagonal couch with Edouard and Dan, Nedvar's father and younger brother sat next to her.
The family was enraptured by Ethan's tale.
Ethan's eyes sparkled wig excitement as he described the adventures of his camp night— how he and his friends had stayed up late, roasting marshmallows with the help of their teachers, telling ghost stories and playing under the stars.... His voice rose and fell with enthusiasm, drawing chuckles and gasps from his audience.
His grandmother and aunts exchanged amused glances, clearly charmed by his youthful exuberance. His uncles listened with indulgent smiles, occasionally chiming in with questions that spurred Ethan on. Edouard, with his strong presence, watched his grandson with pride, nodding approvingly as Ethan spoke.
The loud footsteps made the conversation hushed slightly and all eyes turned towards them.
Nedvar walked in, followed closely by Rocco.
Nedvar, still in his work attire, looked slightly weary but held an air of authority and quiet strength.
His gaze swept over the room, landing on Hermione for the briefest of moments— as she stared at him, just long enough to catch the distance in his grey orbs., before shifting to his son.
Ethan jumped off the couch, his face lit up with joy at the sight of his dadda, Sisu barked feeling neglected, that Ethan practically pushed him aside to run to his father.
"Dadda!" He exclaimed, as Nedvar's stern expression softened as he knelt to embrace Ethan... There was a hint of smile on his lips as he ruffled Ethan's hair, a rare moment of warmth that family seldom seen these days.
