Chapter 4 - The Domestic Haven
Upstairs, the east wing was transformed into an impenetrable fortress.
Chiara had been provided a spacious guest suite two doors down from Alessandro’s own quarters. After a hot bath and dry clothes—a soft knit sweater and slacks borrowed from the housekeeper’s daughter—she sat on the edge of the bed, watching Mia sleep. The little girl was curled like a kitten under the heavy down comforter, exhausted by the day’s terror.
A soft knock sounded at the door. Chiara opened it to find Alessandro standing in the hallway. He had stripped off his suit jacket, wearing only a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms and dark trousers. The tension in his shoulders was palpable, yet his expression softened when he saw her.
“Is she asleep?” he asked.
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“Finally,” Chiara whispered, stepping into the hall and pulling the door almost shut behind her. “Thank you, Don Alessandro. For the room. For the doctor who came to examine her. For... everything.”
“You don't need to thank me
