Chapter 7 - The Unseen Invitation
That evening, the grand estate felt entirely different. The oppressive chill that had settled into the walls for three years seemed to have lifted just a fraction, replaced by an unfamiliar, fragile warmth.
Signora Greco found Alessandro standing by the tall windows of his study, staring out into the misty darkness of the garden. He hadn't touched his espresso cup all evening. It sat cold on the walnut desk, ignored and forgotten.
"Signore," Signora Greco said softly, pausing near the doorway. "Shall I... shall I prepare the final paycheck for Miss Carter and her child? They can be gone by first light if their presence displeases you."
Alessandro didn't turn around immediately. He kept his eyes fixed on the reflection of his own face in the glass, and then lower, where he could still feel the phantom warmth of a small hand resting in his palm.
"No," Alessandro said, his voice unusually quiet.
Signora Greco blinked in surprise. "Signore?"
"They stay," Alessandro said, turning around to face her, his gray-blue eyes burning with a strange, fierce resolve that the old housekeeper hadn't seen since before the tragedy. "And move them out of the servants' quarters on the fourth floor."
The housekeeper’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Signore, the only other rooms are on the second floor near the eastern corridor. But... that wing is—"
"Move them into the guest suite directly across from the yellow room," Alessandro commanded, cutting her off with a final wave of his hand. "And make sure they have everything they need. If anyone in this house treats them with anything less than absolute respect, they will answer directly to me."
Signora Greco bowed her head slowly, a profound sense of awe and relief washing over her wrinkled face. "As you wish, Signore."
When the door closed, Alessandro walked slowly down the dark hallway. He stopped in front of the locked door of the yellow room. For the first time in three years, he didn't turn away with a clenched jaw. Instead, he reached into his pocket, pulled out the small brass key, and unlocked the door.
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The sweet smell of lavender and old memories rushed out to greet him. He walked inside, his footsteps silent on the pristine carpet. He reached out and gently touched the edge of the white crib.
"I'm sorry," he whispered into the empty room, his voice cracking slightly. "I didn't know how to live anymore. But maybe... maybe I can learn again."
