Marissa smiled, her fingers gently brushing a stray lock of dark, curly hair from Ryan's forehead. The little boy looked up at her, his wide, serious eyes filled with a question that was clearly a great weight on his small shoulders.
"Will you love me?" he asked, his voice a soft, sad whisper. "Like… like a real mother?"
The quiet vulnerability in his question tugged at Marissa's heart. This was the Duke's son, the young heir, yet he spoke with the deep loneliness of a child who had lost too much. She stroked his soft cheek, her touch gentle and reassuring.
"Of course I will," she replied, her voice equally soft. "Why wouldn't I?" She leaned in and lightly pinched his cheek, a playful, affectionate gesture. "You are so adorable."
A slow, radiant smile spread across Ryan's face, chasing away the sadness in his eyes. For the first time since she had arrived at this cold, imposing estate, Marissa felt a flicker of genuine, uncomplicated warmth.
"Are you only going to thank Ryan?"
