The Shattered Sunshine

Chapter 56 Gift

Third person POV

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room as Anya stirred from her sleep. She blinked her eyes open, taking in the cozy surroundings of Aurora's room. Turning her head, she noticed Aurora still peacefully sleeping beside her. A smile tugged at the corners of Anya's lips as she looked around, her eyes catching something on the nightstand.

There, resting neatly, was a small gift box. Anya's curiosity piqued, and she leaned over, gently shaking Aurora's shoulder. "Aurora, wake up," she whispered softly.

Aurora groggily opened her eyes, blinking as she tried to shake off sleep. "Anya?" she murmured, her voice still heavy with sleep.

Anya pointed to the nightstand, excitement in her voice. "Look, there's a gift for you!"

Aurora sat up, rubbing her eyes before turning her attention to where Anya was pointing. Her eyes widened slightly as she spotted the neatly wrapped gift. "Oh!" she exclaimed, reaching out to grab it. Carefully, she untied the ribbon and opened the box. Inside, nestled in soft tissue paper, was a plush white bunny toy, its fur soft and inviting. Aurora's face lit up with joy as she hugged the bunny close to her chest. "Wow, this is so cute!" she beamed, her heart swelling with happiness. "I'm sure Daddy bought this for me."

Anya nodded with a smile. "Yeah, I agree. It's adorable." She glanced toward the door, then back at Aurora. "I should go now, though. I need to shower in the maids' room. I'll see you around, Aurora."

Aurora nodded, still hugging the bunny. "Okay, bye, Anya. Thanks for waking me up."

As Anya left the room, Chiara entered, her footsteps soft and measured. She smiled warmly at Aurora, bowing slightly. "Good morning, my lady."

Aurora looked up from her bunny, returning the smile. "Good morning, Chiara."

Chiara noticed the bunny in Aurora's arms and couldn't help but smile even wider. "It seems you've already found your morning surprise."

Aurora nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! Daddy must have left it for me last night. Isn't it the cutest?"

Chiara agreed, her eyes twinkling with affection for the young girl. "It certainly is, my lady. Shall we begin your morning routine?"

Aurora nodded, setting the bunny gently on her bed before getting up. She followed Chiara to the bathroom, where she freshened up and got ready for the day. Chiara carefully selected Aurora's outfit, a soft pastel dress perfect for the day ahead, and helped her dress.

As Aurora stood in front of the mirror, Chiara gently brushed her hair, braiding it neatly. Aurora held the bunny in her lap, feeling a sense of warmth and comfort. "Chiara, do you think Daddy will be home early today?"

Chiara finished braiding and placed a small ribbon at the end of the braid. "I'm not sure, my lady, but I'm certain he would love to see you happy when he does come home."

Aurora nodded, holding the bunny close once more. "I'll make sure to thank him when I see him."

With her morning routine complete, Aurora felt ready to start the day. She gave Chiara a grateful smile before heading down to the dining room for breakfast, her new bunny in tow, eager to see what the day would bring.

I was sitting at the breakfast table, slowly stirring my spoon in the bowl of cereal, feeling a tinge of sadness creeping in. The mornings had started to feel a bit lonely, with Daddy and my brothers already gone before I woke up. The castle was so big and quiet without them. I missed seeing their faces in the morning, hearing their voices, and feeling their hugs. It always made me feel safe and happy. But today, it was just me, and the silence felt louder than usual.