The formidable Aiden Romanov

Chapter 43

Zia sat on her bed, clutching her favorite stuffed bear, Charlie, as she stared at the empty chair by her bedside. Silvana had always been there to read her bedtime stories, her soothing voice weaving magical tales that carried Zia into a world of dreams. But for the past several nights, Silvana had been conspicuously absent.

"Daddy," Zia called out as she heard footsteps approaching her room.

Aiden opened the door and stepped inside, forcing a smile despite the fatigue etched on his face. "Yes, sweetheart?"

"Where's Mommy Silvana?" Zia asked, her wide eyes filled with concern. "She hasn't been here to read me my bedtime stories."

Aiden sighed, kneeling beside Zia's bed. "Silvana had to go away for a little while, Zia. But she will be back soon, I promise. There's nothing to worry about."

Zia frowned, unconvinced by her father's words. "But why did she have to go? Where did she go?"

Aiden hesitated, searching for the right words. "It's a little complicated, honey. But she’ll be