Damon Lucchense

Today, Damon reluctantly agreed to drive Charlotte to school because she begged and pouted. As he drove his luxury car, he frequently glanced in the rearview mirror to see Charlotte smiling as she sang along to the radio or asked random questions that sometimes forced Damon to make up answers. Upon arriving at her school, Charlotte grabbed his thumb with her tiny hand and they walked inside. As they walked, whispers and stares followed them, some recognizing Damon and others intimidated by his imposing appearance and cold expression. While Charlotte skipped beside him, greeting everyone they passed.

"Where's your class, princess?" Damon asked, looking at the excited 5-year-old, a smile on his lips.

Charlotte beamed and pointed to a classroom decorated with flowers, bees, and rainbows on the door. Damon followed her finger and saw a plaque that read, "Liora Valentine's Kindergarten Class, Welcome." He snorted. "Well, that makes sense," he thought as they continued toward the classroom.

"Miss Liora!!" squealed Charlotte, letting go of Damon's finger and running into her teacher's arms. "Guess who brought me to school! Guess, guess, guess!" asked Charlotte excitedly, jumping up and down and pulling on her teacher's arm.

Damon tried to hide a smile as he looked at the teacher, who was smiling at Charlotte, feigning excitement. When Liora Valentine made eye contact with Damon, an unfamiliar feeling spread through his chest, one he'd never felt before. He quickly shook it off, maintaining his cool and impassive expression.

"Damon Lucchese, Charlotte's uncle," he said dryly, holding out his hand and wondering if she knew who he was.