A New Life

Life at Mikhail Kuznetsov’s estate was unlike anything Aria had ever experienced. The sheer opulence of the mansion was both dazzling and overwhelming, with its towering marble columns, intricate chandeliers, and sprawling gardens that seemed to stretch for miles. Every corner of the house seemed to echo with quiet luxury, and yet Aria found herself feeling small—both literally and figuratively—in its grandeur.

Adjusting to her new size was a daily challenge. Mikhail, ever the enigmatic host, had arranged for her to stay in a custom-built dollhouse set up in one of the many guest rooms. The dollhouse was an impressive feat of craftsmanship, complete with miniature furniture, tiny working lights, and a perfectly scaled-down kitchen. Despite its charm, Aria couldn’t help but feel like a spectacle, her life reduced to something akin to a child’s playset.

The mornings began with the soft knock of Lena, the maid assigned to care for her. “Good morning, Miss Aria,” Lena would call, her voice cheerful but never intrusive. She would bring Aria meals prepared in small portions and help her navigate the mansion when needed. Lena’s warm demeanor and gentle humor were a small comfort, but it didn’t erase the sting of her dependency.

One morning, as Aria sat at her dollhouse dining table, picking at a tiny piece of toast, Lena entered with a question.

“Mr. Kuznetsov wanted to know if you’d like Max to stay in the gardens or if he should bring him into the house,” she said with a smile.

Aria looked up, her expression brightening. “He’s really letting Max stay?”

“Of course,” Lena replied. “He said the dog is yours, and he doesn’t see a reason to separate you two.”

Aria couldn’t help but feel a pang of gratitude. “Then I’d like Max to stay close, if that’s okay.”

Lena nodded. “I’ll make sure he’s brought inside and settled comfortably.”

Later that day, Aria spotted Max lounging on a luxurious dog bed near the grand fireplace in the living room. His tail wagged lazily as she approached, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her.

“You’re spoiled now, aren’t you?” Aria teased, running a hand over his thick fur. Max responded with a contented sigh, his loyalty unwavering.

Mikhail entered the room then, his tall frame commanding attention even in the vast space. He glanced at Max before his piercing gray eyes shifted to Aria. “I trust you approve of Max’s accommodations?”

Aria nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Thank you. It means a lot that he’s here.”

Mikhail’s expression softened, though his tone remained measured. “I don’t see why not. He’s a part of your life, and for now, you’re a part of mine.”

His words lingered in the air, leaving Aria uncertain how to respond. Despite his reputation, Mikhail had shown her nothing but patience and consideration. It was disarming, to say the least.

---

As the days passed, Aria began to navigate her new life at the estate. Her dollhouse, while initially embarrassing, became a cozy refuge. Mikhail had even arranged for a craftsman to make tiny clothes and accessories for her, ensuring she had everything she needed.

Still, the challenges of her size were constant. Reaching for books, opening jars, and even walking across large rooms felt like monumental tasks. Mikhail often observed her struggles with a mix of amusement and quiet concern.

One evening, after a particularly frustrating day, Aria sat at the edge of her dollhouse porch, her legs dangling over the side. She stared out at the expansive guest room, feeling the weight of her situation.

“You look troubled,” Mikhail said, his deep voice startling her.

She turned to see him standing in the doorway, his presence as commanding as ever. “It’s nothing,” she replied, though her tone betrayed her frustration.

Mikhail approached, his footsteps deliberate. He crouched down to meet her at eye level, his gaze searching. “You’ve been through a great deal,” he said. “It’s natural to feel overwhelmed.”

Aria hesitated before speaking. “I just... I feel so helpless. I can’t even do simple things on my own.”

Mikhail studied her for a moment before responding. “Helpless doesn’t suit you,” he said. “You’re stronger than you think. You’ve adapted quickly, and you haven’t given up.”

His words, while unexpected, brought a small sense of comfort. “Thank you,” she murmured.

Mikhail rose to his full height, his shadow falling over her. “You’re under my protection now, Aria,” he said firmly. “Whatever happens, you won’t face it alone.”

---

Over time, Aria began to see glimpses of the man behind Mikhail’s intimidating exterior. He had a sharp mind, a dry sense of humor, and an unexpected kindness that surfaced in small, meaningful ways. Whether it was ensuring she had her favorite tea or helping her retrieve a book from a high shelf, Mikhail’s actions spoke louder than words.

One evening, as they sat in his study, Aria worked up the courage to ask a question that had been on her mind.

“Why are you helping me?” she asked, her voice quiet but steady.

Mikhail looked up from his book, his gray eyes meeting hers. “Because you’re different,” he said simply. “And because I find you... intriguing.”

Aria frowned, unsure whether to feel flattered or wary. “That’s not exactly reassuring.”

A faint smile tugged at his lips. “Perhaps not, but it’s the truth.”

As she sat there, the fire casting flickering shadows across the room, Aria couldn’t help but wonder if her time at Mikhail Kuznetsov’s estate was the beginning of a new life—or the prelude to something far more complicated.. Mikhail, for his part, seemed to find her presence endlessly entertaining. From the moment he brought her into his home, he’d ensured she was cared for in every way possible. Yet, his actions often left Aria feeling like a delicate artifact on display rather than a person.

The dollhouse, for instance, was a marvel. Built with impeccable detail, it featured tiny rooms, plush furniture, and even a miniature wardrobe filled with perfectly tailored clothes. Aria couldn’t deny the craftsmanship, but living in a dollhouse only reminded her of how small and vulnerable she had become. She did find it a bit too much though...

“I feel like I’m in some kind of bizarre storybook,” she muttered one morning, standing on the porch of her tiny dwelling. Lena, the cheerful maid assigned to help her, chuckled softly as she set a tray of breakfast on the table next to the dollhouse.

“It’s not every day Mr. Kuznetsov brings home someone like you,” Lena teased gently.

Aria rolled her eyes. “I doubt he brings home anyone, period.”

“You’d be surprised,” Lena said with a wink, leaving Aria to wonder just how many people had crossed Mikhail’s threshold—and what had become of them.

---

Later that day, as Aria sat on the dollhouse’s tiny sofa reading one of the miniature books Mikhail had specially ordered for her, a low growl caught her attention.

“Max!” she called, her face lighting up as her enormous canine companion padded into the room. His size, compared to her own, was a constant source of amusement and comfort.

Max’s tail wagged furiously as he approached, his nose nudging the dollhouse gently. Aria laughed, stepping out onto the porch to pat his muzzle.

“Careful, Max,” Mikhail’s deep voice warned as he entered the room. He strode over, his towering presence filling the space effortlessly. “You don’t want to knock her over.”

Max responded with a sheepish whine, earning a rare chuckle from Mikhail.

“He’s harmless,” Aria said, her tone defensive.

“I’m aware,” Mikhail replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. “That’s why he’s still here.”

Aria paused, studying him. “Why did you let him stay?”

Mikhail’s expression softened slightly, though his commanding aura remained. “Because he’s important to you,” he said simply. “And because loyalty deserves to be rewarded.”

Aria’s chest tightened at his words, a mixture of gratitude and confusion welling up inside her.

---

As the days turned into weeks, Aria began to adjust to life at the estate. Mikhail’s staff treated her with a mix of awe and respect, while Mikhail himself oscillated between being an intimidating figure and an unexpectedly thoughtful host.

One afternoon, as Aria sat in the grand library flipping through a miniature version of a classic novel, Mikhail entered with his usual air of authority.

“Reading again?” he asked, his voice carrying a teasing edge.

“It’s not like I have much else to do,” Aria replied, glancing up at him.

Mikhail raised an eyebrow. “I could arrange activities for you, if you’d prefer.”

“Like what? A game of chess where the pieces are bigger than me?”

His lips twitched in a faint smile. “You have a sharp tongue for someone so small.”

“And you have a habit of pointing out the obvious,” she shot back.

For a moment, there was silence between them, and then Mikhail did something unexpected—he laughed. The sound was deep and genuine, catching Aria off guard.

“You’re an intriguing one, Aria,” he said, his amusement evident. “I’ll give you that.”

---

Despite her initial wariness, Aria couldn’t deny that Mikhail was more complex than she had imagined. Beneath his cold exterior was a man who, while undeniably powerful and calculating, showed glimpses of kindness and even humor.

One evening, as they sat by the fireplace—Mikhail with a glass of whiskey in hand and Aria perched on a cushion he’d placed beside him—she decided to voice the question that had been nagging at her.

“Why are you helping me?”

Mikhail’s gray eyes flicked to hers, their intensity unwavering. “You’ve asked me that before.”

“And you didn’t really answer,” she countered.

He leaned back in his chair, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. “Let’s just say I have a soft spot for the extraordinary.”

“That’s not an answer,” Aria said, crossing her arms.

“It’s the only one you’ll get for now,” he replied, his tone final.

Aria sighed, frustrated but unwilling to push further.

---

As the days passed, Aria began to find a rhythm in her new life. She spent her mornings exploring the mansion—usually with Max close by—and her afternoons reading or talking with Lena. Evenings were often spent in Mikhail’s study, where the two would engage in conversations that ranged from playful banter to surprisingly deep discussions.

Though her situation was far from ideal, Aria found herself adapting. She couldn’t ignore the challenges or the lingering fear of what might come next, but she also couldn’t deny that, in some strange way, she felt safer here than she had in her stepmother’s home.

And as she watched Mikhail interact with Max—his stern demeanor softening as he scratched the dog’s ears—she began to wonder if there was more to the infamous mafia boss than even he realized...

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