The Fun, Crazy Man that Conquest'd My Heart written by Belle Frost

Chapter 3: The Sugar Ban and Nap Time

It was one of those days. A quiet, peaceful day in Eliodoro's mansion, but for some reason, I could feel the tension building. I was in the kitchen, sitting at the counter with Aenwyn and Arlayna, staring at the healthy meal in front of me with a scowl. No chocolate, no sugary snacks—just vegetables, fruits, and quinoa. I hated it.

"Why do we always have to eat this stuff?" I grumbled, pushing the food around on my plate with my fork. The sweet, familiar taste of chocolate or even a tiny donut seemed so far away, and I couldn't stop thinking about it. Why did Daddy have to make me eat this healthy stuff every single day?

Aenwyn and Arlayna, to my surprise, weren't protesting at all. They were quietly eating their meals, their little faces serene, but I just couldn't bring myself to enjoy this bland food. I wanted chocolate—just a little bit. A small treat wouldn't hurt, right?

"I miss chocolate," I sighed dramatically, resting my head in my hand. "It's so unfair! Just a little sugar wouldn't be bad, would it?"

Aenwyn gave me a sideways glance, a little frown on her face. "Elara, we have to be good for Daddy. He only wants us to be healthy, remember?"

"But it's so boring!" I whined, crossing my arms. "I want something sweet! Just a tiny piece of candy."

At that moment, Eliodoro walked into the kitchen, his presence immediately filling the room. His strong, authoritative aura made the air feel heavier. His eyes landed on me, and I instantly felt that familiar flutter in my stomach.

"Elara," he said, his voice low and calm, but there was a quiet power in his words. "What did I say about eating healthy food?"

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, not meeting his eyes. "But Daddy... I don't like it. I want something sweet."

He raised an eyebrow, and I could already feel the slight shift in the atmosphere. He wasn't angry, not yet, but I knew better than to push him too far.

"No sugar, little one," Eliodoro replied firmly. "You know this rule. It's for your health. You will eat your vegetables, your fruits, and everything on that plate. No complaints."

I groaned dramatically, pushing my plate away. "I don't want it, Daddy! Please, just a little bit of sugar. Just one piece of candy...?"

Eliodoro's eyes narrowed slightly, his deep gaze never leaving mine. I felt my heart skip a beat as he walked closer, standing right in front of me.

"Elara," he said again, this time his tone more serious. "You know better. I don't want to hear any more complaining. You will eat what I give you, and you will do it without fussing."

I opened my mouth to protest, but then I saw it. That look. The one that made my insides twist. It was the same look he gave me when I had pushed too far, the one that always made me stop dead in my tracks. It wasn't angry, but it was unwavering, a silent command that I couldn't ignore.

I swallowed my words and gave him a small nod, avoiding his gaze.

"Good girl," he said softly, patting my head. "Now, eat your meal and stop the whining."

I sighed and picked up my fork again, begrudgingly taking a bite of the quinoa. I wasn't happy about it, but I knew better than to disobey him when he gave me that look.

"Thank you, Daddy," I muttered under my breath, though I could still feel a little pout on my face.

Later that afternoon, as the clock hit 2 p.m., the usual routine began. Daddy's men—my uncles—gathered in the living room, and I could feel the subtle shift in energy. It was nap time.