The next morning, sunlight spilled into the room, casting a warm glow that awakened me from a peaceful slumber. As I made my way downstairs, the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, courtesy of Scarlett's thoughtful gesture.

She sat at the kitchen counter, a smile lighting up her face as she poured a cup of coffee for me. I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for having her in my life.

"Good morning, Scarlett," I greeted her with a warm smile. "You didn't have to do this, but thank you."

Her eyes sparkled "I wanted to, Noah. I hope you like it."

Taking a sip of the fragrant brew, I couldn't help but be amazed by her thoughtfulness. "It's delicious, Scarlett. You have a talent for making coffee."

A sweet smile graced her lips as she thanked me, her innocence shining through. Her next question caught me off guard, but I found it incredibly endearing.

"What should I call you, Noah? Sir sounds too formal."

I chuckled softly, finding her question both amusing and heartfelt. "You can call me Noah. Sir is too formal for us. We're more like family, don't you think?"

Her smile widened, and she nodded. "Yes, family."

Curiosity sparked in her eyes as she asked about my preferences. "Noah, what are your likes and dislikes? What's your favorite food?"

I pondered for a moment, enjoying the playful banter. "Well, I'm a fan of Italian cuisine. A good plate of pasta always brings a smile to my face. As for dislikes, I'm not particularly fond of seafood."

She giggled, finding my response amusing. "Noted. No seafood for us then."

The conversation flowed effortlessly as we delved deeper into each other's lives. Scarlett's questions filled the air, and I found myself sharing more than I had anticipated.

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"Are you married, Noah?" she asked, her gaze filled with genuine curiosity.

A tinge of sadness crossed my features as I shook my head. "No, I'm not married. My focus has always been on building my business. Relationships... well, they haven't been a priority."

Her eyes held a glimmer of empathy, "You deserve love and happiness, Noah. I hope you find someone who cherishes you."

A warmth spread through me at her words, appreciating her kind sentiment. "Thank you, Scarlett. Your support means a lot."

She wasn't done with her inquiries, though. "Do you have any siblings or parents?"

My smile faltered, a hint of sorrow lingering in my voice. "I'm an only child, and both my parents have passed away. It's just me now."

Her expression turned sympathetic, and she said reassuringly. "You're not alone, Noah. You have me now."

A profound sense of gratitude washed over me as I met her gaze. "Yes, Scarlett. I have you, and I'm grateful for that."

She then shifted the conversation, her eyes filled with mischieve "So, how old are you, Noah?"

I couldn't help but smile at her mischievous tone and the way she innocently teased me about my age.

"Well, Scarlett, I may be a bit older than you. I'm twenty-eight years old."

Her eyes widened in surprise, and a playful smirk formed on her lips. "Wow, you're ancient! Should I call you 'Grandpa' instead?"

I laughed, playfully rolling my eyes. "You know, Scarlett, I'm not that old. But you can call me whatever you like, as long as it's not Grandpa"

She grinned clearly enjoying her little game. "Alright, Grandpa. I'll think of a suitable nickname for you."

I chuckled at her playfulness but then noticed a flicker of sadness in her eyes. It was a momentary glimpse into a deeper vulnerability that resided within her heart.

"Scarlett," I began, my tone turning serious. "Are you truly okay here? Is there anything you need or want?"

Her smile faded slightly, and she paused for a moment as if contemplating whether to share her feelings. Finally, she spoke, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "Noah, sometimes I miss my father. I miss his laughter and his guidance. But being here with you, it eases the pain a little."

Her words struck a chord within me, and I reached out to hold her hand gently. "I understand, Scarlett. I can't replace your father, but I promise you this—I will do my best to take care of you and provide the guidance and support you need."

She nodded, her eyes brimming with gratitude. "Thank you, Noah. You've already done so much for me. I don't know what I would have done without you."

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As we immersed ourselves in conversation, the worries and burdens of the world faded away, replaced by the pure joy of human connection. In Scarlett's presence, I found solace, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose.