At just five years old, Freya was more intelligent than most children her age. But unlike others who spent their time playing with toys or chasing butterflies in parks, her brilliance was channeled toward programming, puzzles, and academics. She could already solve algebra and geometry problems, grasp basic calculus concepts, and breeze through logic puzzles designed for adults. She knew how to code in multiple languages, develop simple video games, and create basic apps. On top of that, she could use image editing, video editing, and even sound mixing software with surprising ease... and often beat adults in online strategy games.
Her memory and comprehension skills were exceptional, allowing her to retain and apply vast amounts of information quickly. Eleanor believed it was a rare talent inherited through her bloodline. To nurture and monitor her growth, Eleanor had developed a personalized AI assistant for Freya. This AI acted as a digital mentor, suggesting which games she should play, what languages to explore, which puzzles would challenge her, and which books would help her grow.
Since Eleanor’s work demanded most of her time, the AI became essential in ensuring that Freya’s learning process remained steady and age-appropriate. It gave Eleanor peace of mind knowing her daughter was constantly engaged in meaningful learning, even when she couldn’t be physically present.
However, there was one area where Freya was undeniably lacking... human interaction. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮
Back in the U.S., Freya’s only consistent companion had been a nanny. Because of the risks involved in Eleanor’s life, she kept household staff to a bare minimum for security reasons. Freya was homeschooled, so she didn’t attend any school or have regular playmates. Her closest relationship... outside of Eleanor... was with her AI.
Now, watching Freya interact with Isabella, Eleanor felt a quiet ache in her heart. To Isabella, Freya might have seemed like a regular, adorable child. But Eleanor knew better. Her daughter’s mind was a labyrinth of intelligence, curiosity, and isolation.
"I hope going to school will help her learn to connect with others... to experience joy with people, not just machines," Eleanor thought, glancing toward the girl with concern.
"Okay, hug is over," Freya declared, stepping back from Isabella’s warm embrace.
Isabella laughed gently. "Can I give you a kiss then?"
Freya shook her head, her expression sincere but firm. "No. Daddy said I can only get kisses from Mommy and Daddy. I can also kiss them back. And you just came from outside. There might be germs in your kisses, and I could get sick."
Eleanor raised an eyebrow and turned toward Ethan, who was quietly standing at the doorway.
"What exactly are you teaching my daughter?" she asked pointedly.
Before Ethan could defend himself, Freya chimed in innocently, "Yes, Mommy! Daddy said I have to wait until you wash your face and hands before I get your kisses. It’s hygiene."
Eleanor gave Ethan a long look, clearly unimpressed.
Realizing the interrogation that was about to come, Ethan quickly nodded to Isabella. "Aunt, I’ll see you later. I have some urgent work to attend to."
Then, like a man fleeing a battlefield, he disappeared out of view.
Isabella chuckled. "Is he your husband?"
Eleanor blushed. "No... We’re not married. But he’s Freya’s father."
A smart woman who understood when not to press, Isabella smiled knowingly and smoothly changed the topic. "Then let’s head inside. I could really use a warm bath right now."
Eleanor took Freya’s hand and led them both into the house. Once inside, she turned to the waiting butler. "This is my aunt. Please take her to the guest room next to Freya’s. She’ll be staying here for a few days. Also, contact Teresa and have her send over the items I asked her to buy for Aunt Bella."
The butler gave a polite bow. "Yes, Madam."
Eleanor then handed Freya over to the nanny and retreated to her own room. After a long shower and a change into comfortable loungewear, she made her way to Freya’s room. There, she saw Isabella sitting cross-legged on the carpet as Freya proudly displayed her collection of toys. Laughter echoed off the walls. Isabella’s experience with children allowed her to bond with Freya effortlessly, drawing smiles and giggles from the girl.
Seeing that moment of joy, Eleanor smiled and quietly backed away, heading to her study.
She opened her laptop and spent the next thirty minutes reviewing documents from her office. After sorting everything out and issuing her digital instructions, she closed the laptop and gazed outside of her study.
"Call Ophelia," she said, already sensing the shadow guards stationed around her home.


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