The night was quiet and still as Kael Renforth approached the Denvair house. From a distance, he noticed the faint glow of light through the windows, and his heart tightened with concern.
Quickening his pace, he entered through the grand doors and made his way to the living room. There, sprawled across the sofa, was Lyria, fast asleep.
Kael's lips curled into a bittersweet smile. She must have stayed up waiting for him, anxiously hoping for news.
A wave of emotion washed over him. Since their marriage, Lyria had endured whispers and sneers from outsiders, bearing the brunt of judgment—even within the Denvair family itself. Her resilience had been a shield for them both.
As he watched her sleep, Kael's expression softened. Her delicate features were framed by her loose hair, her lips slightly parted, and her lashes casting faint shadows on her cheeks. Despite the tension on her face, she looked serene—and heartbreakingly beautiful.
Gently, he murmured, "I promise you, from now on, no one will ever hurt you again."
Kael sighed deeply. For years, he had ignored the ridicule thrown his way. But Lyria had never let a single slight against him go unanswered, always standing in his defense. She had become the anchor in his turbulent life.
Instinctively, he reached out, his calloused fingers brushing against her furrowed brow. The contact was slight but enough to stir her awake. Lyria blinked a few times, her eyes locking onto Kael.
For a brief moment, her gaze softened, but then her expression turned cold. Her tone was detached, distant.
"You're back."
Kael straightened. "Sorry to have kept you waiting."
Lyria stood abruptly, brushing past him. Her voice was emotionless as she replied, "I wasn't waiting. I just fell asleep here."
For a moment, the battle-hardened Kael Renforth was at a loss. A flicker of amusement crossed his face as he watched her retreat.
His feelings for Lyria were a tangle of gratitude, affection, and guilt. In the darkest times, she had been his only support. Yet, a heavy truth weighed on him—the news of Earl Denvair's death. How could he break it to her?
Kael sighed again, steeling himself. One step at a time. I will protect her. Always.
Lyria's voice pulled him from his thoughts. "I'm going to bed. It's late."
She disappeared upstairs without another glance. Kael stayed where he was, a faint smile lingering as he watched her go.
The bedroom was quiet by the time Kael entered. Lyria had already drifted back to sleep, her side of the bed untouched as usual. Kael, as he always had, laid out his bedding on the floor.
Their marriage had always been in name only. From the very start, Lyria had made it clear: if not for her father's wishes, she never would have agreed to marry him.
Kael respected her boundaries, never daring to ask for more. If she wanted to leave, he would let her go.
The morning brought a rush of urgency. Lyria answered a call, her tone brisk and worried. Without breakfast, she grabbed her bag and hurried out the door.
Kael watched her leave, noting the tension in her step. Something had happened.
Moments later, his phone buzzed.
"Master," a voice reported, "bad news. A group arrived at Madam's company early this morning. Contracts are being terminated left and right."
Kael's jaw tightened. "Who's behind it?"
"The Malavant family pulled some strings, but the real pressure is coming from Lumirest—a force connected to the Silvervein family."
There was a pause before the voice continued. "Do you want us to handle it?"
Kael thought for a moment, his mind racing. "No. Let Lyria handle it. She could use the experience."
Hanging up, he glanced at the clock. It was still early, and she likely hadn't eaten.
By nine, Kael was at the Denvair Tower, a symbol of his family's legacy in Port Avallon. Once a bustling hub of activity, the building was now eerily quiet. The security guard at the entrance didn't even glance at Kael as he walked in without a badge.
Inside, the state of decline was evident. Sparse staff worked at scattered desks, and the once-proud office spaces were a shadow of their former glory.
The sixteenth floor housed Lyria's office. As Kael stepped out of the elevator, he was greeted by an unusual sight: a crowd of men in sharp suits, standing silently at the door to her office.
Before he could step closer, one of them turned to him.
"Sir, may I ask who you're looking for?"