The day of the charity gala was drawing closer, and the air in the Delacroix estate buzzed with activity. Servants rushed through the halls, double-checking preparations, while Ethan remained focused on ensuring every detail was perfect.
Ethan stood in his office, reviewing the guest list one last time. His sharp eyes scanned the names, particularly those of the key nobles and Cecilia. She was attending, as expected, alongside her lover—the novel's male protagonist, Adrian Lennox.
"Adrian and Cecilia…" Ethan murmured, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. In the novel, Adrian had been portrayed as an upright man, but Ethan suspected that his attachment to Cecilia blinded him to her manipulations.
For now, though, Ethan's priority was Amara.
That afternoon, Ethan found Amara in the garden again, this time surrounded by flowers and a soft breeze. She wore a deep emerald gown, her usual aura of coldness softened by the sunlight.
"You're becoming fond of this place," Ethan remarked as he approached.
Amara glanced at him but didn't comment immediately. "It's quiet," she said finally. "No whispers, no judgment."
Ethan smiled gently. "Then I'm glad you have it."
Amara turned back to the roses, her fingers brushing the petals lightly. "What do you want, Ethan? You always seem to have a reason for seeking me out."
"I do," he admitted, holding up a small vial filled with a shimmering liquid.
She frowned. "What's that?"
"It's something to help with the gala," Ethan said. "It'll calm your nerves and make you feel more confident."
Amara raised an eyebrow. "A potion? Do you think I'm weak enough to need that?"
Ethan shook his head. "Not weak. But even the strongest need support sometimes."
Amara studied him for a long moment before taking the vial from his hand. "Fine. I'll try it. But if this backfires, I'll make sure you regret it."
Ethan chuckled. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
Notification:
"Amara accepts your support despite her reservations.
Happiness increased by 5%. Trust in you increased by 3%.
Reward Unlocked: Advanced Negotiation Skill."
Later that evening, Ethan decided it was time for a more personal conversation with Amara. He invited her to the private dining room for dinner, wanting a quieter atmosphere to ease her nerves.
Amara arrived dressed simply but elegantly, her posture as poised as ever. She glanced around, clearly surprised by the intimate setting.
"No grand hall tonight?" she asked as she took her seat.
"Not tonight," Ethan said with a small smile. "I thought we could talk."
Amara narrowed her eyes slightly. "About what?"
"About us," Ethan said plainly. "And about what you want from the future."
Amara hesitated, her guarded expression faltering for a moment. "The future?"
"Yes," Ethan said, leaning forward. "You've spent so long fighting to survive, but what would you do if you didn't have to fight anymore?"
Amara's eyes widened slightly, and she looked down at her plate. For a moment, she seemed lost in thought. "I don't know," she admitted softly. "I've never had the luxury of thinking about that."
Ethan's heart clenched at her words. "Then maybe it's time you did."
Amara glanced up at him, her emerald eyes shimmering with an emotion she couldn't quite name.
Notification:
"Amara feels vulnerable but safe in your presence.
Happiness increased by 6%. Trust in you increased by 4%.
Bonus Reward Unlocked: Emotional Bonding Skill."
As the meal continued, the conversation shifted to lighter topics. For the first time, Ethan saw Amara relax enough to share snippets of her childhood—happy moments before everything had gone wrong.
"I used to climb trees all the time," Amara said with a faint smile. "My governess would scold me endlessly for ruining my dresses."
Ethan chuckled. "I can't imagine you being so carefree."
"I wasn't always like this," Amara admitted, her smile fading slightly. "But people change."
"They do," Ethan agreed. "But I think the real you is still there, waiting for a chance to come back."
Amara looked at him, her expression unreadable. Then, to his surprise, she nodded.
That night, as they prepared for bed, Ethan noticed Amara lingering by the window again.
"You've been thinking a lot lately," he remarked, joining her.
Amara glanced at him, then turned back to the night sky. "It's hard not to, with everything happening. The gala, the people…you."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Me?"
"You've changed," Amara said, her tone quieter than usual. "I don't know why, but you're not the same man I married."
Ethan hesitated, his chest tightening. He couldn't tell her the truth, but he also couldn't deny her observation.
"People change," he said simply. "Sometimes for the better."
Amara studied him for a moment, then looked away. "I hope so."
As they climbed into bed, the silence between them wasn't heavy but thoughtful. Ethan felt a flicker of hope—perhaps he was making progress, one step at a time.
System Store Notification:
"Points Available: 2,700. Recommended Purchase: Reputation Boost Token (2,000 points). This will significantly enhance public perception of Amara during the gala."
Ethan purchased the Reputation Boost Token, determined to ensure the gala would be a success.
As sleep overtook him, Ethan resolved to protect Amara—not just for the system's rewards, but because she deserved it.
End of Chapter 8