The next morning arrived too soon.
Esme stood by the bedroom window, watching as the staff loaded their luggage into the waiting cars. The weight of returning to the family house settled in her chest—a place that felt more like a battleground than a home.
Kael had barely spoken to her all morning, though she hadn't expected him to. Their argument the night before had left a lingering tension between them, suffocating. But Esme wasn't backing down. If he wanted control, she would remind him that she wasn't a woman who would be tamed so easily.
"You're stalling," Kael's voice cut through the silence.
She turned to find him leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, dressed in a crisp black suit. He looked infuriatingly composed, as if nothing between them had changed.
Esme let out a soft sigh. "Just taking in the last bit of freedom before I step into your family's cage."
His jaw twitched, but he said nothing.
Without another word, she grabbed her handbag and brushed past him, her perfume lingering in the air between them.
The flight back was silent.
Esme kept her gaze fixed on the window, watching the Italian countryside blur into the distance. Kael sat beside her, focused on his phone, but she could feel the quiet tension in his posture.
By the time they arrived at the White family estate, the sun hung low in the sky, casting golden hues over the vast property. The grandeur of the house loomed ahead, its towering columns and pristine gardens as intimidating as ever.
As soon as Esme stepped out of the car, a familiar voice greeted her.
"Finally, you're back."
Esme turned to see Lucan approaching, his hands in his pockets, a small smirk playing on his lips. His presence was like a breath of fresh air, a reminder that she wasn't entirely alone in this place.
"Lucan," she greeted, a genuine smile tugging at her lips.
Kael's gaze flickered between them, his expression unreadable.
Lucan raised an eyebrow at Esme's obvious relief. "Miss me already?"
Before Esme could respond, Kael's voice cut through, sharp and authoritative.
"Esme has a lot to do. The wedding preparations begin immediately."
Esme turned to him, annoyance flickering in her gaze. "I just stepped out of the car, Kael. You can't give me a second before barking orders?"
Lucan let out a low chuckle, clearly enjoying the exchange. "Come on, Kael. Let her breathe a little."
Kael's gaze darkened. "Stay out of this, Lucan."
Esme narrowed her eyes at him. "Or what?"
The tension between them crackled, drawing the attention of nearby staff members.
Lucan sighed dramatically. "Ah, it's good to have you two back. This house was getting far too quiet."
Esme shot Kael one last glare before turning to Lucan. "Come on, Lucan. Give me a tour of what I missed while I was away."
Lucan grinned and offered his arm. "With pleasure."
Kael said nothing as he watched them walk away, but Esme didn't miss the way his fingers clenched at his sides.
Good. Let him feel a fraction of what she had felt.
Let the battle begin.
****. ****. ****.