Ch-36

•~•Solane’s POV

I lay on the bed, eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling. I couldn’t sleep, no matter how tightly I shut my eyes.

My heart kept pounding like it was trying to break free from my chest, and my mind wouldn’t stop racing. 

All because of him—Davian Foster.

What the hell was he doing here?

The last I heard, he was in Switzerland, working at some private physiatry institute—and now, suddenly, he’s here, in the Grant mansion? As Nathaniel’s new physiatrist?

No. His presence here couldn’t be a coincidence.

I turned on my side, clutching the blanket as a cold unease crept through me. He had acted like he didn’t recognize me yesterday afternoon—but what if he did? 

What if it was all just an act? I couldn’t shake the thought. And if I was right… What would that mean for my mission here at the Grant mansion?

And then, like a punch to the gut, a thought hit me so hard I gasped.

What if… what if he was the anonymous caller?

The one who tipped me off about Melissa’s secret DNA test… and knows my real identity?

It was possible. Davian had known me by my old face—and even after my facial reconstruction surgery he had known me by my new face.

If he really was the anonymous caller, then maybe I didn’t have to worry.

The caller had said they wanted to ruin Melissa and protect me. If he was the anonymous caller, then his presence here shouldn't be a threat—right?

Ahh… this was driving me insane.

Then I felt it—a warm hand snake around my waist.

I froze.

I had completely forgotten Nathaniel was lying beside me.

“You keep tossing,” he muttered in a low, tired voice. “And sighing.”

“Sorry,” I whispered, turning to face him. “I couldn’t sleep. Did I wake you?”

“No,” he said quietly. “I couldn’t sleep either.”

In the soft glow of the bedside lamp, I studied his face. He looked exhausted. The shadows under his eyes, the tension in his jaw—he didn’t look okay at all.

“You look tired,” I said gently. “Why can’t you sleep?”

He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, the gesture so tender it made my chest flutter.

“You first,” he said. “What’s keeping you up?”

I looked at him. Just like before, he was always willing to listen. His presence had once felt like a safe space. But that was before.

We weren’t those people anymore. And he couldn’t know—not about who I really was, and not about the fear gnawing at me tonight.

“I… I just feel lonely,” I lied smoothly. “This house is so big, and I don’t have any friends to hang out with. It’s kind of boring.”

He sighed, his voice quiet. “I’m sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing?” I shook my head. “It’s not your fault.”

“It is,” he replied, his tone a little firmer now. “I’m your husband. Our marriage is still new. You shouldn’t be feeling like this, and honestly, you shouldn’t ever have to.”

I gave him a small, reassuring smile. “It’s okay. I know things will be busy for you now. I’ll find something to do… maybe try to make a few friends. Maybe even befriend Shoshana B**e.”

He raised an eyebrow, the smallest hint of amusement in his eyes. “You want to be friends with my ex?”

I smirked. “Not exactly. I just find spending time with enemies way more interesting than spending it with friends.”

Nathaniel chuckled softly. “You’re weird.”

“I believe the word you’re looking for is unique,” I replied.

He nodded against the pillow. “Right. You’re very unique.”

A pause settled between us, before he spoke again. “How about we go on a date tomorrow evening? I’ll plan everything. My driver can pick you up.”

“I wouldn’t mind that,” I answered, feeling a flicker of excitement.

“Good,” he smiled.

“So, it's your turn… What’s keeping you up?”

I watched him as he hesitated, like the words were stuck somewhere in his throat. Then he smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Work stuff,” he muttered. “Some of the board members still don’t accept me as CEO. They’re making things a little difficult.”

“It won’t be for long,” I said, trying to sound reassuring. “Once they see what you’re capable of, they’ll come around.”

“You think so?”

“I know so.”

He hummed, thoughtful, before I let out a yawn. His lips curled into a grin.

“Feeling sleepy already?”

“A little,” I admitted.

“Then go to sleep,” he whispered, leaning forward to place a soft kiss on my forehead. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight… sweet dreams,” I said, turning my back to him.

But sleep didn’t come. I had lied. I just wanted the conversation to end so I could be left alone with my thoughts—calculating, wondering, and fearing until suddenly, his voice broke the silence.

“Solane…” he said quietly. “Do you want to have a baby with me?”

My whole body went rigid.

A baby? Did he really just say that, or were my ears playing tricks on me?

No, he couldn’t have dared to ask me that.

Five years ago, I was going to have a baby with him. I carried his child. And what happened? His mother shoved me off a cliff. She tore that life away from me, crushed it in my womb, and burned my future.

I was barely twenty. I survived, but my child didn’t. And now… even if I wanted to, I could never get pregnant again.

“Are you asleep?” His voice came again, softer this time, when I didn’t respond.

I quickly closed my eyes, feeling the bed slightly dip as he sat up. His hand brushed lightly over my arm, probably checking if I was asleep.

He sighed quietly and settled back down.

I opened my eyes.

How predictable they were.

Melissa must’ve told him about her discovery. Now that they knew I was Zane Lancaster’s daughter, not his niece, they wanted to secure their bond to the Lancaster legacy.

A child. That’s what they wanted now.

I scoffed internally, imagining a scenario where I got pregnant, gave birth to Nathaniel’s child—and then what? People like them would dispose of me, just like they did five years ago, and then use my child to claim my father’s empire.

It was funny, yet maddeningly infuriating, especially knowing Nathaniel was still playing the obedient son—still dancing to his mother’s every command. I had to find a way to change that, and fast.

But first, I needed to deal with Davian Foster. I had to figure out why he was truly here... and what his agenda was.

—————

The sun peeked gently through the curtains, casting a soft glow across my face. I stretched, yawned, and blinked slowly.

For a moment, I wondered when I had finally fallen asleep last night. I turned to the other side of the bed—empty. Nathaniel must’ve left early.

I sat up, planning to quickly head to the bathroom to bathe, dress, and then go downstairs. Today was about Davian. I had to start figuring him out, fast.

But just as I sat up, I froze. Melissa was sitting in one of the armchairs, her cold eyes sweeping over me.

“What… What are you doing here?” I stuttered, my heart beginning to pound in my chest.

Her lips curled into a smile, but it didn’t reach her cold eyes. Then, slowly, she reached around the armrest and pulled something into view—a sleek, black pistol.

“Good morning, Solane,” she said, her voice smooth like silk. “Or should I say…”

She tilted her head, letting her words drop like a blade.

“…Irene Lancaster.”