8

“All right. I don’t know what debt you mean. That’s your business.”

Leonel did not seem interested in finding out more. He accepted Lyra’s answer just like that. There was no reason for him to force the woman to explain something she clearly did not want to discuss.

However, after that, his expression became serious again.

“I also want to talk about the purpose of this marriage.”

Lyra looked at him.

“To be honest, I don’t like arranged marriages like this.” Leonel leaned back in his chair. “But I respect Grandma Delilah’s decision. As long as she wants it, I will go through with it.”

Lyra said nothing. As far as she was concerned, as long as the marriage still took place, whether Leonel had a reason to accept her or not was no longer her concern.

“However, I have no intention of keeping this marriage forever,” Leonel continued. “One year after we get married, we will get divorced.”

Lyra looked at him without showing any surprise.

Leonel watched her for a moment before continuing, “As compensation, I will give you a house and some securities. After the divorce, they will all belong to you.”

Lyra remained silent.

She was not interested in the house or securities Leonel was offering. Even if Leonel wanted a divorce just a week after they got married, Lyra would surely agree.

Even so, the divorce would certainly cause an uproar and make Grandma Delilah sad. Later ... after everything was over, she would explain why there had to be an exchange like this.

“After one year,” Lyra finally asked, “I’ll be free?”

The simple question made Leonel frown. He stared at Lyra for a little longer. “Is that what you want?”

Lyra did not answer immediately. Instead, her gaze shifted into the distance, straight toward where Damien and Ciara were. The two of them were talking together, and even from a distance, Lyra could see how easily Ciara gained Damien’s attention.

Without realizing it, the corners of Lyra’s lips lifted into a faint smile. Yet the smile looked sorrowful instead.

“Yes,” she answered softly. “Free from the things that have weighed on my heart all this time.”

Leonel followed Lyra’s line of sight. He did not need to ask again to understand what the woman was looking at. His gaze lingered on Damien and Ciara for several seconds before returning to Lyra.

The corner of his lips lifted slightly. “All right.”

Leonel did not try to comfort her. Nor did he ask about Lyra’s feelings toward Damien. If the woman wanted to be free of something, then that was her business.

He rose from his chair but stopped almost immediately, as if remembering something. “Oh, there are two things you need to understand.”

Lyra looked at him again.

“First, after we’re married, mind your own affairs. I won’t interfere in your life as long as you don’t interfere in mine.”

Lyra nodded. “All right, Mr. Leonel.”

“Second,” Leonel paused for a moment. “There will be no romantic relationship between us.”

Lyra almost smiled at that. “Don’t worry. I don’t want one either.”

Leonel looked at her for several seconds. For some reason, that answer felt too easy. As though Lyra had absolutely no desire to gain anything from him.

But he did not make an issue of it. “Then we have an agreement.”

Leonel was about to leave when the sound of footsteps came from behind. Lyra turned and saw Ciara approaching with Damien.

The moment she saw Leonel, Ciara’s steps suddenly slowed. Her previously bright expression changed. She looked at Leonel hesitantly, then unconsciously took half a step back, moving closer to Damien. Her fingers immediately tightened around the man’s arm.

“Mr. Leonel,” she greeted softly.

Damien immediately noticed the change in Ciara’s attitude.

Leonel merely looked at them with a cold gaze without saying a word.

“Don’t worry. I’m here,” Damien said to Ciara.

Ciara smiled awkwardly. “I just ... didn’t expect to run into him here.”

Her tone was soft enough for Damien to catch the meaning behind her words. Leonel was known as a cold, firm man who was not easy to approach. Ciara knew that reputation, and showing a little uneasiness was enough to make Damien become protective again.

He then looked at Leonel. “What brings you here?”

“There are a few things I need to discuss with the Hart family,” Leonel replied calmly.

“I see.” Ciara smiled faintly. “Then ... what about the preparations?”

“Everything is going well.”

Ciara nodded. “My sister is truly lucky to be able to marry the person she loves. I hope ... Mr. Leonel will also be able to love me later after we become husband and wife.”

Leonel’s gaze shifted to her. For a few seconds, he said nothing. Then the corner of his eye glanced toward Lyra, who was still standing silently in her position. Then, the corner of his lips lifted slightly.

“See you at the altar, my future bride.”

Ciara fell silent.

Damien immediately turned serious. “Watch yourself, Leonel.” He instantly became wary, feeling the need to protect Ciara.

The corner of Leonel’s lips lifted slightly. Leonel smirked. “What did I do wrong, my dear little brother?”

Damien growled in annoyance. “Why did you come to see Ciara?” Damien asked. “Just to confirm your marriage?”

Leonel ignored him. Instead, he looked at Ciara for a moment before saying, “I just want to make sure of one thing.”

His gaze then returned to Damien. “Was my farewell just now actually meant for you, Ciara?”