8. See This!

Lucas flashed me a cold glare, as though I’d just asked him a life-or-death question.

The way he stared—so still, so unreadable—I could only guess the fourth obligation wasn’t something small or ordinary.

Sitting up a little straighter, I locked eyes with him, searching for something—anything.

“Why are you quiet, Lucas?” I asked. “You said you had four obligations to me. Why haven’t you told me the last one? Are you scared or something?”

His hands remained tucked inside his pockets as he stepped closer. His voice dropped—low and menacing.

“The fourth obligation… is something you’re not meant to hear yet. When the time is right, I’ll tell you what it is.”

I parted my lips to push further, but he cut me off.

“It’s barely morning, Alexa. You should get more sleep. The Duke won’t be happy if he finds out you didn’t rest well.”

Without waiting for my response, he adjusted the duvet and gently helped me lie back down.

“Good night, Alexa,” he said softly, his eyes locked onto mine. “And don’t bother asking if I’ll stay here again. The answer is no. I’m leaving now. Have a good night.”

He turned off the lights and walked out.

I stared at the door long after it closed behind him.

There’s definitely something about Lucas. He rarely smiles, yet he’s oddly caring.

And to think I didn’t even know he’s the CEO of the Fernando Group—the same company Justin once complained about during his business struggles. Said they were too powerful to cooperate with, one of the biggest corporations in all of Sarto.

Lucas feels like a mystery I haven’t unwrapped. But since he claims he’ll help me get revenge on those who wronged me, I’ll just add him to the long list of complicated men in this world.

Because right now? I see all men the same way. And I’m never—never—opening this heart to love again.

Not until I make everyone who betrayed me pay.

And not until my child gets the justice he deserves.

---

The night faded. Morning came.

The alarm blared sharply, forcing my eyes open. But the sight that greeted me had nothing to do with the noise.

Ten women dressed in matching black and white servant uniforms stood at the foot of my bed, bowing.

“Good morning, My Princess!” they chorused.

I blinked, trying to make sense of what I was seeing. I counted them—one, two… ten in total.

Ten actual servants, bowing before me like I was royalty.

Still half-dazed, I sat up and returned their greeting.

“Uh… yeah. Good morning.”

But they didn’t move. They remained bent in that same deep bow.

I let out a short, confused laugh.

“Why aren’t you standing up? Are you planning to stay like that all day?”

Just then, a familiar voice echoed from the doorway.

“They’re not allowed to lift their heads until you give the command, My Angel.”

I turned and saw Mom walking toward me, smiling gently.

“Seriously?” I asked, wide-eyed.

She snapped her fingers, and immediately the maids straightened up and sprang into motion.

One opened the window. Another unfolded my bathrobe. The rest stood ready, hands clasped.

I shook my head in disbelief.

“This is… unbelievable, Ma.”

Mom sat beside me and ran her fingers through my hair.

“I hope you had a good night, my Angel,” she said softly. “You need to start getting used to this life. You’re no longer that poor, nameless girl. You’re Alexa Milton, daughter of the Duke. CEO of ABC Companies. This is just the beginning.”

I gave a small nod, a slow grin tugging at my lips.

I didn’t know what to say. I was still trying to process how fast everything had changed.

Getting princess treatment? That was never part of the dream.

All I ever wanted was to build a simple home for me, Justin, and our children. That dream was everything.

Even after earning a degree in Business Administration from one of the best universities, I never once thought about building a life for myself.

Still lost in thought, my gaze fell on the clock. My eyes widened.

10 AM?

I raked my fingers through my messy hair. Never in my life had I slept this late.

Since marrying Justin, I was always up by 6:30—at the latest.

Cooking his breakfast. Laying out his clothes. Running around like a housemaid while he barked orders.

Waking up this late? Unheard of.

Mom noticed the look on my face and followed my gaze to the clock. She gently touched my hair again, smiling.

“I told you, Alexa,” she said. “You’re a billionaire now. You can sleep and wake when you please. Even if our company crashes, you’ll never be poor again. Not you, not even your seventh generation.”

I chuckled at her words, shaking my head.

“Okay, okay,” I said. “I’ll take my bath now and come down.”

“Your father’s waiting,” she added. “And I think Lucas will be dropping by too.”

****

After bathing, I headed down to the dining hall. Lucas was already there, seated beside the Duke and Mom, eating quietly.

I approached them before they noticed me.

Lucas glanced up the moment I stepped into the room. He froze mid-bite, eyes trailing me until I pulled out a seat.

“Good morning, Alexa,” he said calmly. “Did you sleep well?”

I nodded, pulling my plate closer. Dad poured me a glass of juice, and we exchanged warm smiles.

I had just started eating when Lucas slid his phone toward me across the table.

“I don’t know if this will blow your mind,” he said, “but you really need to see it.”

I took the phone, swiped up the screen and saw...