Chapter Four: public eye, private wou

Amara learned very quickly that silence could be louder than cruelty.

The Harrington family luncheon was held on a wide terrace overlooking the city, elegant and exposed. White tablecloths fluttered lightly in the breeze, crystal glasses catching the sunlight. Everything looked perfect—too perfect. It was the kind of gathering where appearances mattered more than truth.

Lucas Harrington walked beside her, his hand resting lightly against her back. To everyone watching, it was the gesture of a devoted husband. To Amara, it felt like a reminder of her role.

“Smile,” he murmured under his breath. “They’re watching.”

She did as instructed.

Introductions followed quickly.

“This is my wife, Amara.”

The word wife landed differently each time. Some guests smiled with polite approval. Others studied her closely, curiosity sharp behind their eyes.

“So young,” one woman whispered.

“Unexpected,” another replied.

Amara kept her head high, even as her chest tightened.

They were seated at the head of the table. Across from them sat Selene Grant, calm and elegant in a pale dress, her attention focused almost entirely on Lucas. She acknowledged Amara with a brief glance before returning her gaze to him.

“So,” Selene said lightly, lifting her glass, “marriage suits you, Lucas.”

Lucas returned the gesture. “It serves its purpose.”

Soft laughter rippled around the table.

Amara’s fingers curled around her napkin.

Selene finally turned her attention toward her. “It must be overwhelming, marrying into a family like this.”

“It is,” Amara answered honestly. “But I’m learning.”

Selene’s smile tightened. “You’ll need to learn quickly. The Harrington name carries expectations.”

Lucas’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing.

The conversation moved on, but Amara noticed the pattern. When she spoke, voices softened. Topics shifted. She wasn’t included—she was managed.

Then someone asked the question.

“When will we be celebrating an heir?”

The table went silent.

Amara’s breath caught painfully.

Lucas raised his glass calmly. “That’s not a discussion for today.”

“Oh—of course,” the woman said quickly. “I didn’t mean—”

“It’s alright,” Amara said quietly, forcing a small smile.

Lucas glanced at her sharply, warning clear in his eyes.

The moment passed, but the discomfort lingered like a bruise.

Not long after, Amara excused herself and stepped away from the table. She stood at the edge of the terrace, gripping the railing as she stared at the city below. The breeze cooled her skin, but her chest still felt tight.

“You handled that well.”

She turned to find Lucas beside her.

“I didn’t,” she replied. “I endured it.”

He studied her for a moment, something unreadable crossing his face. “You’re stronger than I expected.”

“That’s not praise,” Amara said. “It’s surprise.”

Lucas didn’t deny it.

Before either of them could speak again, Selene approached.

“Lucas,” she said smoothly. “May I speak with you?”

His expression hardened. “Excuse us.”

Amara watched them step aside, their voices low but intense.

“She doesn’t belong in this world,” Selene said. “You rushed this.”

“I did what was necessary,” Lucas replied.

“She’ll become a weakness,” Selene warned. “And weakness is dangerous.”

Lucas was silent.

“Fix this,” Selene added quietly. “Before it costs you more than you’re willing to lose.”

They returned moments later.

“We’re leaving,” Lucas said flatly.

The drive back was silent.

Once inside the apartment, Lucas loosened his tie and turned toward her. “You need to understand something,” he said. “This world doesn’t forgive mistakes.”

Amara met his gaze steadily. “Then stop treating me like one.”

The words hung between them.

Lucas’s eyes darkened. “Be careful, Amara.”

“Or what?” she asked softly.

“Or you’ll learn why people don’t challenge me.”

He walked away, leaving her alone in the quiet apartment.

Amara stood there, heart pounding, one truth settling deeply in her chest.

Being Lucas Harrington’s wife didn’t protect her.

It made her visible.

And visibility, in his world, was dangerous.