جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 10

Three years. That's how long it had been since Lucian Velmore last saw his wife.Not that he missed her.The wedding had been political—just a handshake with a kiss. A deal between two empires. He played the role of the cold groom in a perfectly tailored suit, she played the role of the smiling bride in a pearl-studded gown. Then, after the photos, champagne, and the awkward "I dos," she disappeared.Europe, he'd heard. Paris maybe. Or Greece. Somewhere pretty and far.Good for her.Lucian tossed his phone on the leather seat beside him as the town car pulled into the Velmore estate. He wasn't in the mood for this meeting. When his assistant said his grandmother was calling a family gathering, he knew it couldn't be good. And when the Winslows were included?It was definitely bad.He stepped out of the car, buttoning his coat, and walked up the stairs of the mansion. The grand double doors opened before he even reached them."Mr. Velmore," the butler nodded.Lucian gave a slight nod b

The clink of cutlery and the soft scrape of a chair filled the grand Velmore dining hall as Caliste slid into a vacant spot at the long table. They are invited for a gathering hosted by the Velmores last night. Everyone left after dinner leaving only her and Lucian to accompany Victoria, and Victoria insisted to let them stay for the night. Lucian was already seated at the head, sipping his coffee, looking like the front page of a fashion magazine. He didn't even flinch when she grabbed a croissant and bit into it like she hadn't eaten in days. Victoria left early for her morning walk in the courtyard accompanied by the trusted butler."Sleep well?" he asked without looking up.Caliste narrowed her eyes. "Like a baby. You?"He finally glanced at her, one brow lifting. "I would've, if someone hadn't kicked me in her sleep."She blinked, chewing. "I kicked you?""Twice," he said flatly. "Right in the ribs. I thought I was under attack.""You were," she said with a smirk. "It was insti

Caliste was halfway through brushing her hair when the knock came. Lucian didn't wait to be invited. He pushed open her door, already in his sleek black suit, adjusting his cufflinks. "We're leaving in ten." Caliste blinked. "Leaving? Where?" "The dinner. I told you." "No, you didn't." He arched a brow. "I definitely did." She groaned. "Lucian, I'm in pajamas. You expect me to get ready in ten minutes?" "You used to get ready in five when you partied with your friends." "That was for tequila and karaoke. Not some formal dinner with billionaires." He smirked. "Same principle. Just less tequila." Caliste huffed but rushed to her closet. "What's this dinner for, anyway?" "Investors. Old money. Very conservative. They'll be expecting my wife." She paused, her fingers brushing a sleek red gown. "So… I'm a prop tonight." "Not a prop," Lucian said casually. "More like… a polished distraction." She gave him a dry look. "That's worse." Ten minutes later, they arrived at a high-

Caliste stood in front of the mirror in a flowy white sundress, one hand on her hip. A breeze came through the balcony doors, lifting the edge of the skirt. It was simple, sweet—and perfect for exactly what she planned.She smiled to herself. She accepted Jace invitation for a coffee just to make Lucian jealous.Lucian was in for a little surprise.Down by the beach café, Jace was already waiting, sunglasses on, shirt loose and open like every model on a travel magazine cover. She walked up, hips swaying, pretending not to see Lucian lounging on a nearby sunbed with a book he wasn't reading.Jace stood and grinned. "Wow. You look…""Like someone who didn't get ditched for prom this time?" she said with a wink.He laughed. "I deserved that. I was an idiot.""You still might be," she teased, sitting down. "But I'm giving you five minutes to convince me otherwise."Meanwhile, Lucian's jaw clenched behind his book. He didn't hear a word on the page. He only saw Caliste laughing—really lau

Caliste stood barefoot at the shoreline, the water lapping at her toes. The moon reflected silver over the waves, mocking her quiet heartbreak.She wrapped her arms around herself. Why had she hoped Lucian would say something—anything? Even just, "I care." But instead, he sat there in silence, choosing safety over honesty.She heard footsteps in the sand."Didn't expect to see you out here alone," Jace said gently.Caliste didn't turn to him. "I needed air.""You okay?""No," she said honestly.He stepped beside her. "He's not worth your tears."She gave a short laugh. "I'm not crying.""But you want to."Caliste glanced at him then, his profile softened by the moonlight. He was charming in a safe way. Familiar. Easy.And tonight, that felt… tempting."I guess I'm stupid," she said. "For thinking he'd change.""You're not stupid," Jace murmured. "You're hopeful. There's a difference."She looked down. "Maybe I should've married someone like you."His breath hitched slightly."You know