The mansion felt different the moment Elysia stepped through its towering doors. The air was cold and aloof,
Maids hurried past with strained expressions, carrying boxes and furniture in and out of the mansion. At the foot of the staircase stood Mr. Storm, his usually calm face troubled.
The echo of footsteps and the creak of shifting furniture filled the space, but Elysia's focus stayed on him. Something was wrong.
"What's going on, sir?" she asked softly, her voice trembling with unease.
Mr. Storm glanced at her, guilt flickering in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Miss. This has to be done now. It's an order that must be carried out immediately. Since… he's back." His voice lowered as if the words themselves were dangerous. "And you know about your marriage to him…"
"I understand," Elysia cut him off quickly, though her heart ached. No man would be happy with such arrangement , but wasn't this too much? It's not like i have some contagious diseases. Why change everything just because I stayed in his room? She thought
Mr. Storm offered her a weak, apologetic smile. "Your new room is ready. There's nothing to worry about."
She followed him silently down a dim corridor. When he opened the door to her new quarters, Elysia froze.
The room was stunning, decorated in soft tones, more feminine and refined than the last. Still, she couldn't shake the bitterness curling in her chest.
"Feel free to make any changes to your liking young lady," Mr. Storm said coolly.
"Thank you," she murmured. "Everything is already perfect."
He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "He's not… cruel. There are simply things he doesn't allow. I don't know why, but… I hope you understand."
Elysia nodded, though inside she felt small and unwelcome. It's not like I'm diseased. Why all this fuss? She sighed as Mr. Storm excused himself, leaving her alone with her thoughts.
---
Later, after a warm bath, she dressed in a simple gown and sank into a velvet armchair. Her phone buzzed, breaking the heavy silence.
"Elyse? You're home already?" Luna's bright voice poured through the speaker like sunlight breaking through clouds.
"Yes, Luna. Thank you for today."
"Don't thank me. Tell me what's wrong. Is someone bullying you over there?"
"No, why do you ask?"
"Because I can feel it. Just from the way you sound…"
Elysia sighed softly. "Is it that obvious?"
"Yeah. I wish I could be bonded to you, to feel what you're going through. I don't want you to suffer alone."
A laugh escaped Elysia's lips despite her heavy heart. "How is your brain working, Luna?"
"Don't joke. Tell me what's happening."
Elysia hesitated. "…He's back. At first, I thought everything would be fine. I believed that after knowing what happened, he'd understand… but after being here so long without him, feeling safe and welcomed… I was wrong."
"I knew it!" Luna's voice rose. "You deserve better. I'm taking you out of there."
"Luna—"
"No, listen! I found him. That ridiculous husband of yours. And I'm telling you, he doesn't deserve you,am hundred percent sure ."she said proudly
"What?!" Elysia's breath caught. "You… found him?"
"Of course. I told you I'd help you."
Before Elysia could respond, a knock came at the door.
"We'll talk tomorrow. Don't stress yourself over me, okay?" she whispered.
"I can't help it Elyse", said Luna worriedly "let's talk more when you have the time"
She hung up and opened the door. Lily stood there, her smile polite but cautious.
"Dinner is ready," she said warmly.
As they walked together to the dining room, Elysia asked, "How long have you worked here?"
"A year," Lily replied.
"That's long… Do you know anything about my husband?"
Lily's smile faltered. "i don't know. He wasn't here when I started. I'm sorry."
Elysia nodded, but unease twisted her stomach. She ate quietly, the clinking of cutlery echoing in the vast dining hall.
---
Malric's POV
Malric drove with ruthless speed, his jaw set, his hands gripping the steering wheel like a predator ready to strike.
"Man, she really did it," Nick muttered, scrolling through his phone in disbelief.
Malric stopped the car abruptly, the tires screeching against the asphalt. He snatched the phone, listening to his grandmother's voice as she spoke with chilling authority.
The news was already spreading like wildfire, she had a strong social influence.
Malric leaned back in his seat, his silver eyes glinting in the dim light, his expression unreadable.
"Malric, maybe you should talk to her. What's so bad about this marriage?" Nick ventured cautiously.
"Get out," Malric said coldly.
"You can't be serious! You're not leaving me on the highway "
Malric's gaze shifted to him, sharp and dangerous.
Nick cursed under his breath. "Fine!" He climbed out, slamming the door behind him.
The car roared to life, leaving Nick alone on the deserted road, swearing into the night.
Malric drove to his grandparents' mansion the place where he'd spent much of his childhood. The moment he entered, the maids froze, startled by his sudden arrival.
He strode up the grand staircase, but a calm voice halted him.
"Looking for me?"
He turned, his gaze landing on his grandmother, seated gracefully with a steaming cup of green tea.
"Don't glare at me like that, boy. That's no way to greet me after all this time."
Malric exhaled slowly, reigning in his temper. She was not a woman to challenge and he knew it better.
"What are you trying to do, Grandma?" he asked, his voice low.
She smiled a slow, knowing curve of her lips. "You're old enough to understand. I don't have the energy to explain myself."
"You have to."
"No. You have a wife waiting for you. A wife who hasn't even seen your face. Go home, Malric. I'm too old to stay up this late."
With that, she rose gracefully and left him sitting there, fists clenched, rage simmering beneath his calm exterior.
Malric had no choice but to leave the mansion ..