Chapter 32 – The Ties That Bind

The ride back from Imperium Finance was quiet. Liyana sat beside Damien in the sleek black Maybach, her mind tangled with thoughts she wasn't ready to voice.

Ruoxi's words lingered.

"You're the only thing he's ever chased without realizing it."

She stole a glance at Damien. The man who had once dismissed her as a mere childhood memory was now the one protecting her with his entire world.

But what about her?

Was she truly ready to accept that the past didn't have to define the future?

Damien's hand rested casually on the gear shift, his fingers drumming against the leather. He looked calm, composed—but she knew better.

She could sense it in the slight tension in his grip. In the way his jaw clenched as if holding back words.

"Say it," she finally murmured.

Damien's gaze flicked to her. "Say what?"

She turned slightly, facing him. "Whatever it is that's on your mind."

For a moment, he didn't speak. Then, his voice came, deep and controlled.

"I should've been there sooner."

Liyana's breath hitched.

He wasn't talking about the kidnapping.

He was talking about the years he had spent away.

Before she could respond, the car slowed, pulling into the grand estate of the Lu Family Mansion.

The moment Liyana stepped out of the car, Lu Yuhan's voice rang out.

"LIYANA-JIE!"

A blur of movement, and suddenly a sixteen-year-old missile slammed into her, wrapping his arms tightly around her.

"Yuhan," Liyana gasped, stumbling slightly before laughing. "Were you waiting for me?"

Yuhan pulled back, looking up at her with an almost accusing glare. "Of course! We were worried sick when we heard what happened! Do you know how hard it was for Meilin-jie to stop me from rushing to find you?"

Liyana softened, brushing a hand over his head. "I'm fine now."

"That doesn't mean we're not mad!"

This time, a softer, more elegant voice spoke up, and Liyana turned just in time to see Lu Meilin gracefully walking toward her.

Lu Meilin—Damien's younger sister, poised and refined, but with a heart as fierce as her brother's.

She crossed her arms, her sharp eyes scanning Liyana from head to toe. "You should have called us immediately. Do you know how worried Grandfather was?"

Liyana smiled, feeling a warmth she hadn't expected. "I didn't want to alarm everyone."

Meilin sighed, but before she could scold further, their grandfather's voice interrupted.

"Liyana, my dear, come inside."

The dining hall of the Lu Mansion was grand, but the warmth inside made it feel more like a home than an estate.

Grandfather Lu sat at the head of the table, his gaze sweeping over Liyana and Damien with quiet contemplation.

The table was set, and for the first time in a long while, Liyana felt like she belonged.

As they ate, conversations flowed. Yuhan excitedly talked about his school projects. Meilin casually brought up her latest charity gala.

But in the midst of it all, Liyana felt Damien's presence beside her.

Strong. Unwavering. Protective.

At one point, Grandfather Lu set his chopsticks down, clearing his throat. "Liyana, you know… we always considered you part of this family."

Liyana's heart clenched.

Damien didn't speak, but he looked at her.

And in that moment, she realized—he wasn't going to let her go.