Chapter 34 – Unspoken Truths, Lingering Glances

The soft hum of conversation and the rustle of papers filled the Lu family's sunroom as Ruoxi and Liyana sat on opposite sides of a glass coffee table, sunlight streaming in through the sheer curtains. Meilin had just stepped out to answer a call, leaving the two women alone.

Ruoxi stirred her tea, glancing up at Liyana with calm eyes.

"I'm glad you're safe," she said gently.

Liyana blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "You heard?"

Ruoxi nodded. "Damien didn't say much, but… his eyes did."

There was silence, heavy with unsaid things.

"You know him well," Liyana said, voice even.

Ruoxi smiled, but there was no sharpness in it—only a quiet melancholy. "I used to think I did. But I think… I only saw what he wanted me to see."

Liyana remained still, thoughtful.

"You care for him," Ruoxi continued softly. "But you're afraid. Because he's intense. Reckless when it comes to you."

Liyana looked away, her fingers curling slightly against the teacup in her hand.

"I've known Damien since university," Ruoxi added. "He's always been detached. Brilliant, but cold. You're the first person I've seen pull him out of that ice."

"You're not... upset?" Liyana asked, her tone quiet but genuine.

Ruoxi laughed gently, a trace of fondness in her eyes. "No. He was never mine. And I think—he was always meant to be yours."

The words landed heavier than expected. Liyana stared at her, unsure of how to respond.

"But," Ruoxi said, standing up with a warm smile, "don't let him carry all the weight alone. He'll destroy himself before asking you for help."

And with that, she turned and walked away, leaving Liyana stunned in the silence.

The moment Ruoxi stepped out of the house, she found Damien waiting at the gate.

"You're late," he said, hands tucked into his pockets, but his tone was calm.

"She's smart. Stronger than I expected." Ruoxi paused. "She won't break easy."

Damien didn't respond.

"She deserves the truth from you, Damien."

"I know."

Ruoxi raised an eyebrow. "Then tell her before she thinks everything between you is built on secrets."

She handed him the remaining documents and left with a knowing look.

That evening, just as the sun dipped beyond the skyline, the sky opened up in a soft drizzle. Liyana stood by the balcony of the Lu Mansion's guest room, arms folded around herself, breathing in the scent of rain and garden roses.

The door creaked behind her.

She turned slightly. Damien.

He stood in the doorway, soaked from the rain, his black coat dripping onto the floor. His eyes found her instantly.

"I thought you'd left," she said quietly.

"I couldn't."

He walked toward her slowly, each step measured, his presence too overwhelming in the quiet.

"I didn't get the chance to say this before," Damien began, voice low and rough, "but I'm sorry, Liyana. For what you went through. For not being there sooner."

Liyana didn't speak. She just watched him—watched the storm in his eyes that mirrored her own.

"I almost lost you."

"You didn't," she whispered.

Their gazes locked, the tension thick between them, fragile and raw.

"I'm not the kind of man who deserves forgiveness," Damien continued. "But I can't stop wanting you. Wanting you safe. Wanting you with me."

Liyana's breath caught.

"Why me?" she asked, almost pleading. "Why not someone simpler? Someone... softer?"

He moved closer, so close that she could feel the heat of him.

"Because you're the only one who ever looked at me and saw past the empire. Past the name. Past the beast."His voice dropped to a near-whisper. "You saw me. And I think... I've only ever wanted to be seen by you."

She closed her eyes, struggling to hold back tears.

But his fingers gently touched her chin, tilting her face up.

"Don't close yourself off from me, Liyana."

"I'm trying," she admitted. "I just… I don't know how to be that girl anymore."

"You don't have to be," he said. "Just be mine."

A loud knock ruined the moment, followed by Meilin's voice.

"Gege! Jie! We made cookies and they're going to burn if you don't come down and help us eat them!"

Damien groaned under his breath. Liyana laughed.

The moment shattered—but it didn't feel ruined. It felt warm. Familiar.

Damien held out his hand. "Shall we?"

Liyana hesitated for a heartbeat. Then, she slipped her hand into his.

"Let's go."