Chapter 47: A bold Declaration

The grand dining hall was filled with an air of quiet sophistication as Kael sat at the head of the long table, discussing the wedding preparations with his grandfather. The butlers moved soundlessly, refilling glasses and ensuring everything was in perfect order.

Nana sat beside Grandfather, nodding in approval at the details being finalized. Charlotte was scrolling through her tablet, occasionally making a comment about the floral arrangements, while Lucan leaned back in his chair, clearly uninterested but present nonetheless.

Esme sat across from Kael, feeling like an outsider in a conversation that revolved around her future yet had little to do with her own choices. Everything was happening so fast. She hadn't even fully processed her engagement, and now they were discussing wedding details as if this were nothing more than a transaction.

"I want the ceremony to be private," Kael stated with finality. "Exclusive to family and close business associates. No unnecessary guests."

His grandfather nodded in agreement. "That's the best approach. Keep the distractions out."

Charlotte smirked, her eyes flickering toward Esme. "Not that Esme has many people to invite anyway."

Esme's jaw tightened, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. But before she could fire back, Kael spoke.

"That's enough, Charlotte." His tone was sharp, a quiet warning that made his sister press her lips together, though amusement still danced in her eyes.

From the far end of the table, Nana offered Esme a warm, reassuring smile. But it was a stark contrast to Mama—Kael's grandmother—who sat stiffly, her disapproval of Esme evident in the way she barely acknowledged her presence. The woman had made it no secret that she didn't think Esme was worthy of Kael, and she didn't bother hiding it now.

Then, as if to cut through the tension, Lucan let out a soft chuckle. "This is supposed to be a wedding, yet you two don't even act like a couple. You expect people to believe this is real?"

Esme felt her stomach twist.

It was the truth, wasn't it?

Kael, as always, remained unbothered. His cold gaze flickered toward Lucan. "And?"

Lucan smirked. "Just saying, if you're trying to convince anyone this is love, you're doing a terrible job."

Esme swallowed hard, suddenly feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on her.

Then, before she could react, Kael moved.

Without a word, without warning, he leaned forward, his hand reaching for her. Before she could process what was happening, his fingers brushed against the back of her neck, pulling her in—his lips capturing hers in a slow, deliberate kiss.

Esme's entire body tensed.

The room disappeared. The air turned thick, electric.

Kael wasn't rough, wasn't forceful—no, this was something different. Something dangerous. His lips pressed against hers with controlled precision, firm yet unhurried, as if he were making a statement rather than seeking a reaction.

The silence was deafening.

When he finally pulled away, Esme sat frozen, her heart pounding violently in her chest. She stared at Kael, wide-eyed, her breath unsteady.

Lucan let out a low whistle. "Well. That was unexpected."

Charlotte made a disgusted noise, rolling her eyes. "How dramatic."

Nana, however, looked as if she had been personally insulted. Her lips pressed into a thin line, her disapproval palpable.

Kael, ever composed, leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "Satisfied?" he asked Lucan, as if the kiss had been nothing more than a response to a challenge.

Lucan smirked. "I stand corrected."

Esme, however, wasn't sure what had just happened.

Kael had just kissed her in front of his family.

Not in anger.

Not in punishment.

But with purpose.

And the most terrifying part?

She wasn't sure if she hated it.

****. ****. ****.