CHAPTER 14: The Zichen Mansion

When I was done packing, I looked at the time, I don't have many things to pack ...…. Just packed my mother's stuffs and its this late?

I tightened my grip on my suitcase as I descended the stairs. The hushed voices below grew clearer.

"Mr. Damon, have a seat—"

Before my father could even finish, Damon was already seated.

Not just anywhere.

But in my father's favorite armchair.

He lounged there effortlessly, his legs crossed, his fingers lightly tapping against the armrest—as if he owned the place.

And yet, my father didn't complain.

He wouldn't dare.

I stepped into the room, my eyes meeting Damon's.

He glanced at me briefly before turning his attention back to my father, completely unbothered.

"I assume this is about Lisa," Damon said smoothly.

"Do you have a problem with my marriage?" he added

My father cleared his throat. "Mr. Zichen, I don't know what she told you, but this marriage is a mistake. Lisa is reckless, spoiled, and unworthy of a man like you."

Damon smirked. "Is that so?"

His tone was unreadable, but his gaze sharpened.

My stepmother, always playing her part, leaned forward with a fake concerned expression. "Mr. Zichen, please understand. Lisa has always been... difficult. If you'd like, we can arrange something better for you—"

I scoffed, cutting her off. "Like how you arranged Ava for Gary?"

The room fell into an uncomfortable silence.

Damon, however, chuckled. "Interesting."

He leaned forward slightly, his presence suffocating. "So let me get this straight… You think you have a say in my affairs?"

My father's jaw clenched.

Damon's voice remained calm, but the weight behind it was undeniable. "Lisa is my wife now. That means her business is my business. And if anyone dares disrespect my wife…"

He paused, his gaze flickering toward Ava and my stepmother, who suddenly seemed very uncomfortable.

"Then they're disrespecting me."

The atmosphere turned ice-cold.

My father swallowed. Even he knew not to push a man like Damon Zichen.

I stepped forward, dragging my suitcase behind me. "I'm ready."

Damon stood up, adjusting his suit jacket with effortless grace. "Good. Let's go."

Ava suddenly spoke up, her voice laced with frustration. "Lisa, you're making a mistake! Do you think a man like Damon will actually love you?"

I smiled, tilting my head. "Oh, Ava… you of all people should know that love was never part of the deal."

Her face paled.

Damon placed a hand on my lower back, guiding me toward the door. "We're done here."

And just like that, we left—leaving behind a house full of people who never truly saw my worth.

The ride to Damon's mansion was silent—but not uncomfortable.

I sat with my hands folded neatly on my lap, staring out the tinted windows.

Damon, seated beside me, didn't speak either. His presence was powerful—commanding without needing words.

Outside, the city lights blurred as we sped toward our destination.

A new life. A new chapter.

The car finally slowed down, pulling into an enormous estate.

As the gates opened, my breath caught.

The Zichen Mansion was nothing short of a palace.

The entire estate was surrounded by high security walls, and the iron gates alone looked like they could withstand an army.

The mansion itself was a masterpiece of modern architecture, with towering glass windows and an aura of untouchable power.

Towering pillars, cascading fountains, and an entire private road leading up to the entrance.

The sheer luxury was overwhelming.

The car stopped, and Caleb—the ever-efficient assistant—opened my door.

"Welcome home, Mrs. Zichen," he said with a polite nod.

Mrs. Zichen.

Hearing it out loud felt... strange.

I stepped out, gripping my suitcase tightly.

The butlers and security guards immediately bowed in respect. "Welcome home, Master Zichen."

Damon exited behind me, walking ahead as the grand doors swung open.

Their eyes briefly flickered to me, but none of them dared to question my presence.

Damon walked ahead, his long strides effortless, as if he was already used to people falling in line behind him.

Inside, the mansion was even more extravagant—gold accents, high ceilings, and a chandelier so massive it looked like something from a royal palace.

A row of butlers and maids stood at attention.

Damon barely spared them a glance as he removed his suit jacket, handing it to one of the staff.

"Show her to her room," he ordered.

I smiled its understandable that we are using different Rooms, but I still ask to clarify. "A separate room?"

He turned, raising a brow. "Did you expect something else?"

I smirked, shaking my head. "Not at all, Mr. Zichen."

His lips twitched slightly, but he said nothing more.

The butler picked up my suitcase and I followed him, but, I could feel Damon's gaze lingering on me.