THE IMMORTAL TRUTH

In the gentle blush of morning, Velma sat up in bed, the light spilling across the linens like honey. She had made her decision. Today, she would visit Daniel's office—not to surprise him, but to speak with Lucian. Something didn't sit right. Something had begun to unravel since the night they learned of Daniel's immortality.

Daniel stirred beside her. As always, he looked impossibly handsome, even in the hazy dawn. She smiled faintly, but her heart was heavy.

He leaned in and kissed her neck, brushing a hand through her hair. "You're thinking too loudly again," he whispered with a playful smile.

She chuckled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I have a lot to think about."

He studied her for a beat and then, in a mischievous tone, added, "Well, before I head out, I think I deserve a proper goodbye."

She rolled her eyes but melted into his touch as he kissed her more deeply, his hands exploring her body with an intimacy born of love and familiarity. They lingered in each other's embrace, savoring the moment. Finally, Daniel got dressed in his tailored suit, kissed her again, and left for the office.

Later that afternoon, Velma stood in the kitchen watching Mrs. Williams, prepare Daniel's favorite lunch. The aroma filled the space—roasted vegetables, lemon-grilled chicken, and soft-baked bread.

"Are you sure he's not going to be too busy to eat today?" Mrs. Williams asked as she packed the meal into a sleek container.

"He's always too busy," Velma replied with a soft laugh. "But he'll eat if I'm there."

With the food in hand, Velma drove to the towering headquarters of Daniel's company. The moment she entered, warm smiles and friendly greetings welcomed her. Being the wife of the CEO came with its perks, but the kindness felt genuine.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Velma!" a receptionist said, beaming.

She nodded in return. "Thank you. Just heading to see my husband."

She walked through the gleaming halls until she reached his office. Daniel looked up from a set of documents, his face lighting up.

"Now there's a sight worth pausing for," he said, rising to greet her.

"I brought lunch," she said, lifting the container.

"Well then, I suppose I have no choice but to be thoroughly seduced by chicken and lemon," he teased.

They sat close, Velma feeding him bites between playful exchanges. He brushed a crumb from her lip and kissed her again. This time, his hand lingered at her waist, pulling her closer. Their conversation melted into soft laughter, quiet flirting, and fleeting touches.

Eventually, she stood. "I'll let you get back to work. I want to see Lucian."

Daniel's brow lifted slightly. "Everything okay?"

She offered him a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Just something I need to ask him."

Daniel nodded. "He's in his office."

She left and made her way down the hall, stopping once more in the executive wing. Lucian's door was slightly ajar. She knocked and stepped inside.

Lucian was typing something on his laptop but looked up immediately, his sharp features softening. "Velma. You look radiant as always."

"I brought food," she said simply, setting the container on his desk.

"A queen, clearly." He smiled and gestured for her to sit. "To what do I owe the honor?"

Velma settled into the chair across from him, folding her hands in her lap. "You knew Daniel was immortal from the start."

Lucian didn't flinch. He simply nodded.

"Then why is everything surfacing now—after the marriage? Why didn't he know before?"

Lucian leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. "Because he is not just immortal, Velma. He is Azarel, the king of the underworld. His power—his true self—was buried deep. Hidden even from him."

Velma felt the words hit like thunder.

Lucian continued, "Marriage bound his soul to yours. It awakened something ancient in him. And the underworld knows now. They've sensed the shift."

Her voice trembled. "So this is why everything's changing."

Luciane nodded again, gravely. "Yes. The veil between worlds has begun to thin."

"And you? Who are you really?"

Lucian hesitated, then answered, "I am not human either. I am immortal as well. I was sent from the underworld years ago. My task was to watch over Azarel—to ensure he remembered who he was when the time came."

Velma stared at him, stunned. The man she thought was just Daniel's PA, his closest friend, was something far more.

"And what now?" she whispered.

Lucian looked at her with deep, ancient eyes. "Now, Velma, the past and the present are merging. And you… you are part of something far greater than you ever imagined."

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