Chapter 494
Chapter 494
Lylah’s POV
The crisp Moonclaw air carried the scent of pine and wild earth as I stepped out of the estate. The chill nipped at my skin, still damp from my shower. When I had woken earlier, the bedroom had been empty. Ezra’s side of the bed was already cold.
Rather than linger upstairs, I had quickly dressed and gone searching for him.
The estate was far livelier than the penthouse. Maids moved through the halls, servants attended to their duties, and everywhere I went, respectful greetings followed in my wake. It felt so alive in a way I wasn’t accustomed to.
Then I spotted him.
Ezra stood near the sprawling front lawn, speaking with the butler.
My heart gave a small, familiar flutter.
“Ezra p>
His head turned immediately.
The stern focus he had worn during his conversation softened. He gave a subtle nod to the butler, dismissing him before striding toward me.
When he reached me, his hand settled naturally against my waist before he pulled me into a brief embrace. Warm lips brushed my forehead.
A greeting.
A reassurance.
A silent promise that everything was alright.
Still, guilt lingered.
“You must have found me in a terrible state last night,” I admitted. “I’m sorry. I…” I frowned, trying to piece together fragmented memories. “I wanted to welcome you properly. I wanted us to talk, but I don’t think any of that happened the way I planned p>
A faint smile touched his lips.
“Don’t worry about it.” His voice was calm, gentle. “I spoke with Damon. He explained that Vargan suggested you come here. And regarding the wine and the lingerie, I already know Tiara
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was behind that idea p>
Heat instantly crept into my cheeks.
“Though,” he said, amusement threading through his voice, “I would be lying if I said I didn’t like seeing my mate in it. You were so beautiful p>
My face grew even warmer.
I looked away.
“Actually…Tiara didn’t force me p>
The amusement faded slightly from his expression. “No p>
I shook my head. “It was my decision p>
“You chose to drink the wine?” His brows drew together. “As far as I know, you’ve never liked alcohol p>
I rubbed my neck sheepishly. “That’s true p>
“Then why p>
The answer felt embarrassing even now. “For courage p>
“Courage p>
I nodded.
The memory returned with surprising clarity.
“When I opened the box, I was shocked too. I even called Tiara and asked what she was thinking. She said reconciliation could be intense. That if I wanted to properly make up with you, I might need something to boost my confidence p>
A low, suspicious growl seemed to rumble somewhere deep inside Ezra’s chest.
I chose to ignore it.
“She said she knew that if I stayed completely sober, I’d never be brave enough to…” My voice trailed off.
A knowing look entered his eyes.
“To seduce me p>
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His smile widened.
I pointed an accusing finger at his chest. “And that’s not entirely my fault. You left the penthouse looking so upset p>
His expression softened.
I continued before he could interrupt. “You’ve never been like that before, Ezra. The way you looked before you left…” I lowered my gaze. “I didn’t know what to do p>
A strange silence settled between us.
The wind swept across the lawn, carrying the scents of the surrounding forest.
“I thought you’d come back feeling the same way,” I admitted quietly. “And I had no idea how to make things better.” My fingers twisted together. “So I drank the wine. And I wore the lingerie because…” I exhaled. “Because I thought if you saw me like that, maybe you’d soften p>
For a heartbeat, Ezra simply stared at me.
Then his shoulders shook.
A low chuckle escaped him.
The chuckle quickly became laughter.
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17:03 Mon, Jun 15
The Betrayed Princess Rising