Ariana spent most of the morning in a quiet haze, still adjusting to the idea that she would be moving into Damian's room that night.
Every time she remembered the way he had said "I want you there", her stomach fluttered with something warm and confusing.
She was in the sitting room arranging a vase of flowers when she heard footsteps approaching.
Mr. Sato rounded the corner, holding a sealed envelope.
Before Ariana could worry, Damian appeared behind him.
Instantly, his eyes went to her.
She offered a soft smile.
He returned a faint one — and for a moment, the world felt peaceful.
But then Mr. Sato bowed.
"Sir, this just arrived. Marked urgent."
Damian didn't even glance at Ariana this time.
His tone changed subtly — polite, but firm.
"Mr. Sato. My study."
Then he turned to Ariana, his expression softening again.
"Ariana," he said gently, "I'll be right back."
Her heart eased.
"Okay," she whispered.
He brushed his fingers lightly against her arm as he passed — a reassurance, a silent don't worry — then disappeared with Mr. Sato into the study.
The door closed quietly behind them.
Ariana let out a slow breath.
She appreciated that Damian no longer discussed heavy matters in front of her.
It made her feel… protected.
Not shut out.
Protected.
She returned to her vase, but her hands trembled slightly.
She couldn't lie to herself — she worried.
Every time he was called away, her mind filled with questions.
After several long minutes, Damian finally returned.
He walked straight to her, stopping close enough that she could feel his warmth.
"Ariana."
She looked up quickly.
He reached for her hand, threading his fingers through hers.
"There's something you should know," he said gently.
Her heart raced.
"Is it about me?" she asked quietly.
"Yes."
He squeezed her hand lightly.
"And I want you to hear it from me."
Ariana nodded, bracing herself.
Damian spoke calmly, reassuringly — but with enough honesty to respect her right to know.
"Last night's intrusion wasn't random," he said.
"The same person from the elite circle — Roseline Hartford — tried something else."
Ariana froze.
"T-Tried what?"
"She attempted to bribe someone near the estate for information about your movements."
Ariana's breath caught.
Damian's thumb brushed soothingly over her knuckles.
"It was stopped before anything happened. And before you panic… it's already handled."
Ariana swallowed hard.
"Handled how?"
Damian's gaze softened.
He did not look away.
"You don't need to worry about that part," he said quietly.
"What matters is that she won't come near you again."
Ariana nodded, her chest tightening.
She didn't need details.
She didn't want to imagine what Damian was capable of when pushed.
She only wanted to know she was safe.
Damian seemed to read her thoughts.
He lowered his voice.
"Ariana… I'll always tell you when the danger is about you."
A pause.
"But I won't tell you how I deal with it. You're not meant to carry that."
Her eyes stung with emotion.
"You're protecting me… from the world and from the weight of it," she whispered.
"Yes."
He lifted her hand and pressed a soft kiss to her wrist.
"Because you deserve peace."
Ariana's heart trembled.
She felt small and cherished at the same time.
"Damian… am I really worth all this trouble?"
He leaned closer, his forehead brushing hers gently.
"You are worth more than anything I've ever fought for," he whispered.
Ariana's breath escaped shakily.
She had no words.
But Damian didn't need them.
He straightened slightly.
"Come," he said softly.
"I want to show you something."
Ariana blinked.
"What is it?"
Damian offered his hand.
"To my room."
Her heart skipped.
She placed her hand in his — warm, strong, certain — and let him lead her deeper into the mansion.
Her new place.
Beside him.