Chapter 73

Silas hadn’t even spoken yet, and Calliope was already feeling restless. These people clearly had no sense of self-preservation. Did they really think they could threaten Silas?

After all, the whole marriage thing was something she had begged Silas for. She was already thanking her lucky stars that he agreed to marry her, so how could she dare to have too many demands from him?

He was the wealthiest man in Capitalton, the one everyone held in awe, the Prince of Capitalton. Not just in Capitalton—across the entire country, even the world—his name carried weight and respect. She didn’t know all the details of his background, but she was very aware that he was anything but ordinary.

To Silas, they probably seemed as insignificant as ants. If he wanted, he could crush them with ease. “Archie and Portia have had too much to drink!” Calliope stood up with a forced smile, grabbing Silas by the arm. “Sorry about this, your friends are probably waiting for you too. Let’s get out of here!”

Silas rose, guided by Calliope’s insistent tug. His gaze was deep as he looked at Archie, sensing the hostility in his eyes, a sentiment that was all too familiar to him as a man. Archie’s demeanor was tinged with jealousy and threaded with a hint of threat.

Silas took a glance at him, then at Portia and Mavis. “I’ll always take responsibility for my wife.”

After that, Calliope hurriedly led Silas out, fearing more than anything that Portia and Archie might foolishly dance on the edge of disaster.

“Don’t mind them; they’re just concerned about me! Whatever Portia said about some ‘first love,’ I won’t take it to heart, and I won’t pry either. I know you’re helping me because I once helped you, so we’re even. We have an agreement, and while you might indulge me, I understand. I’ve said before, you can ask me to leave anytime. If the woman you truly love returns, I’ll leave without hesitation, no hard feelings, and no complaints.”

Calliope always felt like she was occupying the place of someone more special, which left her feeling somewhat guilty. Silas’s secret was something no one knew, and she wasn’t keen on knowing more.

Silas didn’t say anything; he just looked at Calliope intently, his eyes darkened and carrying a hint of displeasure. Her eagerness to leave and the fear she showed towards him didn’t sit well with him. Her words about leaving at any moment or stepping aside if necessary left him feeling oppressed. She said those things because she didn’t care about him. If she really did care, she would cling to him as she did with Gideon, refusing to let go no matter what.

“Are you upset?”

Seeing Silas remain silent, Calliope grew even more anxious. She was usually fearless, but she had a certain respect for Silas. She dreaded upsetting him.

“Are you really that afraid of me?” Silas’s voice was low and slightly husky as he looked directly at her. He had never been harsh with her. Yet, she always seemed to maintain a distant and respectful attitude towards him.

Calliope blinked at Silas. “Just a little…”

“Why?”

“Can’t really say.” Calliope pressed her lips, testing the waters as she added, “I suppose no one isn't a little intimidated by you?”

“You don’t have to be,” Silas reached up to smooth her hair. “You’re Mrs. Myers. You can do whatever you want.”

“Even with you?” Calliope asked, surprised.

“Yes.” Silas’s eyes softened with a hint of affection. “As long as you want. You can boss me around, teach me a lesson, do anything you please. You’re Mrs. Myers now; you’re not just anyone else.”

Chapter 74