"Since you've already made up your mind, you don't have to ask me," Lucas said gently.

Aurora gave him a disapproving look. "Of course I do. We're husband and wife. We make decisions together, not alone."

Something flickered in Lucas' eyes, a warmth that softened his expression. "Aurora, you really are something else. Hearing you say that means a lot to me."

Before she could respond, he pulled her into his arms, holding her close.

"What's so special about that?" she murmured, amused.

Sometimes she truly didn't understand him. Things that felt completely ordinary to her somehow touched him deeply. Still, she made a silent decision in her heart—she’d treat him even better from now on.

He was far too easy to move; if she wasn’t careful, someone else might try to steal him away. And she wasn’t about to let that happen.

What Aurora didn’t know, though, was that to everyone else, Lucas was known as the Grim Reaper–cold, untouchable, and utterly ruthless. The only person he ever showed this side to was her.

Even Desmond often wanted to laugh whenever Aurora fretted about someone "stealing" her husband. If only she knew—no one else would dare get close enough to try.

“So,” Aurora said, looking up at him expectantly. “We’ll go this weekend then?”

“Of course.” Lucas smiled. “I told you, I’ll go whenever you want. I’ll follow your lead.”

“Good.” Aurora leaned contentedly against his chest.

Weekend.

The Walton residence.

Grace had been preparing since morning, making sure every dish was perfect before Aurora and Lucas arrived.

Tessa sat gracefully on the sofa, posture immaculate, her face calm and unreadable.

Not far away, Arnold kept his head down, his eyes fixed on his work, pretending to see and hear nothing at all.

Arnold had seen through Tessa completely by now.

Whatever illusion he’d once had about her was gone.

As long as he kept his distance and didn’t provoke her, he could keep his job at the Waltons’ without trouble.

Still, he couldn’t shake the feeling that tonight’s family dinner would be a quiet test for him as well.

After a moment’s hesitation, he decided not to dwell on it.

It would be safer not to tell Aurora anything–perhaps just a subtle warning if the chance arose.

If Tessa ever found out he’d spoken out of turn, she’d see to it that he was gone before sunrise.

With Grace’s current favoritism toward her eldest daughter, it wasn’t hard to guess who would win that battle. He was only a servant, after all; he knew exactly where he stood.

When Aurora and Lucas arrived, she immediately sensed something was off. There were far more people gathered near the entrance than usual.

She exchanged a glance with Lucas, and the two walked forward together. It didn’t take long for her to piece it together–Grace must have arranged this little show of welcome because of Lucas' status.

In the past, when Aurora came home, her mother had never once bothered to come out to greet her, much less gather the staff by the door.

But now, Grace’s warmth was unmistakable–too deliberate and eager.

Anyone with eyes could see it. Grace’s sudden enthusiasm wasn’t about family; it was about advantage. She clearly wanted something from Lucas.

As they stepped through the gates, Aurora’s stomach tightened. For a moment, she almost wanted to turn back.

But before she could say a word, Lucas glanced at her, reading the thought instantly in her eyes.