Felicia laughed, unsure if Stephan was joking. But as she glanced at him, she saw only his flawless profile: sharp jawline, high nose, thin lips—an air of untouchable perfection. His slender neck disappeared into his shirt collar, only his Adam's apple visible beneath the shadows. His face held no humor; he was deadly serious.
Felicia's smile faded, replaced by resigned indulgence. "Today's next week," she said softly. "The weekend. The city clerk's office isn't open. Let's wait until then."
Stephan responded, "Today. Right now. I'll have them come back to work. It's simple. It won't take long."
Felicia wasn't unwilling; it felt rushed. Everything was happening too fast. It wasn't that she didn't want to marry Stephan; if it gave him security, she'd gladly do it. "But I don't have all my documents," she said with a playful smile, gently shaking his arm. "They're still in Khogend. Next week, okay?"
Stephan's dark eyes, deep and brooding, bore into hers. He stared silently, his gaze reflecting Felicia, shadowed by an indescribable complexity—like storm clouds rolling across the ocean.
After a long moment, he faintly smiled. "Fine."
He agreed, but his unhappiness was evident. Felicia sensed a shift in his emotions—something beyond simple upset. She wanted to ask, but her phone buzzed.
A text from Scarlet: "Maurice is awake."
Relief turned to worry with the next message: "But things don't look good." If Scarlet said things didn't look good, the situation was far worse than Felicia anticipated. She knew the temporary suppression of the venomous creature within Maurice wasn't permanent; severe aftereffects were inevitable. Felicia had left Scarlet to watch Maurice at the hotel while she checked on Imogen at the hospital. Scarlet was to report any updates; now, Maurice's condition had worsened.
Felicia slipped her phone away. Looking up, she saw Stephan's sharp eyes glancing at her screen. He hadn't seen much, but "Maurice" had caught his attention. So, Felicia was worried about him? About Maurice, the untrustworthy liar?
Before Stephan could speak, Felicia said, "I have to leave for a couple of days. When I'm back next week, no matter what you want, I'll agree to it."
Without waiting for a response, she kissed his chin and left. Stephan's subordinates and bodyguards surrounded the hospital; none dared to stop Felicia—not while Stephan was present. She left smoothly.
Unbeknownst to her, a discreet group began following her the moment she left the building. Twice, Felicia turned, her instincts warning her of someone trailing her. Each time, a casual glance revealed nothing unusual.