Chapter 49

“Asher…” Thalia whispered.

His lips brushed her cheek. “I’m here.”

“About Davenport, and the fight with Drake…” she hesitated. “If your family knew you nearly killed someone because of me, would they call off our engagement?”

Asher kissed her forehead. “They won’t find out. I won’t let that happen.”

She lowered her eyes, her voice small. “You shouldn’t risk everything for me.”

“Lia,” he tilted her chin up, making her meet his gaze. “You’re worth everything. You matter more to me than my own life.”

His dark eyes burned with intensity. Thalia froze, overwhelmed by his depth of feeling. Her eyelashes fluttered, fresh tears welling. She was terrified—not of him, but for him. The thought of him imprisoned because of her ached in her heart.

“Why more tears?” His voice gently drew her back.

She pouted. “Then wipe them away.”

His thumb gently brushed her cheek. Suddenly, she wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her face in his chest like a small cat seeking comfort. Asher’s heart melted.

“You smell nice,” she murmured against him.

He chuckled. “Enjoy it then.”

“Kiss me,” she whispered.

Asher thought he’d misheard. He held her shoulders, looking into her eyes. “What did you say?”

Blushing crimson, she bit her lip. “Kiss me…”

His lips met hers instantly. For her first kiss, Thalia froze, unsure how to respond. Her heart thundered. Asher kissed her gently. When his breathing grew uneven, he pulled away. Thalia saw his flushed face and darkened eyes.

“Why did you stop?” she asked dazedly.

“You should rest,” he managed, struggling for composure. “If we continue…”

Thalia understood, her face burning. “Goodnight then. Be careful going home.”

He gazed at her intently. “So sweet.”

“What?”

His finger brushed her lips. “Here. So sweet.”

Thalia’s body tingled. She fled to her bedroom. “Goodnight!”

Watching her retreat, Asher smiled tenderly.

The next day, Thalia prepared to visit the Blackwood estate for dinner. The Blackwood and Winters estates were in the same exclusive Kensington neighborhood. Thalia stopped at her family home first. Randolph and Victoria were both there. “Where have you been staying?” her father asked.

Now knowing the truth about her father’s remarriage—that it had been her mother’s wish—Thalia’s manner toward him had softened.

“In the flat Alexander gave me,” she replied. “It’s near the firm, convenient for work.”

Randolph nodded. “When you have time, I’d like to introduce you to some associates. Good connections for your practice.”

Appreciating his offer, she didn’t refuse. “Next weekend would work.”

Lucy came running down the stairs, wrapping her arms around Thalia’s legs. “Sister, you’re back!”

Thalia patted her head affectionately. “Yes.”

Victoria warmly inquired about her life. Instead of her usual coldness, Thalia simply nodded. “I need to get some things from upstairs.”

As she left, Victoria turned to Randolph. “Did you notice? She seems different—her attitude toward us has softened.”

Randolph nodded with relief. “She’s growing up, moving past childish resentments.”

In her bedroom, Thalia changed clothes and approached her dressing table. There she found a crayon drawing—a family portrait showing four happy figures. She stared at it, emotions welling up. Lucy had drawn their family: Randolph and Victoria on the sides, Thalia as the taller girl in the middle, and Lucy as the smaller one. After a long moment, she rolled up the drawing and placed it in her keepsake box.

Properly dressed in an apricot-colored dress with white heels—an outfit chosen to please the older generation—she joined her family. Lucy wore a red dress with her hair in two buns, adorned with strawberry clips. The sisters walked ahead with their parents following as they entered the Blackwood estate. Asher himself came to greet them.

Inside, Lord and Lady Blackwood welcomed them warmly. Grace stood beside them, making polite conversation. Thalia’s eyes passed over her without expression. Dinner was lavish, clearly arranged with care—every dish a favorite of Thalia’s.

Afterwards, the families gathered in the drawing room to discuss engagement details. Before Lady Blackwood could begin, Asher spoke. “Now that we’re all here, there’s something that needs addressing.”

All eyes turned to him.

“Grace,” his voice was cold, “apologize to Thalia.”

Grace’s eyes widened, her lips trembling.

“Asher!” Lady Blackwood’s tone was disapproving.

Ignoring her, Asher fixed Grace with a penetrating stare. “I said apologize. Did you not hear me?”

Lady Blackwood looked bewildered. “What’s happening?”

“Tell everyone about the incident at the riding grounds,” Asher said, his voice icy.

Grace’s face paled as she looked pleadingly toward Lady Blackwood. “Grandmother…”

“Asher, Grace has already explained that incident to me,” the elderly woman said. “It was a misunderstanding. Don’t be harsh with her.”

Thalia’s lips twitched slightly, but she remained silent. Randolph and Victoria exchanged confused glances. “Why does Grace need to apologize?” Randolph whispered to Thalia. “What happened?”

“Let’s see what she says,” Thalia replied evenly.

Asher’s patience was wearing thin. “Grace Bennett, tell everyone exactly what happened that day. If you hide anything, I’ll tell them myself.”