Chapter 2.

Ever since that first night, Damien Blackwell's name kept spinning in Lydia's mind. She didn't want to think about it, but every step inside the mansion reminded her of his piercing gaze.

The days passed quickly. William was rarely home, too busy with business matters and long meetings that seemed more important than his future wife. Lydia was left to spend time in her room, occasionally accompanied by servants who were more silent than talkative.

However, behind the silence of the house, Lydia began to hear whispers. The servants often whispered softly when they thought Lydia wasn't listening. Damien's name always came up amongst the secret sighs.

"What a shame, yes. He was the most talented."

"If it wasn't for that incident, he would have been sitting in Mr. William's position by now."

"Shh! Don't let anyone hear."

Lydia pretended not to care, but her curiosity was growing. What had happened to Damien? Why was he ostensibly removed from this family?

One night, Lydia couldn't sleep. She decided to walk the long corridor, letting her feet carry her aimlessly. The chandelier shone dimly, creating strange shadows on the walls.

From behind a half open door, she heard the soft sounds of a piano. Lydia was startled. The notes were not just music. there was pain, longing, and hurt running through every beat.

She peeked out. Inside, Damien sat at the big black piano, his head slightly bowed, his fingers dancing on the keys with unexpected tenderness.

His face was no longer cynical, but calm yet fragile. There was something there, a side that was never shown in front of others. Lydia's chest felt tight. It was as if she was peeking into a secret that she shouldn't know.

When the song ended, Damien closed the piano slowly. In an instant, he turned his head towards the door. His gaze met Lydia's.

He stood up, walking over. Lydia wanted to leave immediately, but Damien's pace was faster. The door opened, and he stood there, his shadow waiting.

"Enjoying the show?" he asked, his tone sharp but soft at the end.

"I was... just passing by," Lydia tried to remain calm.

Damien frowned, then smiled sarcastically. "Just passing by, or intentionally listening?"

Lydia's cheeks turned red. She didn't answer, just looked down. Damien gave a short laugh, but his eyes were not cruel. "Be careful, Lydia. In this house, there are too many things you'd rather not hear."

---

A few days later, Lydia attended a social event with the Blackwell family. She stood next to William, who looked perfect with his diplomatic smile. Lydia tried to play the sweet bride-to-be, even though her heart was empty.

However, while she was chatting with the female guests, someone approached. A beautiful woman in a fiery red dress and a killer smile.

"Oh, so this is William's future wife," she said in a loud voice, enough to attract the attention of those around her. "Looks like I'm the only one he's ever promised everything to."

Some of the guests were shocked, whispering. Lydia's face was pale. The woman continued, "I hope you don't suffer the same fate as me. being left behind after being used as a tool."

A small laugh rang out. Lydia's blood boiled, her eyes burning. She wanted to argue, wanted to retort, but her tongue felt stiff.

Suddenly, a heavy voice cut in. "Funny, seeing someone so desperate for attention."

All heads turned. Damien stood behind Lydia, his gaze penetrating the woman in the red dress.

"If you were ever important to William, surely you wouldn't waste time insulting his future wife in public," he said calmly, but coldly. "You're just making yourself look small."

The woman's face flushed. She backed away with a stiff smile, then left without saying anything.

Lydia was still trembling, but Damien's hand that briefly touched her back calmed her down a little. She turned her head, wanting to say thank you, but Damien had already left without looking back.

---

That night, Lydia found Damien in the park. She approached.

"Thank you... for earlier," she said softly.

Damien looked at her sharply. "Don't get me wrong. I'm not doing you a favor. I just hate cheap drama."

Lydia suppressed a small smile. "Still, I'm grateful."

Damien sighed, then said seriously, "Be careful with William. He's not the man you think he is."

That remark made Lydia pause. "What do you mean?"

"If you're smart, don't trust him too much. That's all." Damien turned around, leaving her without further explanation.

---

The following days, Lydia saw William less and less. He was always traveling, coming home late at night or even not coming home at all. She began to feel lonely, drowning in the silence of the big house that never felt like home.

And in the midst of the silence, Damien always appeared in the hallway, in the library, in the garden. Sometimes just a glimpse, sometimes long enough to exchange a few words.

One afternoon, Lydia found Damien in the library. He sat reading, while the afternoon light hit his face.

Lydia took a book from the shelf, pretending to be busy. But Damien's uplifted gaze mesmerized her. Their eyes met, long, too long.

Her heart was beating fast. She felt guilty, as if that look alone was a betrayal. She hurriedly looked down and left without saying anything.

---

The next night, Lydia heard voices outside. She went out into the courtyard and found Damien staggering, blood dripping from his temples.

"Damien!" Lydia ran over. "What happened?"

"None of your business," he replied gruffly, though his body was shaking.

"I don't care. You need help." Lydia took his arm, helping him into the house.

In the small room, she cleaned her wounds with trembling hands. Damien was silent, just staring at her with dark eyes that she couldn't read.

When they got too close, Lydia felt her chest tighten. The smell of blood mixed with soap filled the room, and Damien's finger unconsciously stopped at her cheek.

Damien stiffened, looking at her deeply. For a moment, it was as if the world stopped.

However, he quickly backed away. "Don't come near me, Lydia."

---

Time passed. Lydia faltered more and more. William felt distant, full of lies. Damien... though rude, was at least honest. She felt more cared for by the man called "shadow" than her own future husband.

However, everything came crashing down when William came home unexpectedly. That night, Lydia sat with Damien in the living room. Their conversation was light, but the intimacy was palpable.

The door opened; William entered with a suspicious look. "What are you doing?"

Lydia stood up quickly. "I was... reading a book. Damien happened to be passing by."

William looked deeply at the two, his eyes narrowed. However, he said nothing more. He simply walked to his room, leaving the tension hanging.

Lydia breathed a sigh of relief, about to leave. However, before she could take a step, Damien grabbed her wrist.

"Lydia," his voice was low, almost a whisper. "You're too innocent to stay here."

Their eyes met. For a moment, Lydia felt herself being sucked deeper into Damien's world. a world that was dark, dangerous, but honest.

And her heart fluttered.