Chapter 18
Calliope’s POV
I turned and met Lucian’s gaze, feeling a familiar wave of resignation. He had overheard my conversation with Thaddeus. Once again, this infuriating man managed to upend my life.
“Did you really mean what you said?” Lucian asked.
His eyes held a mixture of concern that I couldn’t quite decipher, leaving me uncertain if he would stand by me or disappear the moment I confessed.
Thaddeus, with unexpected venom, suddenly interjected, “Yes, Lucian. She’s barren, so leave her alone. She’s my wife!”
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Shocked by his vicious words, I barely registered his grip on my hand, his eyes wide with a frantic intensity. “Let’s go home, Calliope. I’m the only one who would stay with you. No one else would marry a barren woman.”
Before I could shake off his hold, Lucian was at my side, delivering a powerful blow that sent Thaddeus sprawling to the ground.
“You son of a bitch!” Lucian growled.
I had never seen Lucian so furious. Fearful he’d go too far, I pulled him away after a series of relentless punches.
“That’s enough” I pleaded.
Breathing heavily, Lucian met my eyes, his expression softening. “I’m so sorry you had
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to witness that, he said, straightening his shirt. “I just couldn’t endure him speaking that way about my wife.”
My eyes widened with unshed tears. “Your wife?”
Lucian smiled faintly. “Of course. Unless you no longer want me.”
“You still want to be with me even though I can’t have children?” I asked, my voice wavering.
He shrugged, his gaze steady. “I want to be with you, Calliope, regardless of circumstances, no matter what the future holds.”
Overwhelmed, tears spilled down my cheeks. “Oh my gosh, I don’t deserve you.”
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Lucian kissed my forehead, shaking his head gently. “No, my love, I don’t deserve you. This world doesn’t deserve someone as kind and beautiful as you. You deserve every good thing, and if you let me, I want to spend my life making you happy.”
Tears streamed down my face as I embraced him, joy bubbling up as butterflies danced in my stomach. I never thought I’d feel this way again.
“Fine! I’ll make it up to you, Calliope, whether you like it or not, Thaddeus muttered. He rose with a battered face, glancing at me with a bitter smile. “You know I love you.”
I scoffed. “If you want to make it up to me, Thaddeus, go set yourself on fire. I don’t ever want to breathe the same air as you.”
With a bitter smile, he staggered out of the
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house. I turned to Lucian, confessing, “I was terrified to tell you yesterday. That’s why I ran.”
He frowned. “You thought I’d end our marriage because of this? As long as you want me, I’ll always be here.”
His words were music to my ears, almost too good to be true. But I knew he was the right man for me because he’d stayed through my darkest moments without flinching.
“I’m so lucky to have you,” I said, smiling.
He chuckled. “No, I’m the lucky one.”
“I need you to understand, Lucian. The doctor said there’s a strong possibility I may never have children. We might not have our own family!”
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Lucian shrugged. “And there’s still a possibility that we will. Whatever happens, we have options–surrogacy, IVF, adoption. Don’t stress over what we can’t control.”
I started to smile when suddenly, Leander’s voice broke through. “Just kiss already!”
We burst into laughter, seeing my parents and Leander spying on us through the window. Lucian wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me close.
The kiss was everything–it was warm, electric, a testament to his promise to stand by me, whatever happened.
When we finally pulled apart, Lucian said, “I came to tell you my parents insist on another wedding, so both families can attend.”
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My parents emerged, shouting their agreement.
