ARIANA

I forced a smile, struggling to conceal the unease twisting in my gut.

Lucian's wife, however, was far less amused. Her gaze was like icy daggers, each one piercing straight through me. I wanted to look away, but I held her stare, refusing to let her see how much she intimidated me.

"Shall we?" Lucian's voice shattered the tense silence. He extended an arm toward the grand staircase that spiralled up to the upper floors. Without waiting for a response, he led the way, his wife following closely behind.

My husband's grip on my waist tightened as we began to ascend the stairs. I could feel his tension—the way...