The streets stretched long and quiet, the dim glow of streetlights flickering against the pavement. Lucien and Evelyn walked side by side, their steps in sync but their thoughts scattered.
After everything that had happened—Caius' interference, the attack, and Lucien's sudden public confession—Evelyn wasn't sure what she was supposed to feel. Her heart was still racing from the night's events.
She stole a glance at Lucien. His expression was unreadable, as usual, but his posture was relaxed, his hands tucked in his pockets. It almost felt like nothing had changed for him.
Except everything had.
"…Did you really have to say it like that?" Evelyn finally broke the silence.
Lucien didn't look at her but responded, "What part?"
She rolled her eyes. "You know what part."
He let out a slow breath. "I meant what I said."
Evelyn's fingers curled around the strap of her bag. Her face felt warm, but she quickly looked away before he could notice. "I… I haven't even given you an answer yet."
"I know." His voice was calm. "I'll wait."
That simple statement made her heart skip a beat. Lucien wasn't the type to say things he didn't mean. He had been serious about his confession.
And now, she was the one who wasn't sure what to say.
The silence between them wasn't uncomfortable, but it carried an unspoken weight.
She sighed. "You're impossible."
Lucien finally glanced at her, a flicker of amusement in his usually sharp eyes. "You're not the first to say that."
Evelyn scoffed, shaking her head, but despite herself, she smiled.
As they neared her house, she spotted a figure standing outside, arms crossed.
Her father.
Richard Mercer was waiting at the entrance, his sharp gaze immediately locking onto them. The moment Evelyn saw him, she tensed. "Oh no… he's been waiting."
Lucien remained unfazed. "Expected."
Richard took a step forward as they approached. His gaze swept over Evelyn first, scanning for any injuries, before shifting to Lucien. His expression was unreadable, but there was a flicker of relief underneath.
"You're late," Richard said.
"There was an incident," Evelyn quickly explained.
"I heard." Richard's voice was neutral, but his keen eyes searched for more answers.
Lucien met his gaze steadily. "She's safe."
Richard exhaled slightly, but before Evelyn could stop him, Lucien spoke again.
"I confessed to her."
A sharp silence followed.
Evelyn's breath caught in her throat. "Lucien—"
Richard arched a brow, his gaze sharpening as he studied Lucien. "Is that so?"
Lucien didn't waver. "Yes."
Evelyn, still struggling to process everything, felt Richard's gaze shift toward her. She quickly looked away, her face heating up.
Richard smirked slightly before turning back to Lucien. "And now you're here for my blessing?"
Lucien nodded, as if the answer was obvious. "Yes."
Richard studied him for a long moment before letting out a low chuckle. "Well, that's bold of you."
Evelyn's stomach twisted in nervousness. This was happening way too fast.
Richard glanced at her again, noting how she was still flustered, then turned back to Lucien.
"Come inside. Let's talk first."
Without hesitation, Lucien stepped forward. Evelyn hesitated, but seeing no way out, she reluctantly followed.
The house was quiet, save for the ticking of the clock in the grand living room. The atmosphere felt heavier than usual.
Richard took a seat, motioning for Lucien to do the same. Evelyn sat nearby, her hands gripping the hem of her skirt.
"So," Richard leaned back, crossing his legs. "You confess to my daughter in front of the entire school, then bring her home safely. And now, you want my blessing."
Lucien nodded. "That's right."
Richard chuckled under his breath. "Straightforward as ever."
Evelyn, still overwhelmed, finally spoke up. "Dad—"
Richard held up a hand. "I want to hear from him first." His gaze returned to Lucien. "Tell me, do you love her?"
Evelyn's eyes widened. "Dad!"
Lucien, however, didn't flinch. His gaze was unwavering. "…Yes."
Silence.
Richard observed him carefully, then sighed. "That's a strong word. Do you even understand what it means?"
Lucien didn't hesitate. "I understand enough to know I want to protect her."
Richard smirked, but his eyes softened slightly. "You're confident."
Evelyn was still trying to process everything when Richard finally turned to her.
"Well?" he asked. "What's your answer?"
Her heart pounded. She had spent so much time trying to figure it out herself, and now, with both her father and Lucien watching her, it felt impossible to form words.
She looked at Lucien. His blue-gray eyes were calm, waiting—just like he said he would.
Evelyn's lips parted slightly. "…I—"
Her heart pounded, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. Lucien's gaze held hers, steady and unwavering. He wasn't demanding an answer, wasn't pressuring her. He was simply waiting.
Richard, too, watched her expectantly, though his gaze carried something else—an unspoken understanding.
Evelyn clenched her hands together, trying to calm the storm inside her chest. The words were there, right at the tip of her tongue.
She took a breath.
"…Yes."
Lucien's eyes narrowed slightly, as if processing her answer.
"Yes?" he repeated, his voice quiet, careful.
She swallowed, her grip on her skirt tightening. "Yes."
A pause.
And then—something in Lucien's usually unreadable expression shifted. Subtly. Almost imperceptibly. But she saw it.
Relief.
Richard exhaled, leaning back in his seat. "Well. That settles that."
Evelyn let out a shaky breath. She hadn't realized how tense she was until the words had left her lips.
Lucien remained composed, but there was something different now. Something softer in his stance.
Richard stood. "You've done a lot tonight, Lucien. I won't keep you longer. But before you go…"
Lucien rose as well, waiting.
Richard studied him for a moment, then extended a hand.
Lucien hesitated for only a second before clasping it firmly.
Richard's grip was strong. A silent exchange passed between them—one of understanding, of trust.
"Take care of her," Richard said simply.
Lucien gave a small nod. "I will."
Evelyn's chest tightened at those words.
Richard let go of Lucien's hand and turned to Evelyn. "And you—don't give this guy too much trouble."
Evelyn huffed, crossing her arms. "No promises."
Lucien exhaled quietly, something almost amused flickering across his face.
Richard chuckled. "Good answer." He took a step back. "Alright, go on then. It's late."
Lucien turned toward Evelyn, their eyes meeting once more. This time, there was something different. Something new.
"…I'll see you at school," he said.
Evelyn's lips curled slightly. "Yeah."
And with that, Lucien turned and walked toward the door.
Richard watched him leave, his expression unreadable. When the door clicked shut behind Lucien, he finally sighed.
"That boy is serious about you."
Evelyn swallowed. "…I know."
Richard smirked slightly. "And you're serious about him?"
She exhaled softly, staring at the door. Then, with a small smile—
"…Yeah."
End of Chapter 46.