Accidentally Yours, My Super Rich Second Husband-Chapter 157: A Step Closer

Evander led Delphinia through the grand hallways of the Walton estate, his hand casually resting at the small of her back. The house was magnificent—every bit the symbol of old money and refined taste. High ceilings stretched above them, adorned with intricate chandeliers that cast a warm glow over the polished marble floors. The walls were lined with paintings, some of them clearly antique, others modern pieces that blended seamlessly into the sophisticated atmosphere.

"And this," Evander said, pushing open a large wooden door, "is the library."

Delphinia stepped inside, her breath catching. Shelves lined the walls from floor to ceiling, filled with books of all sizes and colors. A tall ladder rested against one of the shelves, and there was a sitting area with deep leather chairs surrounding a grand fireplace.

"This is incredible," she murmured, running her fingers over the spines of a few books. "Did you read a lot growing up?"

Evander chuckled. "Julian did. I was more interested in sports and business, but I did spend time here when my mother forced me to." He smirked at the memory. "She had this rule—before I could go out with friends, I had to read at least one book a month."

Delphinia laughed softly, imagining a younger Evander rolling his eyes at his mother’s rule. "Well, I think she made the right call. This place is magical."

They continued the tour, moving through various rooms—guest suites, the entertainment lounge, even a personal gym. Evander showed her a sunroom with glass walls that overlooked the perfectly manicured gardens.

"This is where my mother spends most of her mornings," he said. "She likes to have her tea here."

Delphinia could see why. The view was stunning, a sea of flowers stretching out toward the horizon, bathed in golden light as the sun began to set.

Before long, it was almost dinner time, and as they returned to the main house, Delphinia turned to Elaine. "Can I help with anything?"

Elaine smiled warmly, shaking her head. "Oh, no, dear. You can relax. Just take it easy, okay?"

Delphinia hesitated. "I don’t mind. I’d really like to help."

But Elaine waved her off with a laugh. "Nonsense. I have everything under control. Just enjoy yourself."

Not wanting to argue, Delphinia nodded. But she felt a bit restless. She didn’t like standing idly by, especially when she was trying so hard to make a good impression.

Wandering through the house, she eventually found herself in the backyard. The evening air was cool, and the sky was painted in hues of pink and orange. She breathed in deeply, feeling a bit more at ease—until she spotted Victor standing near the edge of the garden, gazing at the distant trees.

Her first instinct was to turn around and leave, not wanting to intrude. But before she could, his deep voice stopped her. "Where are you going?"

Delphinia froze before shyly stepping forward. Victor gestured toward the chair beside him. "Sit."

She hesitated for a moment before lowering herself into the chair, clasping her hands together in her lap. She felt small under his gaze, though there was no malice in it. Just quiet observation.

"I don’t hate you," he said suddenly.

Delphinia’s eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by his bluntness. She looked down at her hands, choosing her words carefully. "I... I didn’t think you did."

Delphinia gulped—hard.

It was already nerve-wracking enough to be left alone with Victor Walton, but now he had to go and say that?

Her fingers curled slightly in her lap, gripping the fabric of her dress as she forced herself to keep still. If he had felt the need to say something like that, then that meant he must have noticed something—her nervousness, her hesitation, maybe even the way she kept stealing glances at the door like she was planning an escape route. Great. Just great.

Victor didn’t immediately respond. Instead, he continued to watch her, his sharp gaze unwavering. The silence stretched, making her shoulders tense further.

"You seem uncomfortable," he observed.

Delphinia let out a nervous laugh. "Oh, no. I—I’m just—"

Victor scoffed lightly, but there was no harshness to it. "You did. I could see it in the way you avoid me. In how careful you are with your words when we’re in the same room."

She bit her lip. "I just... I wasn’t sure where we stood. I know how much family means to you, and I wasn’t sure if you approved of me."

Victor was silent for a moment, then sighed. "You’re right about one thing. Family is everything to me. That’s why I was surprised when Evander married you so suddenly. It’s not like him to make impulsive decisions."

Delphinia swallowed. "I understand. And I know it must have seemed strange. But..." She hesitated. "I love your son. And I love Ashton. I would never do anything to hurt them."

Victor turned his head to look at her, his sharp gaze assessing her sincerity. "Time will tell."

Though his words weren’t exactly warm, there was a shift in his tone—less cold, more neutral. And that was something.

A comfortable silence settled between them as the wind rustled through the garden. Delphinia felt a little lighter, as if a weight had been lifted from her chest. Maybe, just maybe, she was making progress.

She stood up, ready to leave him be. "I should go help with dinner."

Delphinia offered a polite smile, but as she turned away, she sighed inwardly.

Sorry for the little lie, Mr. Walton, she apologized in her heart. But I really just need to escape.

She wasn’t sure why, but being alone with him made her feel like she was under a microscope, every twitch and breath analyzed. And sure, he’d said he didn’t hate her, but that didn’t mean he particularly liked her either.

As she turned, Victor spoke again. "Delphinia."

She paused, looking back at him.

His expression was unreadable, but his words carried weight. "Call me Victor."

Surprise flickered across her face before she smiled—a genuine, bright smile. "Alright... Victor."

And with that, she walked away, her heart a little lighter than before.