Flash Marriage: In His Eyes-Chapter 276: First Heart Break?

–Damon–

I pushed the card toward Caine after the team successfully retrieved the container van—with Livana’s help. Everyone who participated in that mission would receive a bonus. I was satisfied that not a single man abandoned us when it mattered.

"Treat them well," I instructed, my voice even. "Including Livana’s soldiers."

"Sure," Caine said, rising. "Deanne and I will be leaving first. She has her checkup tomorrow."

I nodded once.

"Congratulations again," he added. "Have you checked our gifts?"

He laughed outright.

"Thank you for the baby crib Deanne loves so much. And for the expensive collectibles." He winked. "I love you, bro."

"Sure thing." I waved him off and returned to reviewing the financial reports. Caine left quietly.

My attention shifted to Mr. Sky. My baby boy was wearing an adorable cotton suit with a tiny tie, gripping a pen and trying very seriously to write something on paper.

"Dada," Sky yawned. "Mama, shuweep?"

"Hmm. Alright." I lifted him from his leather high chair, closed the folders, slid them into the drawer, and locked it. We headed downstairs, then through another concealed passage leading past the Game Room and into the elevator descending toward the Nest.

Livana was seated in her swivel chair, eyes sharp, posture relaxed but predatory—monitoring everything like a hawk.

"Mama," Sky called.

Livana turned instantly and opened her arms. Sky nearly leapt from mine, burrowing into her and planting kisses on her cheeks.

"Shuweeep," he said, patting her. I laughed just seeing Sky trying to coax his mother to sleep.

"Alright," I said calmly. "You promised him the two of you would sleep.

"Mmm," Livana murmured, rubbing Sky’s back. "He’s exhausted—from all that financial work you did together." She kissed the top of his head. "My poor baby, already stressed about splitting bills."

I bent and kissed my wife’s lips—brief, controlled.

"I’ll take care of a few things."

"Okay."

I returned to my office and settled back into my chair, immediately reviewing family expenses. I cut several allowances—my cousins who partied too much, an uncle who gambled irresponsibly. Notifications went out instantly.

From unlimited credit, I reduced them to a clean one million. Enough to live comfortably for a month. They wouldn’t starve—but they would feel it. They would learn to work.

As expected—

"Damon," Dad called.

He entered the study.

"Hmm?"

"How much did you cut them?"

"Just enough for them to survive in luxury," I replied flatly. "I was generous this time. Make sure they work their asses off to repay their credit balances."

"Got it." He didn’t argue. He would have his assistant handle the fallout. At the next family gathering, I’d make sure they earned their keep. I had been too kind last year—when my wife was gone.

Not anymore.

"Make sure they work for companies outside our own," I added.

"Okay. You’re the boss." Dad nodded.

I reviewed his expenses next. Minimal. He rarely shopped—but Mom did. Skincare, small luxuries. Some items clearly meant for Alyssa.

"By the way," Dad said, "don’t cut my expenses. I’m planning to buy something for your mom for our anniversary."

I chuckled.

"Yeah, whatever, Dad."

He worked just as hard alongside David. No reason to touch his funds.

Then—Livana’s expenses.

Barely anything. She rarely used my money. But since she was officially dead and now in hiding, the allowance I set aside for her doubled each month and flowed into Sky’s account instead.

That little menace’s biggest expense? Food.

Second—milk and diapers.

"What are you frowning about?" Dad asked.

"Livana’s allowance was high, it hasn’t been touched for more than a year." I said calmly. "I think I’ll redirect part of it toward Sky’s education."

Dad laughed.

"I’m not worried about her at all. Anyway, I bought a commercial building under Alyssa’s name. The tenants’ payments will go directly to her."

I nodded. Smart move. Non-transferable, prime location, constant foot traffic. Alyssa would have a stable income no matter what she chose to do.

Dad had already secured her future.

Good.

That meant one less thing for me to worry about.

–Alyssa–

I went to Lore’s room.

He’s been sleeping for nine hours now, and I came carrying a big meal for him—carefully prepared, warm, and thoughtful. Breakfast in bed... or maybe dinner in bed. Either way, it felt intimate in a way I didn’t want to admit. I knocked softly before entering, placed the tray on the table, and gently shook him.

He didn’t wake up.

For someone trained to survive danger, it made me wonder if he even had assassin instincts at all. His back was turned to me, broad and solid, and I sat on the edge of the bed. He was still snoring, low and steady, completely unaware of the mess he had made in my head.

"I just want to ask if something happened to us last night," I mumbled, my voice barely there. "You said you don’t really like me as a lady... that you probably just treat me like a sister."

I leaned against his back, careful not to disturb him too much, like I was afraid he’d disappear if I pressed any harder.

"Lore," I tapped him gently.

"Hmm," he grumbled, half-asleep.

"Ha?" My heart jumped.

"Just... go out," he muttered.

I pouted instantly, my lips trembling before I could stop them.

"I brought you dinner."

"Okay," he said, voice dull with sleep. "Then out."

That was it.

I stood there for a second longer, hoping he’d turn around, say my name, stop me—anything. But he didn’t. So I walked out, quietly closing the door behind me, feeling like I’d been dismissed... again.

It felt like being kicked out without even being seen.

And it dawned on me that maybe we wouldn’t really see each other in this house for a long time. I had foolishly hoped we could pretend nothing happened, that the confusion would fade on its own. But instead, it sat heavier in my chest with every step I took away from his room.

I went back to my bedroom and threw myself onto the bed, the strength leaving my body all at once. I didn’t even realize I was crying until my vision blurred and my chest started to ache.

It hurts—overthinking everything. Convincing myself that Lore doesn’t really like me. That the kiss last night was probably just my imagination, a delusion born from being hopelessly in love with someone who was never meant to love me back.

To him, I was just a mission.

Someone to protect. Someone to watch over.

And realizing that... hurts more than I ever thought it would.

–Sophia–

I noticed Alyssa first—that tight little frown, the shine in her eyes like she was holding something back. She looked one breath away from crying, and somehow, I already knew it had something to do with Lore.

Everyone knew Lore. Handsome. Built. Sharp as a blade when he wanted to be. The kind of man who probably had admirers lining up back in school while he slept through class like he didn’t owe the world his attention. I sighed, laced my shoes, and headed out to run the property—fresh air always helped me think.

That was when I spotted the new security units Damon was inspecting with Caine. The formation was clean. Too clean. And then I saw him.

Francis.

Black uniform, calm posture, blue eyes cutting through the line like he owned it. Commander stance. Standing right beside Damon like he belonged there—which, apparently, he did.

Our eyes met.

He bowed his head slightly, flashing that familiar, dangerous smile. Once Damon dismissed the team, Francis finally turned to me, fully, like the rest of the world had politely stepped aside.

"It’s been a while, Phia."

"Indeed." I crossed my arms. "So... what have you been doing all these months?"

"A lot of things."

Typical.

"Well, I’ll leave you two," Damon said, already walking away.

I nodded.

"So," Francis said, tilting his head, "are you going to jog?"

"Yup. Waiting for Kai."

His gaze dropped—my hand, my ring. His brows lifted. "You’re married?"

I nodded.

"Babe!"

Kai’s voice cut in, bright and familiar. We both turned as he jogged toward us, all sweat and confidence. "Hey, Francis! Looking handsome as ever."

Francis laughed under his breath. "Not as bad as you, Kai."

I grinned.

My ex-boyfriend and my husband stood face to face, casual, civil, almost friendly. Life had a funny sense of humor.

"See you around?" I said, looping my arm through Kai’s.

"Let’s catch up for a drink sometime," Kai added.

Francis nodded once. Crisp. Professional.

Kai and I walked hand in hand near the maze garden, quiet, comfortable. Until he suddenly stopped me, hands firm on my waist.

"Hmm?" I tilted my head. "What’s that look for?"

"I was thinking," he sighed. "When are we having a baby?"

I laughed and smacked his chest. "Not yet. Livana already agreed—we’re together on every mission."

"Right, right." He grinned, then scooped me up and carried me straight into the maze.

I laughed, clinging to him as the hedges swallowed us whole. We ended up near the far end, and I glanced around, instinct sharp, checking for cameras.

"Wait—" I tried to stop him, but his heartbeat was racing against my back, adrenaline and wanting to tangle together.

I grinned anyway and helped him push down my running shorts.

Tall, manicured shrubs. Secluded. Risky.

Perfect.

We’re still in our honeymoon phase. I want memories—beautiful ones. Mostly sexy ones. The kind you fall back on when tempers flare, when words get sharp. Make love first. Talk later.

That’s the kind of relationship I want with Kai. And it’s exactly the kind we have.

He makes me feel chosen. Always. First. No hesitation.

It didn’t take long—heat, laughter, release. Then we lay there catching our breath before figuring out how to escape the maze and finally do our actual cardio.

When we got back to the mansion, Lore was sitting alone on the sofa, deep in thought, no devices in sight.

"Lore, you scared us," I hissed.

He clicked his tongue. "I had to divert a camera away from the shrubs where the two of you were making miracles."

I laughed and smacked Kai. "I told you!"

"But Lore handled it well," Kai said, laughing.

"I still have to put it back," Lore sighed, standing up. "You two have a bedroom, you know."

"We like outdoor cardio," Kai shot back.

Lore just shook his head.

I stepped closer to him. "Hey. Did you make Alyssa cry?"

He blinked, genuinely confused. "What?"

Yeah. He didn’t. That wasn’t his damage.

"You’re dumb," I muttered, shaking my head.

Something clicked behind his eyes.

"Bro," Kai sighed, pulling me close, "don’t do that to our Princess. If you two fall in love, both families are fine with it."

He grinned down at me. "Now let’s go. Third cardio session."

I laughed, jumped onto his back, and let him carry me toward the other wing—toward our room, toward more memories worth keeping.