Flash Marriage: In His Eyes-Chapter 284: To Seduce

–Alyssa–

Late-night snacks filled the apartment with warmth. Our little Sky enjoyed every bite, and so did the bodyguards lounging around with us. We did our skincare in Lore’s room. I pressed a collagen sheet mask infused with vitamin C onto his face while he sat in front of his computer, surrounded by multiple glowing screens.

He was busy—there was a drink resting neatly in a designated cup holder on his desk. Sky sat on his lap, mesmerized, watching him operate everything with ease.

I think Liva and Damon had fieldwork today. Lore was handling something important. I had already planned to sleep with Sky—my adorable baby nephew. Since the twins were growing so fast and weren’t here, I just wanted to snuggle with someone small and warm.

"Sky," I called softly.

He slipped off Lore’s lap while Lore remained absorbed in his work. Sky crawled toward me, holding his baby bottle. He started sucking on it as he lay beside me. The room dimmed, lit only by the monitors and the small lamp beside Lore’s desk.

I was too lazy to go back to my room. Choco was already settled there anyway, wrapped in his blanket with his pillow.

"Lore," I called again.

He didn’t hear me at all.

I reached for my phone and turned off the air conditioner in my room remotely. Sky snuggled closer, patting me gently, as if coaxing me to sleep.

"I love you, Sky," I mumbled.

He released his bottle just to answer.

"I wavyouuu, Tita!"

Damn it—he was unbearably adorable.

"I love you more..." I whispered, showering his face with kisses.

He giggled, and we hugged each other until everything blurred into sleep.

I woke up to snoring.

When I looked around, Lore was on the other side of the bed, fast asleep. I sat up and noticed Choco sprawled on the sofa—on his back, legs wide open, mouth hanging. Completely unbothered. Sleeping like royalty.

I pressed my lips together and slowly leaned closer to Lore’s face.

This teenage love will be over soon.

I knew it would take time—we hadn’t even graduated yet, and we had just started college. I would have to endure seeing him fall in love with someone else someday.

My thoughts drifted to my future. Career. I didn’t have to work, but I wanted to. Fashion design. Art. Interior spaces. Creating things with my hands and vision. Even if it didn’t pay much, I could survive.

I had once imagined this fairytale as a wedding. With Lore. I had dreamed about it quietly. But I knew better. Lore didn’t have plans like that. He was a free spirit.

I went to the bathroom, did my business, then climbed back into bed. I hugged Sky and checked his diaper. He muttered something in his sleep—probably about food.

I smiled.

Then I looked at Lore. He had turned on his side, facing me. He looked... soft. Adorable.

I froze when the mini robot beside the table blinked red.

Red meant emergency.

I didn’t hesitate. I shook him awake.

Lore sat up instantly, still half-asleep, already reaching for his tablet.

"What is it?" I asked.

His expression darkened.

"They’re in an ambush."

He slipped out of bed and returned to his workstation, headset on. I followed and watched the footage—hacked cameras, probably. Damon must have tried hard to keep Livana hidden.

"Where is that?" I asked.

"A club. Three hours from here."

Calls were made rapidly. Data bloomed across every screen. He issued calm, precise instructions, pulling up the building’s blueprint and mapping escape routes.

I dragged a small stool over and sat beside him, watching in fascination.

An hour passed.

My sister and brother were safe now—probably off somewhere private. Lore yawned and turned to me.

"You shouldn’t tell anyone what I do."

"Why would I?" I smirked. "Your mysterious side is practically bait for women."

He laughed softly and shook his head.

"I’m going back to sleep."

He stood and returned to bed beside Sky. I hesitated. Maybe I should go back to my room.

"Take care of Sky," I told him.

"Just sleep there," he mumbled.

I hesitated again—until Sky stirred, searching for me with his tiny hand.

I crawled into bed. He immediately wrapped his arm and leg around me.

I stared at Lore’s back.

Even his back was handsome—broad shoulders, solid, quietly reassuring.

–Sophia–

I finally arrived at the apartment Alyssa shared with Lore. First stop: Alyssa’s room. I planned to wake her up and drag her into party mode. But the room was cold—and empty.

I frowned, then glanced at Lore’s door.

I opened it without knocking.

Lore was snoring like a chainsaw, sprawled on the bed. On the other side, Alyssa and Sky were snuggled together, peaceful and warm. Choco was stretched out on the sofa like he paid rent. I exhaled softly.

Right. Nothing happened.

I stepped closer and gently shook Lore. He cracked one eye open, squinted at me, then promptly pulled the blanket over his head and ignored my existence.

Typical.

I sat on the edge of the bed and nudged him. "Let’s get up, okay?"

A soft coo made me turn.

Sky sat up, smiling brightly when he saw me. "Foodie," he announced, patting his stomach.

"Oh, wow," I chuckled, scooping him up.

Choco followed us immediately, tail wagging, while Sky wrapped his arms around my neck.

Downstairs, my husband was already plating breakfast—Chef Wally’s masterpiece, carefully portioned for Sky.

"Wow!" Sky shouted in excitement.

I put him down, handed him water, and he drank like he’d crossed a desert. "Daperss!"

"I’ve got it," Kai said, lifting Sky effortlessly. "Diaper change."

Miss Christina helped me lay out the rest of the food.

"So," I sing-songed, lowering her voice, "did those twooo—"

She shook her head before I could finish the thought. "I’d know. But they’ve been awkward lately. I heard Lore slept with someone, and the girls got drunk."

I gasped softly. Fine gossip. Dangerous gossip.

Kai returned, settling Sky into his high chair with a perfectly balanced plate.

"Wow," Sky breathed, impressed.

I pressed my fingers to my temple and looked at Kai.

"What?" he asked.

"Those two," I pointed upstairs.

"Hey," he chuckled, wrapping an arm around me. "Leave them alone."

Choco placed a paw over Kai’s calf, demanding attention.

"I almost forgot about you, buddy," I said, smiling. "But don’t worry. Your special meal is coming."

Miss Christina set Choco’s bowl down. Instant happiness.

"I need to wake them," I muttered.

Back upstairs, I barged in again. Lore was sitting against the headboard, hugging a pillow, eyes distant. Melancholy looked good on him, annoyingly so.

"Where’s Aly?" I asked.

He pointed toward the door.

"Alright. Get up. Eat downstairs. We’re leaving early."

He nodded, silent. That alone told me something was off.

I went to Alyssa’s room, knocked once, and opened it. Music played softly as she stretched on the carpet.

"Aly, breakfast is ready."

"Okay."

I closed the door and sat on her bed. "Something happened between you and Lore?"

She hesitated. "If I say it, it’ll be big gossip."

I crossed my arms and waited.

She sighed. "I tried to seduce him. It didn’t work. I don’t know how to seduce a guy."

My jaw dropped. Then the image of Lore hugging that pillow like a shield hit me—and I burst out laughing. Alyssa flushed and pouted.

"You need to teach me," she muttered.

"Aly," I wiped tears from my eyes, "you don’t have to try. You’re already seductive."

"Really?" She sighed, flowing into another yoga pose. "Maybe I should just ask him directly."

"No." I raised my hand. Some things needed time. Lore definitely needed space.

She shrugged and continued stretching.

"We’ll wait downstairs. Be ready."

"Okay."

Back in the kitchen, Kai was feeding Sky, calm and patient. He waited for me, then gently filled my plate.

My sweet, dangerous, gorgeous husband. Caring to a fault. A total package.

"Eat," he said, commanding softly.

I smirked and obeyed.

We lingered over breakfast until Alyssa came down, glowing as ever, kissing Sky’s head.

"I’m skipping breakfast."

"No," Kai said firmly. "Sit. Eat."

She pouted but complied.

Lore followed, messy, exhausted, quiet.

Then the door opened.

Livana and Damon walked in—both bruised, bandaged, tired.

"Mama! Dada!" Sky squealed.

Livana rushed to him, kissing his head. "Careful—I can’t lift you."

"What the hell?" Alyssa stood up.

"We’re fine," Livana said lightly.

My eyes landed on the bandage on her right arm.

"That’ll leave a scar," I muttered.

"It’ll be fine," she said with a grin. Then she sighed. "By the way, Tyrona has been making a point of proving I’m alive. So... they attacked us in my club."

She laughed lightly, like it was nothing more than an inconvenience.

I glanced at Sky, who was staring up at her with pure admiration. Those amethyst eyes—wide, honest, glowing.

Livana never looked at anyone the way Sky was looking at her.

It was like Sky was a mirror of what she might have been if she were less composed. If she let herself be expressive. Softer. Open. Unfiltered.

It was... impressive. Watching Sky gaze at his mother with unguarded love while Livana spoke with that gentle, graceful smile she always wore—measured, elegant, controlled.

I shifted my gaze between them as she continued.

"Oh, and by the way," Livana added casually, like she was talking about the weather, "someone has been telling Tyrona that I’m alive."

She dropped it like a bomb.

The room went quiet. We all looked at one another.

"Who would do that?" Alyssa frowned.