Chapter 130: Appreciation

Lewis’s question caught me off guard.My mind had been stuck on one thing lately getting revenge. I hadn’t even thought about him. The past few days, all my attention had been on my mom, watching her moods, trying to keep her calm. I barely had the energy for anything else.

"I get it now," Lewis said after a pause. "I’ll have someone keep an eye on Lincy and Camilla."

"Thanks," I replied. Then I remembered something. "Oh, one more thing."

"What is it?" His voice lifted, like he was hoping for something more.

"I really like the maid you found for us. She’s fast, efficient, and reliable. I’m impressed."

His voice dropped a little. "Good."

When the call ended, a strange feeling settled in my chest.

Had I said something wrong?

The more I thought about it, the clearer it became. My tone had been too cold. Lewis had been helping me this whole time, without asking for anything in return. And I had just kept taking.

I hadn’t even said thank you. I would be sad if I got treated this way too.

No wonder he sounded distant. I would do same

Since my rebirth, I’d been so focused on settling old scores that I forgot about the man standing beside me now. The man who has my rock and helper

I picked up my phone and typed:

"Are you free after work? Want to come over for dinner?"

A few seconds later, his reply came.

"Sure. When are you coming home?"

I hesitated.

"Not sure. Mom’s emotions are still unstable."

There was no response right away.

I wondered if he was upset. Most bonded mates probably wouldn’t like their partners staying at their family’s place so often.

So I added:

"I’m really happy to have you as my mate."

That was the truth.

Lewis didn’t need gifts or money. But I could give him something simple. A warm meal. A peaceful night.

That afternoon, I stayed in the kitchen with our new maid, Rosa Carline. My mom needed rest, no matter what choice she made about the baby.

Since Lewis was coming, we cooked more than usual.

The house filled with rich smells and warmth. When the doorbell rang, I wiped my hands on my apron.

"I’ll get it."

The moment I opened the door, cold air rushed in with snowflakes. Lewis sat in his wheelchair, calm and steady. Behind him were two guards and Damian, all carrying suitcases.

I blinked. "What’s going on?"

"For outsiders," he said evenly, "it might look like I’m being neglected. Married for only a few days, and my mate is already living somewhere else."

Guilt hit me fast. "I’m sorry. I didn’t think about it."

"It’s fine," he said. "So I’ll stay here. You can take care of your family without rumors."

Then he glanced at my mom. "Lena won’t mind, right?"

My mom smiled faintly. "Of course not. It’s nice to have company."

Just then, Bill appeared in the doorway, holding a wrapped cake and a jewelry bag. He looked surprised to see both of us.

My mom didn’t even bother to answer him.

Lewis broke the tension. "Where’s your room?"

"First floor. That one."

I led him there. The guards set the luggage down and left.

Lewis closed the door behind us.

His voice was calm but warm.

"I’m not very mobile," he said, "so I’ll need your help arranging my clothes."

"That’s fine," I replied, opening his suitcase. "That’s part of being your mate."

The clothes inside weren’t just for a few days. He had packed like he planned to stay for a long time.

It was just the two of us in the room.

I knelt by the bed, sorting his shirts while he stood nearby, talking about pack business.

"Did you say something to Luke?" he asked. "He’s been locking himself in his place. Won’t eat. Won’t accept treatment."

Luke didn’t know about my rebirth. I wasn’t ready to explain anything.

So I shrugged. "He was already unwell."

Lewis studied me closely. "Is that so..."

When I hung his clothes in the closet, I noticed something strange. His things were mixed with mine.

Even when I had been with Luke, we never shared space like this.

It felt... personal. Too close.

I cleared my throat. "How’s Jeffrey?"

"Same as always."

"And Snowflake?"

"It caught a cold after wandering outside too long. Still getting treated. We’ll bring it home soon."

I bent to grab another pair of pants

And suddenly, Lewis caught my wrist.

In one smooth motion, he pulled me into his arms.

His grip was firm, steady, natural. Like it was where I belonged.

One arm wrapped around my waist. His other hand lifted my chin.

"You asked about Snowflake," he said quietly, "but you didn’t ask about me."

My heart started racing.

I swallowed. "So... how are you?"

"Not well."

My chest tightened. "Are you sick? The weather’s been rough. You should keep the windows closed at night."

His thumb brushed over my lips, silencing me.

"My problem comes from you," he said low. "When you’re not near, nothing feels right."

My breath caught.

"My Riley," he murmured. "When will you realize how much I care about you?"

I stared at him, stunned. "Y–You care about me?"

His expression softened, the sharp edge in his eyes fading.

"Want me to show you?" he asked gently.

Before I could think, his lips met mine.

The kiss was deep and intense, like a storm breaking loose. His arms held me close, not rough but possessive, protective.

"Do you feel that?" he whispered.

Sitting on his lap, I felt the heat of his body, the pull of something deeper than words.

My face burned. "L–Lewis..."

He drew me closer.

"Tonight," he said softly, "let me prove how much you mean to me."

And in that moment, I knew.

This wasn’t just affection or anything random

This was a bond.

A claim.

A connection that ran deeper than reason.