Chapter 140: Lyches And Family

I had never undone a man’s belt before.The only time it ever happened was with Julian, and even that barely counted. We were drunk. Everything was rushed. He took control the whole time, leaving me with nothing but broken flashes and regret.

This was different.

My fingers brushed the cool metal of the buckle, and a soft tremble ran through my hand. Not fear. Anticipation. The kind that settles deep in your chest and won’t let go.

Before I could move further, warmth covered the back of my hand.

I looked up.

Lewis was watching me. Not with hunger. Not with pressure. Just steady awareness, like he felt every breath I took.

" Elena," he said gently, his voice low but calm. "It’s not even dark yet. Dinner’s almost ready."

Heat rushed to my face. Embarrassment mixed with something sharper impatience I didn’t know how to hide.

I pulled my hand back, unsure what to say.

I wasn’t trying to seduce him. Not really. I just... wanted to give something back. He had given me safety. Space. Respect. My heart felt too full, and I didn’t know where to put it.

Lewis seemed to understand anyway.

He reached out, not touching my waist, not pulling me closer. Just resting his palm lightly over mine.

"Everything I do," he said quietly, "comes from my heart. You don’t owe me anything. I don’t want choices made from gratitude."

My throat tightened. I tried to speak, but the words tangled together.

He smiled faintly and placed his hand on my head, warm and grounding, like a promise.

"I’ve waited this long," he murmured. "Do you really think I lack patience? I don’t want you rushing yourself. I want you to come to me because you want to. With your heart."

Something inside me finally settled.

Julian had always pushed. Always taken.

Lewis stood firm without trapping me. Strong without forcing. His presence didn’t cage me it made room for me to breathe.

This was what care felt like. Not possession. Respect.

I wrapped my arms around him before I could overthink it.

"Thank you," I whispered.

His arms came around my waist slowly, deliberately, as if giving me time to pull away if I wanted.

"No," he said near my ear. "I should be thanking you."

His hold tightened just a little, inch by careful inch.

"Thank you for choosing me this time."

My chest ached in the best way.

I rested my forehead against his shoulder. "I promise," I said softly. "I’ll fall in love with you. Truly."

His voice was calm. Certain.

"I know. That day isn’t far."

A knock at the door shattered the moment.

"Ms. Riley, Mr. Lewis," a voice called from outside. "Dinner is ready."

"Got it!" I answered quickly, stepping back.

Only then did I notice his shirt creased beneath my fingers. Two buttons undone.

My heart skipped.

With him seated, with that quiet restraint in his posture, the moment felt strangely intimate. I hurriedly fixed the buttons, forcing myself to look anywhere but his face.

As I leaned closer, I whispered near his ear, barely audible.

"So... does this mean we can try something tonight?"

I hesitated, then added softly, "Step by step."

His breath changed.

His eyes darkened, not wild focused.

"Tonight," he said, voice low and steady, "I’ll teach you."

Even as I walked away, my heart wouldn’t slow down.

The living room felt heavier.

Lena looked at me with a deep, searching gaze.

"Mom," I asked gently. "Are you feeling better?"

She nodded. "Yes. I’ll keep the babies. But Riley... I want a divorce."

Her resolve was clear. She had spent her life being pushed into choices. She wasn’t doing it anymore.

"I’ll help you," I said firmly. "If he refuses, we’ll take it to court. With his affair, we’ll win."

A sharp voice cut in behind me.

"A divorce? Keep dreaming."

I turned.

Benjamin Wilcher stood in the doorway Riley’s grandfather. A man who had once tried to trade his own daughter’s future for power.

Lena stiffened. Fear flickered in her eyes.

"Dad... why are you here?"

"If I didn’t come," he snapped, "you’d already be stirring trouble."

More people filed in. Uncle Harper. Aunt Linette. Vere.

They didn’t look concerned. They looked excited.

Linette carried a box of broth. "We heard you’re pregnant."

Harper grinned. "If you give the Ashbourne s a son, Lena, the family’s future is secured."

Vere laughed. "Grant said if the baby’s born safely, we get the pier project. And if it’s a boy another ten million."

They talked over each other, voices sharp with greed.

I watched Lena’s face darken.

That was when I understood.

She hadn’t been raised. She had been traded.

re like leeches.

"What does it matter to you whether it’s twins or just one?" I said coldly.

I looked straight at Aunt Linette. If she felt the chill in my voice, she hid it well.

She stared at me like she was seeing a stranger. Maybe she was. I wasn’t dressed the way I used to be. I stood straighter now. I didn’t shrink.

"Riley," she said quickly, forcing a smile. "I heard you married. You’ve changed so much more beautiful too. We’re family. Of course we care about your mom."

I laughed softly. There was no warmth in it.

"Family?" I asked. "Since you walked in, has anyone here asked how my mom feels? If she’s scared? If she’s in pain? All you care about is what you can get."

Benjamin slammed his cane against the floor. "Enough! You have no right to speak while adults are talking. You’re already married. Why are you still lingering in your birth pack’s house?"

Before I could answer, Lewis spoke.

His voice was calm. Too calm. The room shifted the moment he opened his mouth.

"She is part of the Hale pack now," he said evenly. "That means her choices are not for the Wilchers to question."

Every time Lewis speaks, something inside me settles. Like standing behind a solid wall while a storm rages.

Benjamin’s eyes lit up when he saw him. Not respect. Greed.

"So you’re Lewis Hale," he said, smiling too wide. "I heard about the sudden bond. No ceremony, no celebration. But surely the bond price won’t be skipped, right? A pack like yours wouldn’t be stingy."

My blood burned.

He drained my mother dry. Now he wanted to do the same to me.

Lewis didn’t react. His expression stayed unreadable.

"And your point is?" he asked.

Benjamin leaned forward. "The bond price should be no less than one hundred million. Riley carries Ashbourne blood. We’ll also need properties, vehicles, shares, and valuables."

I stepped forward before Lewis could speak.

"One hundred million?" I said coolly. "That’s insulting. It should be at least one Grantion."

For a second, the room went quiet.

Then Benjamin smiled. "Good. I’m glad you understand."

Linette clapped her hands lightly. "Exactly! The Hales have ruled for generations. One hundred million is far too cheap."

She turned to Lewis. "You’re doing well abroad, aren’t you? One Grantion shouldn’t even make you blink."

Laughter filled the room. Sharp. Ugly. Their eyes shone like animals circling meat.

I smiled back. Slow. Cold.

"Fine," I said softly. "When you’re dead, don’t say it’s only one Grantion. Even if it’s ten Grantion... a hundred Grantion..."

I met Benjamin’s eyes.

"I’ll give it all to you. Burn money suits the dead best."

The laughter died instantly.

And for the first time, they looked at me like they finally understood

I was no longer prey.