EP 3
The Delys and Vale families sat in the luxurious dining room, the air charged with expectation. Konstantinos and Adrian had just finished presenting the proposal for Lucian and Sera’s marriage, their voices steady but filled with hope.
Lucian Vale (ML)
Seated calmly at the table, leaned back slightly, his sharp eyes sweeping the room before resting on Sera. Without hesitation, he spoke.
“I agree.”
The words dropped like a bomb. Elena’s eyebrows shot up, while Isabella’s lips parted in surprise. Selene, sitting beside Sera, nearly choked on her water.
Andrian Delys
(laughing softly)
“Well, that was… unexpected. Lucian, you don’t waste time, do you?”
Elena Vale
(teasing)
“Not at all. I thought he’d at least pretend to think about it.”
Selene Delys
(grinning mischievously)
“Hold up! Did Lucian Vale just agree to a marriage proposal without glaring or arguing? Someone get me my phone. This needs to be recorded for history!”
Lucian Vale (ML)
(turning to Selene, his voice calm but warning)
“Selene.”
Selene Delys
(mocking his tone)
“Lucian.”
The table chuckled at their exchange, but the mood shifted when all eyes turned to Sera. Unlike Lucian, she didn’t look confident. Her hands fidgeted with the edge of the tablecloth, her gaze darting between her parents and Lucian.
Andrian Delys
(gently)
“Sera? What do you think, sweetheart?”
Sera hesitated. The weight of everyone’s hopes pressed heavily on her, but before she could answer, Elena stepped in.
Elena Vale
“Why don’t you two step outside for a bit? This is a big decision. You should have a chance to talk it over privately.”
Konstantinos Vale
(nodding in agreement)
“Yes, take your time.”
Lucian rose smoothly from his chair, his expression unreadable. Sera followed, her movements slower, more uncertain. Selene leaned toward Damien as they exited.
Selene Delys
(whispering)
“She’s going to need a lot of luck dealing with him.”
Damien Steel
(smirking)
“I’m more worried about him. She might be the one to finally crack that icy exterior.”
On the balcony, the cool night air wrapped around them. The city lights glittered in the distance, but Sera’s attention was fixed on the man standing beside her. Lucian leaned against the railing, his sharp features softened by the moonlight.
Lucian Vale (ML)
(breaking the silence)
“You’re nervous.”
Sera Delys (FL)
(looking away, her voice quiet)
“A little. This is all… sudden.”
Lucian Vale (ML)
“It doesn’t have to be complicated.”
Sera Delys (FL)
(glancing at him)
“Maybe not for you. But for me…”
She trailed off, her thoughts jumbled. Lucian turned to face her fully, his voice taking on a gentler tone.
Lucian Vale (ML)
“I know it’s a lot to process. But you should know—I’ve loved you since we were kids.”
Sera Delys (FL)
(blinking in surprise)
“What? I… I don’t even remember much from back then. Just bits and pieces.”
Lucian Vale (ML)
(his gaze unwavering)
“I remember everything. Every laugh, every moment. You were the brightest part of my life. And when you left without a word…” (he paused, his voice tightening) “It tore me apart.”
Sera Delys (FL)
(softly)
“I didn’t know.”
Lucian Vale (ML)
Stepped closer, his presence commanding yet comforting.
Lucian Vale (ML)
I’ve waited years for this moment. For you. I don’t care about the reasons you left or the time that’s passed. All I care about is that you’re here now.”
Sera Delys (FL)
(overwhelmed, her voice trembling)
“Lucian, this is too much. I don’t know if I’m ready for something like this.”
Lucian Vale (ML)
(gently)
“You don’t have to decide everything tonight. But think about what this means for our families. This marriage would make them happy, bring them closer together.”
Sera looked down, her emotions swirling. Lucian tilted his head, his voice dropping to a near whisper.
Lucian Vale (ML)
“And it would make me happy too.” (deep husky voice)
Sera Delys (FL)
Breath hitched at the raw emotion in his words. She wanted to protest, to say she needed more time, but the intensity in his eyes held her captive.
Sera Delys (FL)
(barely audible)
“Okay.”
Lucian Vale (ML)
(a faint smile curving his lips)
“Good.”
Sera Delys (FL)
Turned to go back inside...
Lucian Vale (ML)
Caught her wrist gently.
Lucian Vale (ML)
“Wait. One more thing.”
Sera Delys (FL)
(blinking up at him)
“What is it?”
Lucian Vale (ML)
(his tone playful but firm)
“You can’t go back in without giving me a hug.”
Sera Delys (FL)
(flustered)
“Lucian—”
Lucian Vale (ML)
(cutting her off with a smirk)
“I’m serious. No hug, no deal.”
Despite herself, Sera laughed softly, the tension easing. Slowly, she stepped forward, letting him wrap his arms around her. His embrace was strong and warm, his presence grounding.
Lucian Vale (ML)
(murmuring near her ear)
“This feels right, doesn’t it?”
Sera Delys (FL)
Heart racing, but she didn’t pull away.
When they returned to the dining room, the families looked up expectantly.
Elena Vale
(smiling brightly)
“Well?”
Lucian Vale (ML)
(calmly)
“We’ve decided to move forward with the engagement.”
Cheers erupted around the table. Isabella wiped away tears, while Adrian clapped Lucian on the back.
Damien Steel
(walking in just then, raising an eyebrow)
“What’s all the excitement?”
Selene Delys
(grinning)
“Oh, nothing. Just your best friend agreeing to marry my sister.”
Damien Steel
(mock shock)
“Lucian? Agreeing? Willingly? What’s next, him laughing at one of my jokes?”
Lucian Vale (ML)
(rolling his eyes)
“Don’t push it, Damien.”
Selene Delys
(elbowing Damien)
“Admit it. He’s already gone soft for my sister.”
Damien Steel
(grinning)
“Well, if anyone could melt the ice king, it’s Sera.”
The room filled with laughter and teasing as plans for the engagement were finalized. The date was set for the following week, with a private wedding to follow in two months. As everyone chatted excitedly, Lucian leaned back, his eyes fixed on Sera.
She glanced at him shyly, her cheeks flushing under his intense gaze. For Lucian, this wasn’t just a step toward marriage—it was the beginning of finally claiming the woman he had always loved.
Lucian Vale (ML)
Far from immersed in the conversation.
His gaze rarely strayed from Sera, who sat across from him
Sera Delys (FL)
Trying her best to focus on her food and the chatter around her, but the weight of his attention made her cheeks flush.
Selene Delys
(nudging Sera with a smirk)
“Someone’s got a fan, huh?”
Sera Delys (FL)
(whispering back, trying to sound casual)
“Selene, stop.”
Selene Delys
(grinning wider)
“Oh, come on. He’s staring at you like you’re the only thing worth looking at in this entire room. Don’t pretend you don’t notice.”
Lucian Vale (ML)
(his voice cutting across the table)
“Everything okay over there?”
Sera Delys (FL)
Eyes widened as she shot Selene a warning glance, while her sister simply laughed.
Selene Delys
(innocently)
“Oh, everything’s just perfect.”
Lucian Vale (ML)
Faint smirk
Sera Delys (FL)
Heart racing, but she quickly busied herself with her glass of water.
As the dinner came to an end, the families exchanged warm goodbyes.
Elena Vale
(hugging Isabella)
“We’ll finalize the engagement details soon. It’ll be perfect.”
Andrian Delys
(to Konstantinos)
“After all these years, I’m glad our families are coming together again.”
Lucian Vale (ML)
Lingering near Sera to talk with her as everyone prepared to leave.
Lucian Vale (ML)
(softly, so only she could hear)
“Sleep well, Sera.”
Sera Delys (FL)
Heart skipped a beat at the way he said her name, his deep voice lingering like a caress.
Sera Delys (FL)
(nodding shyly)
“You too, Lucian.”
Sera was sitting on the couch, scrolling through her phone, when it rang. Seeing Lucian’s name flash across the screen, her breath hitched.
Sera Delys (FL)
(picking up)
“Hello?”
Lucian Vale (ML)
(his tone smooth and direct)
“Good morning, Sera. Are you free this evening?”
Sera Delys (FL)
(blinking in surprise)
“This evening? Uh… I think so. Why?”
Lucian Vale (ML)
“Dinner. I’d like to take you out.”
Sera Delys (FL)
Cheeks warmed at the unexpected invitation.
(after a pause)
“Okay. Sure.”
Lucian Vale (ML)
(a satisfied hum)
“I’ll pick you up at seven. Wear something you feel beautiful in, though I doubt you could look anything but.”
Before she could respond, he hung up, leaving her flustered.
Selene Delys
Sprawling across Sera’s bed, watching her sister get ready.
Selene Delys
(grinning)
“So, our ice king asked you out on a date. Are you nervous?”
Sera Delys (FL)
(adjusting her earrings)
“Selene, stop calling him that.”
Selene Delys
“Why? It fits. Although…” (she sat up dramatically) “...he’s definitely thawing for you. Lucky you, huh?”
Sera Delys (FL)
(blushing)
“It’s not like that.”
Selene Delys
(raising an eyebrow)
“Oh, sure. Keep telling yourself that, Sera Vale-to-be.”
Sera Delys (FL)
Tosses a pillow at her sister, who dodged it with a laugh.
A knock at the door interrupted them. Sera hurried to open it, and there he was—Lucian, dressed in a tailored black suit that made him look even more devastatingly handsome.
Lucian Vale (ML)
(his eyes sweeping over her)
“You look stunning.”
Sera Delys (FL)
(fidgeting slightly under his gaze)
“Thank you. You look great too.”
Selene Delys
(popping her head around the corner)
“Don’t keep her out too late, Lucian!”
Lucian Vale (ML)
(smirking)
“No promises.”
Sera Delys (FL)
(glaring at Selene)
“Selene!”
Selene Delys
(laughing)
“Have fun!”
Lucian opened the car door for her, his movements effortlessly smooth.
Lucian Vale (ML)
Leans in to put on the seat belt and then looks at her intensely and kisses her cheeks
Sera Delys (FL)
(Flushed)
"Uhmm... You know I can do it myself..."
Lucian Vale (ML)
(chuckles )
“Nervous?”
Sera Delys (FL)
(smiling faintly)
“A little. It’s been a while since I’ve been on a date.”
Lucian Vale (ML)
(his voice dropping slightly)
“It won’t be like any other date you’ve had. I’ll make sure of that.”
Sera Delys (FL)
Pulse quickened at his words. The air between them seemed to hum with tension.
The restaurant was elegant but intimate, with soft lighting and a view of the city skyline. Lucian pulled out her chair, his fingers brushing hers briefly as she sat down.
Throughout the dinner, his attention never wavered from her.
Lucian Vale (ML)
(leaning forward slightly)
“You’re quieter than usual. Thinking about something?”
Sera Delys (FL)
(smiling shyly)
“Just… wondering why you’re so interested in me.”
Lucian Vale (ML)
(his gaze intense)
“Why wouldn’t I be? You’re everything I’ve ever wanted.”
Sera Delys (FL)
Cheeks burned at his honesty.
Lucian Vale (ML)
(smirking)
“Do I make you nervous?”
Sera Delys (FL)
(stammering)
“No, I—”
Lucian Vale (ML)
(cutting her off, his voice lower)
“You’re blushing.”
Sera Delys (FL)
Breath caught as he reached out, his fingers lightly grazing hers on the table.
Lucian Vale (ML)
“You’re beautiful when you blush.”
The rest of the dinner was filled with subtle touches, warm laughter, and Lucian’s relentless charm. As they finished their dessert, Lucian leaned back in his chair, studying her with an unreadable expression.
Lucian Vale (ML)
(softly)
“Can we step out for a walk? Just for a little while.”
Sera Delys (FL)
(smiling)
“Sure. That sounds nice.”
He stood and helped her with her coat, his hand lingering briefly at the small of her back as they exited the restaurant. The cool evening air brushed against her cheeks, and they began strolling along the quiet, beautifully lit street.
Lucian Vale (ML)
(glancing at her as they walked)
“I don’t want to leave yet.”
Sera Delys (FL)
(looking up at him, surprised)
“Why not?”
Lucian Vale (ML)
(a small, almost shy smile tugging at his lips)
“Because… I don’t want this night to end.”
Sera Delys (FL)
Heart flutters at the sincerity in his voice.
Lucian Vale (ML)
Slides his hands into his pockets, his shoulders relaxing as they walked side by side.
Lucian Vale (ML)
“It’s strange, isn’t it? How just one evening with you feels like it’s not enough.”
Sera Delys (FL)
(blushing)
“I think you’re exaggerating.”
Lucian Vale (ML)
(chuckling softly, his voice warm)
“I don’t exaggerate, Sera. When I want something, I mean it.”
Sera Delys (FL)
Looks away, her cheeks burning, but he didn’t let the silence stretch for long.
Lucian Vale (ML)
“So… will you do something for me?”
Sera Delys (FL)
(glancing back at him, curious)
“What is it?”
Lucian Vale (ML)
“Will you call me every day?”
Sera Delys (FL)
(blinking in surprise)
“Every day?”
Lucian Vale (ML)
(nodding, his tone playful but laced with sincerity)
“Yes. Every day. Morning, afternoon, evening—whenever you can. Just to talk. I want to hear your voice.”
Her lips parted in astonishment, and he smirked at her reaction.
Lucian Vale (ML)
(leaning closer slightly, teasing)
“And when we’re both free… we’ll go out. Maybe dinner, maybe just a walk like this. I don’t care what we do, as long as I’m with you.”
Sera Delys (FL)
(heart racing, stammering)
“You’re… quite straightforward, aren’t you?”
Lucian Vale (ML)
(his voice dropping lower)
“Only when it comes to you.”
The way he said it made her knees feel weak. She couldn’t bring herself to look at him, knowing her cheeks were likely flushed.
Lucian Vale (ML)
(stopping in his tracks and turning to face her)
“Is that too much to ask?”
Sera Delys (FL)
(softly, meeting his eyes)
“No… it’s not.”
Lucian Vale (ML)
Lips curved into a satisfied smile.
Lucian Vale (ML)
(his voice a soft murmur)
“Good. Because I wasn’t planning on letting you slip away, anyway.”
Her breath hitched at the intensity in his gaze. They resumed walking, and though he didn’t touch her, the air between them crackled with something unspoken.
When they reached her house, he paused near the steps, looking reluctant to leave.
Lucian Vale (ML)
Leans in and kisses her cheek, very close to her lips.
Sera Delys (FL)
Butterflies in stomach.
Lucian Vale (ML)
(his eyes locking onto hers)
“Get some rest. And don’t forget—you promised to call.”
Sera Delys (FL)
Can’t help but laugh softly, nodding as she opened the door.
Lucian Vale (ML)
(as she stepped inside)
“Goodnight, Sera.”
Sera Delys (FL)
(looking back at him, her heart fluttering)
“Goodnight, Lucian.”
As she closed the door, Selene’s voice rang out from the living room.
Selene Delys
“Well, well! Look who’s glowing! Did our favorite billionaire charm you to bits?”
Sera Delys (FL)
(blushing, shaking her head)
“Selene, stop!”
Selene Delys
(grinning)
“Don’t act all coy. Spill the details, Sera!”
Sera hurried upstairs, Selene’s teasing laughter trailing behind her. As she lay in bed, her mind replayed the evening’s moments, her heart fluttering every time she thought of Lucian’s words and the way he looked at her.
Lucian Vale (ML)
In his car, a faint smile on his lips. Tonight had gone exactly as he hoped, and he wasn’t about to let the connection between them fade.
.......................................
Authyyyyy.... ‹3!
Hello, lovely readers!
How are you all doing? I hope you enjoyed this chapter because I absolutely loved writing it for you! Lucian and Sera’s chemistry is finally blooming, and I can’t wait to show you what happens next. Did you feel the butterflies? Because I certainly did while imagining their walk and conversation.
What do you think of Lucian’s soft yet intense side? And Sera’s sweet innocence paired with her growing curiosity about him? Their journey is just getting started, and trust me, it’s only going to get more exciting from here.
Please don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments—it means the world to me to hear what you think! Votes, shares, and follows are what keep me motivated, and your support truly makes this journey special.
Until next time, sending you all lots of love!
Stay safe and keep dreaming big.
— Your Sweet Author ❤️
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