CHAPTER 5 HE CHOSE SILENCE
Seraphina did not tell Lucien about Arabella's message.
Not immediately.
She sat alone in the library that evening, staring at the words on her phone.
There are things about Lucien you deserve to know.
It could have been a lie.
A manipulation.
A simple attempt to create trouble.
But Seraphina couldn't stop thinking about the silence she had heard on the terrace.
Do you love her?
Lucien had taken too long to answer.
That was what frightened her.
She finally locked her phone.
She would not allow Arabella Voss to become the reason she doubted her husband.
If there was something she needed to know, Lucien should tell her himself.
The next morning, she found him in his study.
He was standing behind his desk, reviewing documents.
"Lucien."
He looked up.
"Good morning."
"I need to ask you something."
His expression became cautious.
"About what?"
"Arabella."
His shoulders stiffened.
Seraphina noticed.
"She contacted me."
Lucien put the document down.
"What did she say?"
"That there are things about you I deserve to know."
His jaw tightened.
"Did she tell you anything?"
"No."
"Good."
Seraphina frowned.
"Good?"
"She's trying to cause problems."
"How do you know?"
"Because that's what Arabella does."
Seraphina studied him.
"Then why is she suddenly involved in your business?"
"Because our company is considering working with hers."
"And you're comfortable with that?"
"I'll handle it."
Seraphina felt something inside her sink.
"That's what you always say."
"Because I can handle it."
She nodded slowly.
"I know."
She turned to leave.
"Seraphina."
She stopped.
Lucien came around the desk.
"I don't want you worrying about Arabella."
"I'm not worried about her."
"Then what are you worried about?"
She looked at him.
"You."
He didn't answer.
She continued.
"I need to know that you will protect our marriage."
"I will."
"Even if your mother disagrees with me?"
Lucien sighed.
"Why are we bringing my mother into this?"
"Because she hates me."
"That's not true."
Seraphina almost laughed.
"You don't even believe that."
Lucien's expression hardened.
"Mother has accepted you."
"Has she?"
"She's difficult, but she's my mother."
There it was again.
That invisible line Seraphina was never allowed to cross.
She nodded.
"All right."
Lucien reached for her hand.
"We're fine."
Seraphina looked down at their hands.
She wanted to believe him.
She wanted desperately to believe him.
Then her phone rang.
It was an invitation to a private Armand family dinner that evening.
Lucien glanced at the screen.
"Mother's hosting tonight."
"I know."
"Come with me."
Seraphina hesitated.
"I don't think she wants me there."
"You're my wife."
She looked at him.
"So?"
"So you belong beside me."
For a moment, warmth returned.
She nodded.
"I'll come."
That evening, Eveline's dining room was filled with relatives.
Seraphina sat beside Lucien.
At first, everything seemed peaceful.
Then Eveline raised her glass.
"I'd like to make an announcement."
Everyone looked toward her.
"Our family has always valued tradition."
Seraphina felt Lucien's hand resting beside hers.
Eveline continued.
"Which is why I believe certain responsibilities should remain with people who understand the expectations attached to the Armand name."
Seraphina looked at her.
"What responsibilities?"
Eveline smiled.
"The foundation's upcoming gala."
Lucien frowned.
"I thought Seraphina was handling it."
"She was."
Eveline's eyes moved toward Seraphina.
"But I have decided Arabella would be better suited to assist with the event."
Silence.
Seraphina felt every eye at the table turn toward her.
Arabella wasn't even supposed to be part of the family foundation.
Yet somehow, she was being given a role that belonged to Seraphina.
Seraphina looked at Lucien.
He was staring at his mother.
She waited.
Eveline spoke again.
"Arabella knows the donors well. She understands the social obligations."
Seraphina's heart tightened.
"Lucien?"
He looked at her.
She didn't need to say anything else.
She simply waited.
Defend me.
Tell her no.
Tell everyone that I am your wife and I deserve respect.
Lucien remained silent.
Eveline smiled.
"Excellent. Then it's settled."
Seraphina slowly removed her hand from beneath Lucien's.
He noticed.
"Seraphina."
She whispered, "It's fine."
"It isn't."
"Then say something."
Lucien looked at his mother.
Eveline stared back.
The room became painfully quiet.
Seraphina waited.
One second.
Two.
Three.
Lucien finally said, "If Mother thinks Arabella can help, then let her."
Seraphina felt the words like a slap.
She stood.
"I'm going to get some air."
Lucien immediately followed her.
She stepped onto the terrace.
"Seraphina."
She turned.
"Why?"
"I didn't want to create a scene."
"You didn't create a scene."
"You know what I meant."
"I know exactly what you meant."
She laughed bitterly.
"You chose silence."
Lucien's face tightened.
"I was trying to keep the peace."
"Whose peace?"
He had no answer.
She looked back through the glass doors.
Eveline was speaking to Arabella.
Both women were watching them.
Seraphina understood then.
This wasn't accidental.
Someone wanted Arabella closer to Lucien.
And Lucien's refusal to stop it had made their job easier.
"You should have defended me."
"I'll talk to my mother."
"Later?"
"Yes."
"When?"
"Tomorrow."
Seraphina closed her eyes.
"Everything with you is tomorrow."
Lucien reached for her.
She stepped away.
His hand dropped.
For the first time, something uncertain crossed his face.
"You're making this bigger than it is."
Seraphina looked at him.
"No."
Her voice was quiet.
"I'm finally seeing it for what it is."
She walked back inside.
She didn't speak to Eveline.
She didn't look at Arabella.
She simply collected her coat.
Lucien followed her to the entrance.
"Are you leaving?"
"Yes."
"I'll come with you."
"No."
He stared at her.
"Why?"
"Because tonight I need to be alone."
She walked outside.
Lucien remained at the door.
He could have followed her.
He could have stopped her.
He could have chosen her.
Instead, he stood there.
Silent.
And Seraphina realized something painful.
Lucien didn't always hurt her by choosing someone else.
Sometimes, he hurt her by refusing to choose her at all.