Madam Cole paced slowly around the living room, unable to shake off the strange uneasiness weighing heavily on her chest. Something felt wrong terribly wrong but no matter how much she tried to pinpoint it, she couldn't.
Her thoughts drifted endlessly between her husband, her daughter, and the tension slowly tearing the family apart.
Then it struck her.
It had been days since she had properly seen or spoken to Jayden.
She sighed tiredly.
"That stubborn child…"
But almost immediately, guilt followed the thought.
Then again, could Jayden truly be blamed?
If anyone was responsible for pushing things this far, it was her husband and his frightening determination to marry their daughter off at all costs.
And tightening security around Jayden?
That only made matters worse.
Wasn't he worried the girl might eventually rebel completely?
Madam Cole pressed a hand against her temple before finally deciding she could no longer avoid this conversation.
With a soft sigh, she wrapped herself in a simple but elegant coat before heading toward the kitchen to prepare her husband's favourite latte herself.
Perhaps the drink would soften his mood enough for them to speak peacefully.
Minutes later, she stood outside the large mahogany doors of his study.
She hesitated briefly.
Her husband hated interruptions while working.
Still… this could no longer wait.
Gathering herself, she knocked gently.
A few quiet moments passed before the gigantic doors clicked open automatically from inside.
Madam Cole chuckled softly under her breath.
"He already knew it was me…"
She entered gracefully while the maid followed behind carrying the tray of drinks. The maid carefully placed everything down before bowing respectfully and leaving the room.
Clearing her throat lightly, Madam Cole spoke first.
"I hope I'm not disturbing your work too much. There's something important I'd like us to discuss."
Mr. Cole looked up briefly from the documents in front of him.
"You're not disturbing me," he replied calmly. "Just give me a few minutes to finish this so I can focus properly on you."
Then his gaze landed on the latte beside him.
A smile slowly appeared on his face.
"My favourite drink?" he mused. "You came prepared tonight."
His eyes narrowed playfully.
"Are you trying to bribe me?"
Madam Cole folded her arms elegantly.
"If calling it bribery makes you happy, then yes." Her lips curved slightly. "I figured my hardworking husband deserved refreshments after locking himself in here all day."
Mr. Cole leaned back in his chair with amusement dancing in his eyes.
"How thoughtful."
Then, deliberately adjusting his glasses, he added teasingly,
"You know… if you really wanted to bribe me properly, a shoulder massage would work even better."
Madam Cole rolled her eyes instantly.
"You and your childish antics. You could simply ask directly."
Still, her expression softened warmly.
"I'll do it on one condition."
The playful glint in her eyes made Mr. Cole smile even wider.
"And what condition would that be, my queen?"
"You listen to everything I have to say first before reacting," she replied carefully. "No interrupting. No getting angry halfway."
Mr. Cole raised a brow.
"That sounds suspicious already."
"It isn't."
"It definitely is."
She tried not to smile.
"Please?"
Mr. Cole studied her quietly for a moment before finally sighing.
"Fine. I'll listen first."
Relief instantly crossed Madam Cole's face.
Without wasting another second, she walked behind him and began massaging his shoulders expertly.
The familiarity between them softened the atmosphere almost immediately.
For a moment, they didn't look like the strict parents their children feared.
They simply looked like two people deeply accustomed to loving each other.
After some time, Mr. Cole finally closed the last file before him and exhaled deeply.
"There," he said. "Now I can give my queen my full attention."
He reached for her hand and gently pulled her around to face him.
"How does this emperor reward such excellent service?" he asked jokingly.
Madam Cole laughed softly.
"This queen only asks that her wish be granted."
Mr. Cole narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
"Ah. So we've finally arrived at the real matter."
"Maybe."
"Then speak."
Suddenly, Madam Cole found herself hesitating.
She wasn't used to confronting her husband directly about decisions involving the children. Usually, she remained neutral believing it maintained peace within the household.
But this situation felt different.
She sighed quietly.
"You know I've always supported your decisions regarding the children," she began carefully.
Mr. Cole already knew where the conversation was heading, but he remained silent.
"But this time…" she continued slowly, "I think you may be handling things the wrong way."
His expression remained unreadable.
"I'm not asking you to cancel the wedding," she quickly clarified. "I'm only asking you to slow down. Give Jayden time to process everything. She's struggling."
Mr. Cole frowned immediately.
"Struggling?" he repeated. "She's twenty-eight years old, not eighteen."
"She's still our daughter."
"And I'm still her father," he replied firmly. "Which means I know what's best for her."
Madam Cole sighed softly.
"But don't you think there's a deeper reason she's avoiding marriage this much?"
Mr. Cole remained silent.
"She's never shown interest in any man before. Not once." Madam Cole lowered her voice thoughtfully. "Sometimes… I even wonder if perhaps she simply isn't interested in men at all."
Mr. Cole sat upright instantly.
"What nonsense are you saying?"
"I'm only considering possibilities."
"You're suggesting our daughter is homosexual ?"
"No!" Madam Cole quickly denied. "I'm simply saying maybe she fears marriage more than we realize."
Mr. Cole's expression darkened slightly.
"She's been pampered too much," he muttered. "That's the real issue."
Madam Cole shook her head gently.
"No. This needs patience."
But Mr. Cole remained unmoved.
"Whether she likes it or not, the wedding will happen in two weeks."
Madam Cole closed her eyes briefly.
"Please don't force her too hard."
"She'll adjust."
Then, after a pause, he added calmly,
"And keep an eye on her. I still don't trust how quiet she's become lately."
Madam Cole's chest tightened immediately.
"I've already asked Eric to station additional men around her quietly," he continued. "Just in case she tries anything."
For some reason, hearing that only worsened the uneasiness in her chest.
Still, she forced herself to nod.
"Alright…"
The conversation eventually ended there.
Both husband and wife rose together before leaving the study side by side hand in hand just as they always did.
But despite the calm appearance between them, their thoughts were miles apart.
And somewhere far away from their knowledge, the daughter they were both trying to protect in their own different ways was already preparing to disappear.