---
"Guard, take her to the car."
"No!!" Mirabel screamed, thrashing wildly, but the guards' grip was unyielding. She kicked, twisted, clawed—but it was no use. They dragged her across the marble floor and shoved her into the waiting car.
The door slammed shut. The engine roared to life.
Raymond stood at the doorway, a faint, smug smile tugging at his lips as the vehicle pulled away.
---
Lucian's POV
The convoy rolled through the tall, iron gates of Lucian's mansion. The moment the car stopped, the guards and maids formed a neat line on both sides of the entrance, bowing their heads.
At the front stood Madam Kira, the head maid, her expression perfectly composed. "Welcome back, Lucian," she greeted, her voice soft and respectful.
Lucian didn't return the smile. His cold green eyes flicked toward Mirabel. "Take her to her room. Dress her properly. She starts immediately."
"Yes, sir," Kira replied, motioning for two maids to lead Mirabel away.
Lucian walked inside. Every step echoed against the marble as the household staff kept their heads bowed until he passed.
Marcelo, his personal guard, approached. "Your guest is here," he murmured.
Lucian didn't need to ask who.
Moments later, Angelica appeared. Her red silk dress clung to every curve, a slit running high up her thigh. She smiled like a predator spotting prey.
"You've been away too long," she said, her voice low and suggestive. "I've missed you… in more ways than one."
Lucian took a seat in his armchair, his gaze never leaving hers.
Angelica didn't wait for an invitation—she strode forward, her heels clicking sharply against the floor, and lowered herself onto his lap. Her fingers slid down his chest, pausing at his belt. "Mmm… still as hard as I remember," she teased, feeling him grow under her touch.
He grunted softly as she unbuckled him, freeing him from the restraint of his trousers. "Miss me, baby?" she purred, her breath warm against his skin.
Lucian's hand tangled in her hair. "Stop talking and use that mouth."
Angelica smirked and lowered her head, wrapping her lips around him. He groaned deep in his chest, his other hand gripping the armrest.
She took her time, her movements slow and deliberate, until Lucian's patience snapped. His hand tightened in her hair as he pulled her up, tore at the delicate lace of her lingerie, and pushed her back against the couch.
"Spread," he ordered.
She obeyed instantly, and he pressed himself against her, teasing her until she whimpered in frustration. Then, with a hard thrust, he was inside her.
Angelica cried out, her nails digging into his shoulders. "God—yes! Right there—"
Lucian moved with relentless precision, each stroke making her moan louder. She clung to him desperately, her voice breaking as she gasped, "Don't stop… please…"
He didn't—driving into her until her body trembled and she finally collapsed against him, breathless and spent.
---
Mirabel's POV
Madam Kira led her to a small, plain room at the far end of the servants' quarters. "This will be your room from now on," the woman said firmly.
Mirabel stepped inside. It was nothing compared to her old room at home—no big windows, no soft bed, no warm colors. Just bare walls and a single wooden bed.
Her heart ached. Because of her father's betrayal, she would have to live like this.
She sighed and began changing into the clothes Kira had given her. The fabric clung uncomfortably to her curves, and the skirt was far too short. "I can't even bend in this," she muttered.
The door creaked open. A cheerful young woman stepped in. "I'm Tracy. Are you new here?"
"Yes… I'm Mirabel," she replied quietly.
Tracy grinned. "I can't believe I finally have a roommate! Be ready—we'll be called soon."
Mirabel nodded, her chest tight with unease. Whatever was coming next, she knew it wouldn't be good.
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