The Next Day
Anthena slowly opened her eyes, gazing blankly at the ceiling. There was no need for panic—not today. She already knew where she was.
Turning to her left, she spotted Rayven leaning against the wall, his arms folded, his expression cold and familiar.
Her body trembled at the sight of him. Her lips shook, and tears spilled uncontrollably from her eyes.
The moment Rayven noticed her tears, something sharp twisted inside him. A quiet, aching pain. He moved toward her, lowered himself to the edge of the bed, and murmured softly,
"I… I'm sorry."
His voice, usually icy, carried a rare gentleness.
More tears streamed down Anthena's cheeks. She dragged herself up and threw her arms around him, clinging desperately.
"Rayven…" she cried, her voice breaking. "I—I'll be obedient from now on. You were right. He was only using me. He never wanted me. Please… don't leave me."
Rayven froze. A rush of wild, intoxicating excitement surged through him—raw, consuming, almost frightening in its intensity.
"Anthena…" he uttered, his voice melting into something soft and defeated. He couldn't keep up his cold facade—not in front of this trembling girl clinging to him like her life depended on it.
"Stop crying, okay? I'm not angry," he breathed gently.
Anthena raised her head, searching his face.
"You're… really not angry?" she uttered, new tears spilling.
Rayven exhaled softly. "I'm not angry. I promise," he reassured, patting her head tenderly. "Your fever's gone. Go freshen up. I'm taking you out today."
Her eyes widened.
"R-really? I… I can go out?"
He nodded.
"Freshen up. I'll be downstairs waiting."
Anthena nodded quickly and rushed into the bathroom while Rayven stepped out of the room.
---
Inside the Bathroom
Anthena stared at her reflection in the mirror. The conversation she overheard last night echoed in her mind. Two silent tears slipped down her cheeks.
"Indeed… too ugly," she whispered.
She picked up a wet wipe and slowly cleaned her face. Layer by layer, the harsh makeup vanished—revealing a face so stunning it could steal breath. Her flawless skin, delicate features, and rare sapphire-blue eyes glowed softly in the light. She looked ethereal, both innocent and temptingly beautiful.
"No need to hide anymore," she murmured faintly. "Rayven is the only one who truly cares about me."
She slipped into the bathtub, letting the water soothe her silent thoughts.
---
Downstairs
"Young master!" a middle-aged woman approached Rayven, who sat calmly in a plush lounge chair, tapping his phone.
"Mhm," he responded without lifting his gaze.
The woman hesitated before speaking, her voice trembling with concern.
"Young madam… the lady. Though she was wrong, leaving her alone in such a huge mansion every day is too harsh. She's delicate, easily frightened."
Rayven finally lifted his head and stared at her. The woman flinched, fear sparking in her eyes. She braced herself for the worst—even dismissal—but still hoped he wouldn't fire her.
Instead, Rayven uttered calmly,
"It's fine. Inform the other maids—no one needs to leave anymore."
The woman blinked in disbelief.
"Am I dreaming?" she wondered silently.
Rayven continued, still focused on his phone.
"Also, your bonus is doubled. I'm taking my wife out today. No need to prepare dinner. We'll return late."
"Y-yes, young master," she stammered before hurrying off, her mind buzzing. "His wife? Did the young madam finally accept him?"
Just then, the soft click of heels echoed from the staircase.
Rayven lifted his head—and froze.
Anthena descended slowly, each step revealing a new piece of breathtaking beauty.
She wore a mid-length sky-blue skirt with delicate pleats, paired with a fitted white top with lace sleeves that hugged her shape softly. The skirt matched her luminous blue eyes perfectly, making them glow like gemstones. Her hair was swept into a messy, elegant bun, with two loose curls framing her face, brushing gently against her cheeks. Without a single touch of makeup, she looked like a rare, untouched goddess.
Her heels—white, simple, and elegant—clicked lightly as she approached, her shy gaze lowered.
"I…" she whispered, unsure of what to say under Rayven's intense stare.
Rayven stepped toward her, lifted his hand, and caressed her cheek with awe. If not for the fact that he's mostly familiar with her, he wouldn't have believe she the same Anthena he know.
"You're breathtaking, wifey…" he voiced, genuinely stunned.
Anthena's cheeks flushed a deep pink.
"Th-thank you…" she stuttered.
Unable to restrain himself, Rayven leaned in and captured her lips instantly.
She didn't resist. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck, responding with shy eagerness. The kiss deepened, warm and consuming… until a gasp shattered the moment.
They turned sharply.
The woman of earlier stood frozen, eyes wide, jaw dropped.
"And here I was thinking the young master finally reconciled with young madam… but he already found a beauty?" she thought, eyeing Anthena up and down.
"Aunty Luna…" Anthena uttered bashfully.
The woman blinked.
"That voice…"
Her eyes grew even wider. "Young madam?" she exclaimed.
"How did I never notice she was such a beauty?" she wondered, staring too long.
Rayven's brows pulled together in irritation. He scooped Anthena into his arms effortlessly and glare at Aunty Luna.
"You've stared long enough. Carry on with your work," he remarked coolly.
Aunty Luna jolted and bowed quickly.
"Y-yes, young master! I was just passing by!" she stuttered and she ran off immediately.
Anthena giggled softly.
Rayven stared at her, captivated. This was the first time he had seen her smile so openly. She was so beautiful, it felt unreal.
"If life stays like this… I'll be the happiest man alive," he thought, carrying her out the door.
---
Crystal Crown Mall
Rayven gently helped Anthena out of the car. The large glass building towered above them—Crystal Crown Mall, a luxurious multi-floor shopping palace known for its glittering chandeliers, marble floors, and entire wings dedicated to rare gemstones and handcrafted jewelry.
Inside, the air sparkled with beauty. Rows upon rows of illuminated displays filled the hall—necklaces of soft gold, diamond-studded tiaras, sapphire pendants, crystal bracelets, and custom-made crowns. Soft classical music played from hidden speakers, enhancing the grandeur of the place.
Anthena's eyes widened like a child in a dream.
"This… this is so beautiful," she breathed, staring from one glittering set to another.
Rayven brushed her hair fondly. "You can have whatever you want. The whole mall is yours."
Anthena blinked rapidly. "Mine? The entire mall?"
Rayven chuckled softly and nodded.
"It's been under your name from the start. It has always been yours." He gently pat her hair.
Her eyes filled with wonder and disbelief.
"How… how can you give me something so big?" she murmured.
"It's not big," Rayven replied calmly. "It's actually the smallest of your properties. You'll discover the others soon."
Tears welled up again, and she threw herself into his arms.
"Why… why are you so good to me?" she whispered against his chest.
Rayven smiled and stroked her back.
"Because you're my everything. Life means nothing to me without you."
"Do you like it?"
Anthena nodded immediately, still sniffling.
"Then go pick whatever makes you happy," he encouraged warmly.
Anthena wiped her tears and looked up at him. "Then… I'll choose everything I like," she uttered shyly.
"Of course."
"Then… then I'm going to find my precious jewels!" she declared and hurried off, her small steps excited and adorably clumsy.
Rayven watched her with a soft smile.
"So cute," he murmured, shaking his head affectionately. "George's idea worked. He deserves a reward."