Lila could hear Kieran respond softly.

She made her way downstairs, hearing the sound of a girl bidding her farewells.

From the staircase, Lila saw the girl, dressed in a white sweater and a long black skirt, walking toward the entrance.

She slipped on a long white down jacket before pushing open the door and leaving.

Lila continued down the stairs, but the heavy weight on her chest seemed to settle even deeper, making it harder to breathe.

Kieran looked up, his expression softening. He stood up and poured her a glass of warm water.

She took the cup, her eyes falling on the invitation card on the coffee table.

“This is?” she asked.

“The Clemence family is inviting us to their daughter’s welcome banquet,” Kieran replied.

“Us?” Lila raised an eyebrow.

He chuckled and set the cup she had just sipped from on the table.

“Mrs. Morgan,” he said, his tone lifting with a playful smile.

Lila flinched at the title, feeling a flush of awkwardness.

“Do I need to attend as your companion?”

Kieran raised a brow. “Attend as Mrs. Morgan.”

Lila bit her lip, unsure how to describe the mixed emotions inside her. Part of her felt moved, but another part felt embarrassed.

Kieran, noticing her lowered gaze, assumed it was because his words had been too forward.

He thought this wasn’t something to rush and reined in his emotions slightly.

“Landon’s arranged a special celebration for our wedding tomorrow evening. Do you want to go?”

Lila recalled the lively heir of the West family and knew that Kieran had always shared a close bond with him. Since Landon had extended the invitation, it made sense to accept.

She nodded. “Sure.”

“The honeymoon is set for Elandria. Not too hot or cold, or we could go to the Stenburg Islands.”

Lila noticed Kieran’s gaze on her, his eyes filled with curiosity.

She looked up, meeting his deep gaze, and her mind slowly processed his question.

“I think the islands would be great,” she said softly after a moment.

A deeper smile appeared in Kieran’s eyes, his mouth lifting with a hint of playful recklessness.

Lila was momentarily stunned by the rare sight. She thought, with a face

like the

he’d easily top any ranking

list in Northridge. It wouldn’t even be an exaggeration.

She couldn’t help but feel a little too lucky.

…

The next day, the weather cleared, and the snow had been swept from the roads.

In the afternoon, Kieran drove them to the venue Landon had arranged.

Lila had assumed it would be a small gathering, but when the door opened, she found herself facing a large private room.

As she scanned the room, she realized there were at least 20 people.

When they entered, the lively chatter immediately halted at Landon’s call for attention.

“Hurry, hurry! Let’s all give a warm welcome to my sister-in-law!”

Landon announced. “From now on, if you see her outside, take care of her. Anyone who disrespects her s disrespecting me!”

His words made Lila feel both embarrassed and somewhat childish. She couldn’t help but think she resembled a mafia’s wife.

Kieran wrapped his arm around her waist and glanced coldly at Landon. “The bill’s on me.”

Hearing that, Landon grinned with delight and walked over to them.

“Can you give me some extra pocket money? I’ve been spending too much lately,” he joked.

Lila was surprised to see Landon acting like a child asking for pocket money.

But then he fumbled in his pocket and pulled out a thick envelope. “For my sister- in-law’s greeting gift.”

Lila was dumbfounded. How was he out of money and still giving her money?

Seeing her hesitation, Landon placed the envelope on her lap, then pulled out another equal size.

“One isn’t enough, here’s another.”

Lila was stunned. “Th-thank you.”

But she didn’t need all that.

Kieran glanced over with a faint smile. “If he’s giving it, just accept it.”

Lila nodded, marveling at how direct Landon’s gift-giving style was.

Later, when she went to the

restroom, she passed by the side of the half and noticed Terry sitting

alone

on

at a nearby booth, drinking by himself.

Their eyes met, and he immediately stood up.