I returned to the villa for the weekend to spend time with Luca and Lyra. When I arrived, Darius was already back.
The study door was slightly ajar, and through the narrow gap, I could hear the familiar sound of keyboard clicks and paper rustling. That was his world—immersed in work, untouchable. Since we became mates, I had never been allowed inside that study.
I didn’t disturb him. Instead, I settled into the bedroom with a book, trying to distract myself. Time slipped past, and it was nearly 1:00 a.m. when he finally emerged, his presence filling the doorway. Our eyes met briefly.
“Is something wrong?” he asked, his voice low, steady, unreadable.
I didn’t mince words. “I heard there’s a charity auction in Moon Shadow City in two days—”
Without breaking eye contact, he loosened his
