Chapter 211

Lewis kissed me softly, but I could feel the strength behind it. His heartbeat was fast against my chest, like he was holding more inside than he was showing. When we finally pulled apart to breathe, I rested my forehead against his shoulder and tried to steady my thoughts.

After a few seconds, I quietly asked, “What are you going to do about Silas p>

Before everything changed, I had wanted to keep Silas alive just to make him suffer. I wanted him to understand what fear felt like. But now that I knew he was Adam’s biological son, things weren’t so simple anymore. I couldn’t ignore the history between our families. And I couldn’t pretend Lewis didn’t carry that weight too.

When I was given a second chance at life, Lewis stood by me without hesitation. He supported me, trusted me, and protected me. As his wife, I couldn’t just think about revenge. I had to think about him.

Lewis’s jaw tightened slightly when I mentioned Silas. It was clear he didn’t like talking about him. Killing him wasn’t an option. But letting him go was even more dangerous.

“He’s family,” Lewis finally said. “That alone means I can’t kill him. But he’s too risky to release. Even if he can’t speak properly anymore, he knows too much. For now, only I know where he is. I’ll treat his injuries slowly. And when the time is right, I’ll tell Adam the truth p>

Then he looked at me carefully. “Elena… will you be upset with me for doing this p>

I shook my head and leaned closer, brushing my cheek against his neck. “If our positions were reversed, I wouldn’t be upset. The past hurt us. We won’t forget that. But I care more about the life we have now. I trust you, Lewis p>

He gently held my face in his hands, his eyes serious. “You don’t have to be so understanding all the time. If you’re unhappy, argue with me. Get angry. You don’t have to carry yourself like Mrs. Hale every second of the day. I want you to live like yourself first. Like a young woman who doesn’t have to please anyone p>

His words made my chest tighten.

“You should be Elena before anything else,” he continued softly. “Everything else comes after p>

“Are you trying to make me cry?” I whispered.

He smiled and lightly pinched my cheek. “I’ve told you before. Nothing is more important than you. Not old promises. Not debts. Not the past. The future we’ll build together matters more. How could I let someone who’s gone hurt the woman I’ve loved for half my life p>

My vision blurred. He wasn’t exaggerating. He truly put me first. Every time.

I swallowed and admitted honestly, “I still hate Silas. I don’t want him to get off easy p>

“Good,” Lewis said immediately. “Then I won’t let him. I won’t fully fix his hand. Let him live with the reminder. Maybe I’ll even make things uncomfortable for him. Slowly p>

I couldn’t help laughing. “Marrying you was the best decision I’ve ever made p>

He tapped my nose gently. “Then smile more. You look beautiful when you do p>

After the warmth faded, reality returned. “Linda’s situation was a warning,” I said seriously. “Even loyal servants can become dangerous once they have families. Fear makes people do desperate things. Today it was poison meant for Silas. Tomorrow it could be us. Or Jeffrey p>

“I’ll handle it,” Lewis replied calmly.

“And Oliver,” I continued. “If Julian really is his son, then Oliver might still be alive. He could be behind everything p>

Lewis frowned. “I’ve never met him. If he’s been hiding this long, finding him won’t be easy p>

“It’s fine,” I said. “The truth always surfaces. But right now, I’m more worried about the Morrigans. If we don’t step in, Greg might be next. Maybe Jake’s death will give us some clues p>

“The police are still investigating,” Lewis answered. “The Morrigans are preparing for the funeral. We should attend p>

He looked at me carefully, worried. Nolan’s death had left scars on me that hadn’t fully healed. He was afraid another funeral would reopen them.

But I was his wife now. Avoiding it wasn’t an option.

“I’ll be fine,” I said quietly.

As we prepared to leave, my eyes landed on the stacks of gold in the room. I walked over and picked one up. It was heavy far heavier than I expected.

“These aren’t bars,” I muttered. “These are bricks p>

Each one felt like it weighed at least seventeen pounds. With gold prices rising globally, I couldn’t even calculate what they were worth.

Lewis noticed my expression. “What’s that look for p>

“I’ve never seen this much gold in my life,” I admitted. “You’re ridiculously rich p>

He chuckled. “All of this was meant for you. Not just the gold. Everything I own. It’s yours p>

“Of course I’m happy,” I said quickly, not even pretending to hide it.

In my previous life, I exhausted myself for the Hale family. Looking back, it felt foolish. None of it compared to this moment.

“When everything settles,” Lewis said softly, reading my thoughts, “let’s travel. We’ll call it our honeymoon p>

I smiled at the idea. “I want to see just how mysterious Mr. Hale really is p>

“I’ll make sure you’re surprised,” he promised.

For the first time in a while, I felt excited about the future.

But peace never lasts long.

When Vicky came home later, she immediately grabbed Adam’s arm. “Why was there a police car outside p>

Adam brushed her off. “Nothing. Bad luck p>

He went upstairs without explaining. Julian ignored her too. That left me.

“Riley, what happened?” Vicky demanded.

“Linda reported that there was a body in the house,” I replied evenly. “She called the police p>

Vicky’s face twisted in shock. “A body? Where would that even come from? That girl must be insane. Where is she? I’ll fire her immediately p>

“She’s already been taken away,” I said. “She’ll likely be detained for a few days p>

“Good,” Vicky snapped before storming off.

Lewis and I exchanged a glance. Were we imagining connections that weren’t there? Or were we missing something obvious?

We changed and headed to the Morrigans’ funeral.

The atmosphere was heavy. As soon as we entered, whispers floated around us.

“Is their family cursed? All their children gone like this p>

“It’s karma. I heard Mrs. Sander lost her mind p>

“Maybe it’s punishment for how they treated their daughter p>

“Keep your voice down p>

The words scraped against my skin. I had once been tied to that family. I knew how quickly sympathy could turn into blame.

After lighting a candle, I stepped outside for air. The murmurs followed me like shadows.

Just as I reached the garden path, something moved in the bushes behind me.

I froze.

At first, I thought it was a stray cat. But then a figure stumbled out, rushing straight toward me.

My heart dropped.

Whitney.

She was supposed to be in custody.

She looked thinner, wilder, her eyes desperate and unhinged.

She had escaped.