005

Lyon stood still, his hands akimbo as he stared straight at Kathryn, who was unmoved by his sudden expression.

She turned away and turned to meet him, still standing, “you won't accept my condition?”

Lyon heaved, unsure of what to say, the only thing running through his mind was, how to make her stay without her making unnecessary demands.

“I accept, I guess you're satisfied now.” He said and motioned towards the door, he held the door knob “I’d be waiting downstairs” and dashed out.

“Whatever!” She said making sure he wasn't there to hear her.

Fiona and martins on hearing the door crack, raced! They've been eavesdropping on them and wouldn't want Lyon to notice that.

Lyon's face was expressionless as he stepped out of Kathryn’s room.

Lyon headed upstairs to his room, his heart beating a little faster than usual. Pushing open the door, he walked in and turned on the light. The soft glow lit up his tidy room, with the wardrobe standing tall in the corner.

He opened the wardrobe and scanned through his clothes. Suits, shirts, and jackets were lined up neatly, but he hesitated, unsure of what to pick. He pulled out a navy blazer, then shook his head and put it back.

"This feels too much," he said under his breath.

After a moment, his hand settled on a white shirt and black trousers. They were simple but sharp perfect for the occasion. He laid them out on the bed, then walked to the mirror, checking his reflection. His hair was slightly out of place, so he ran a hand through it, smoothing it down.

Once dressed, Lyon adjusted his collar and grabbed his watch from the nightstand. He fastened it on his wrist, took one last look in the mirror, and nodded to himself. "Alright," he murmured, heading for the door.

Fiona rushed into Kathryn’s room without knocking, excitement written all over her face. “Looks like Mr. Lyon is back,” she said with a small smile, leaning against the doorframe.

Kathryn stood near her bed, a few dresses draped across it. She barely glanced up, her fingers running over the fabric of a red dress. “He’s back, huh?” she said quietly. “I just hope tonight goes better. I can’t deal with another awkward evening.”

She held the red dress up and turned to Fiona. “What do you think? Is this okay for the date?”

Fiona stepped closer, giving the dress a quick glance “It’s nice,” she said slowly, “but it’s… safe. If you really want to leave an impression, I think you should go for something that turns heads.”

Kathryn frowned slightly. “You think this won’t do?”

Fiona shook her head, already glancing toward the closet. “Nope. You need something that makes him stop in his tracks the second he sees you. Let’s pick something that really shows him what he’s missing.”

Kathryn hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Alright. Help me find it, then.”

Fiona walked to the closet and pulled the doors open. “Let’s find something that really stands out,” she said, flipping through the clothes.

Kathryn stood by, watching as Fiona pulled out a sleek black dress. “What about this one?” Fiona asked, holding it up.

Kathryn hesitated. “It’s a bit much, isn’t it?”

“Not at all,” Fiona said. “It’s perfect. Lyon needs to see what he’s got and what he could lose. Try it on.”

Kathryn sighed but took the dress. A few minutes later, she stepped out, the dress fitting her perfectly.

Fiona grinned. “Now that’s how you make an impression.”

Kathryn glanced in the mirror, smoothing the fabric nervously. “You think so?”

“I know so,” Fiona said with a wink. “Go show him.”

Lyon sat with Martins on the couch, his phone in hand, pretending to scroll through it. The room was quiet, with only the faint ticking of a clock breaking the silence.

Kathryn’s heels clicked softly as she descended the stairs. Lyon could hear her approaching but kept his eyes glued to the phone, determined not to look up. But when she reached the bottom step and walked into the room, the light scent of her perfume made him glance her way.

His breath caught for a moment. His face flickered with surprise, then something softer—almost admiration. He quickly turned his gaze back to the phone, his jaw tightening as if trying to regain control.

"Martins," Lyon said abruptly, his voice slightly clipped, "is the car ready?"

Martins nodded, though he couldn’t help but glance at Kathryn. “Yes, sir. It’s waiting outside.”

At the hotel, Lyon found himself lost in thought, unable to look away from Kathryn. She sat across from him, her soft laughter filling the air as she spoke, but he barely heard it. The way the warm light from the chandelier cast a glow on her features, the way the dress hugged her figure—it was like seeing her for the first time. He’d always admired her, but tonight she seemed different, more striking, more… unforgettable.

Kathryn, sensing the tension in the air, glanced up from her plate. She had just finished the last bite of her meal and was about to reach for her glass of water when she noticed Lyon staring at her. With a small smile, she set her fork down and leaned back slightly in her chair. “Lyon, your silence is making me feel awkward,” she said, her voice light but hinting at curiosity.

Lyon blinked, realizing he had been zoning out. He cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably, looking away for a moment. Then, he took a deep breath, turned back, and managed a smile. “You look… uh, amazing,” he said, his words coming out slower than he intended, as if he was trying to find the right way to express himself.

Kathryn’s smile deepened, a knowing glint in her eyes. She’d felt his gaze on her for the past few minutes and knew exactly what was running through his mind.

“I think we've had enough, we should go.” Lyon said, his gaze fully on Kathryn, after all, she was still his wife, he thought.

“I’d decide that!” Kathryn announced, Lyon stared closely at her, his expression changed.

“But, on a second thought, we should just go home for now,” she smirked, taking her hand bag, she stood and motioned towards the door as Lyon followed suit.

***

#Nextday

Lyon reached for the key to the door, but just as his hand touched it, Kathryn’s voice stopped him. “Where are you headed, Lyon?”

He paused, his fingers tightening around the key. He turned around slowly, trying to keep his face neutral, but his anger was just under the surface. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. “My presence is needed at the office,” he said, keeping his voice steady.

Kathryn didn't move, her arms crossed and her gaze unwavering. “Nah, your service is needed at home,” she corrected him, her tone firm.

Lyon’s grip on the key tightened, his frustration growing, but he didn't want to escalate things. “Remember the contract,” she added, her words cutting through the silence. “That’s the agreement.”

For a moment, Lyon just stood there, his jaw clenched. He knew she was right, but it didn’t make it any easier.

“See Kathryn's, your conditions are strict, we need to do something about it, I don't think I can keep up.” Lyon expressed, his face and hand complimenting it.

“Then sign the divorce papers!” Kathryn said, pointing at the papers on the table.

Lyon heaved, “fine!”

Kathryn smiled, she has never felt this authority over someone, not to talk of someone she thought despised her. She sat opposite him, both staring at themselves.

Lyon stayed at home, but the more he tried to relax, the more restless he became. He walked around the house, checking the time every few minutes. The silence made him uneasy. His mind kept drifting to work, to the things he needed to do. He couldn’t shake the feeling of wasting time, and it only made him more agitated.

Kathryn, noticing his restlessness, saw an opening. She decided to take the chance to push him a little.

She walked into the living room, her voice breaking the silence. “Lyon, can you help with the dishes?” she asked, sounding casual, but with an underlying challenge.

Lyon froze for a second, surprised by the request. “Dishes?” he asked, a little confused. It wasn’t that he minded helping out, but the timing seemed off. It almost felt like she was doing this on purpose.

Kathryn didn’t miss a beat. “Yes, the dishes,” she said with a small smile, almost as if testing him. “Or are you too busy?”

Lyon looked at her for a moment, trying to stay calm. Kathryn grabbed his hand, placed it on hers, “we are doing it together.”

As he worked, Kathryn came up with more small tasks taking out the trash, rearranging the furniture, even dusting the shelves. Each request felt more like a test than an actual need.

Fiona watched Lyon from the kitchen window as he finally sat down on the couch, looking exhausted. He had been restless all morning, pacing around the house like he couldn’t settle. But now, he seemed to have given in to the quiet of the home, though he didn’t look entirely at ease.

Kathryn, folding clothes nearby, noticed Fiona’s gaze and raised an eyebrow. “What’s going on?” she asked.

Fiona smiled, teasing a little. “Looks like Lyon’s finally learned how to rest. A real husband at last.”

Kathryn paused, a small smile playing on her lips. “It’s not that simple.”

Fiona shrugged playfully. “Well, he’s certainly not running off to work. I’d say you’ve made him act like he belongs here.”

Kathryn chuckled softly, but there was a deeper warmth behind her eyes. “He’s starting to understand. I just want him to be more present.”

Fiona nodded, watching Lyon again. “Well, if this keeps up, you might just win the ‘Best Wife’ award.”

Kathryn laughed, a bit more genuine this time. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

As Fiona left the room, she couldn’t help but glance at Lyon one more time. He was still, calm for the first time in hours. Maybe Kathryn was right.

Fiona stepped out into the garden, her mind wandering as she walked along the path. She didn’t notice Martins until he appeared right behind her, and she jumped in surprise. "Martins! You scared the life out of me!" she exclaimed, her heart racing a bit.

Martins quickly stepped forward, looking apologetic as he bent down to help her pick up the cutter she had dropped. "Sorry about that," he said, his voice calm but with a slight hint of concern.

Fiona shook her head with a small laugh, brushing off her clothes. "You really need to be more careful. I almost gave myself a fright."

Martins straightened up and gave her a small smile. "I’ll be more mindful next time."

Fiona nodded, but then she looked back toward the house and changed the subject. "Is Mr. Lyon home?" Martins asked, his tone a little more serious now.

"Yeah, he’s inside," Fiona said, smirking a bit as she glanced toward the door. "Resting after working in the kitchen."

Martins blinked, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "Kitchen?" he asked, surprised.

Fiona’s smirk grew as she nodded toward the house and gave a little shrug. "Yep, kitchen. Believe it or not." She didn’t say more, just turned to walk past him, still amused by the thought of Lyon, usually so focused on his work, spending time in a place like that.

Bing! Bing! Bing!

Lyon's phone ranged as he struggled to get it, without checking who was on the line, he picked up.

“Meet me up at our usual hotel, we have important things to discuss.” The voice said with a little chuckle.

“Who is this? Wendy?” Lyon asked a bit skeptical.

“Don't keep me waiting.” She smirked and hanged up.

“No! Wait!” Lyon shouted.