Chapter 5: Fiancée

"Why am I the last person to know that I'm supposedly engaged?" Kyle demanded angrily. He strode toward Lysia with long, urgent steps, quickly helping her to her feet as his gaze fell upon her swollen, reddened ankle.

His chest rose and fell rapidly with barely fury. Pulling Lysia close, he declared, "This woman, Lysia Kingsley, she is my wife. Insulting her means insulting me."

Lysia snapped back to reality at his words. She grasped his arm and cleared her throat, "Kyle, we need to talk…"

Jessica’s revelation had shaken her to the core. Lysia had already come to terms with the madness of her own actions on their wedding day—the reckless decision that had set off a chain of chaotic events, resulting in their contractual marriage. But she had done her research. She had made sure Kyle was single. And now, out of nowhere, a supposed fiancée had appeared? She had been betrayed, and of course, she did not want to cause suffering to another woman in this manner.

"Kyle, you can’t just spoil your wife so unreasonably," Jessica said, clenching her jaw but keeping her composure, "Your father arranged your engagement to Wendy Morgan three years ago. You’ll need to explain to the Morgan family why you suddenly married another woman."

Kyle shot Jessica a cold glance before smirking, "My marriage is my decision. Not even my father can dictate that. Before lecturing me, you should teach your son some manners."

With that, he effortlessly scooped Lysia into his arms and walked away.

Inside a beautiful glasshouse nestled in the heart of the garden, Kyle gently set her down on a chair before crouching beside her. Carefully, he removed her high heel.

"You’re always so hot-tempered," he murmured, massaging her swollen ankle with a tenderness.

Lysia winced at the pain, "You talk as if you know me so well," she retorted.

"The next time you argue with them, just mention my name. In this house, I’m your strongest shield. If you can't win an argument, call me. If you want to hit someone, I’ll do it for you. Look at you—so small, and just one fall has already left you injured." His voice was warm yet firm.

The golden glow lights of the glasshouse cast soft shadows across Kyle’s sharp, refined features. He was utterly focused on tending to her ankle, his lips slightly pressed together as if concentrating. It was as if he feared that even the slightest misstep would cause her more pain.

Lysia stared at him so intently that she became momentarily dazed, forgetting how her heartbeat was growing faster and faster.

“All done. Go ahead and ask,” Kyle said as he stood up, satisfied that her ankle was feeling better.

Startled for a second, Lysia shrugged, “Oh, well…”

“I was never engaged. That’s the truth,” he stated sincerely, adjusting his suit before she could even form the question.

After graduating from Reeds University, Kyle had moved to Gracedale to live with his mother. Since then, he had never been in a relationship. His time was entirely devoted to managing the company he had built from the ground up and taking care of his mother. Three years ago, when his company had expanded enough to acquire several subsidiaries of the Reinhart Corporation, his father demanded that he return to take over the family business and marry the daughter of the Morgan family. But Kyle had never agreed to that arrangement.

He knew it was just a strategic move to rein him in. Charles suspected that his mother, Samantha Murphy, had influenced him into becoming a threat to the Reinhart corporation.

“Yes, my parents divorced when I was fifteen,” Kyle said evenly, though his eyes showed a somber glint, “At first, I resented her for leaving me behind in this house…”

Lysia cupped his cheek, letting her warmth chase away the coldness of his skin. “That’s enough,” she said gently. “I believe you, so you don’t need to say anymore. The past is the past. You and Mom are happy now, aren’t you? There’s no point in holding onto painful memories forever.”

Kyle’s lips curled into a soft smile as he clasped her hand, “What did you just call her?”

“… Mom?” she repeated, confused.

He lifted her hand and placed a lingering kiss on the back of it, chuckling, “She’s been looking forward to meeting her daughter-in-law. I’m sure she’ll love you.”

Realizing how intimate the atmosphere had become, Lysia quickly pulled her hand away and averted her gaze. Flustered, she stammered, “For the one-year duration of our contract, of course, I’ll fulfill my duty as her temporary daughter-in-law.”

***

A few days later, Kyle had to leave on a business trip to a neighboring city, while Lysia returned to her usual work routine. She truly loved her job. Most of her time was spent at the newsroom, which often frustrated her mother, Rachael. She was displeased that both of her children rarely visited home despite living in the same city.

Perhaps because she had been too absorbed in work, Lysia hadn't realized Henry’s betrayal sooner. However, looking back now, she found that she hadn’t loved him as much as she had thought. She had chosen him because, on paper, he was the perfect partner for marriage—meeting all the right conditions. When their relationship fell apart, she was more upset at herself for being foolish than heartbroken over the end of their one-year romance.

But whatever the reason, she needed to put those negative emotions aside and focus on her life.

Today, Lysia’s assignment was to write an article on the charity auction hosted by the Reinhart Corporation. This annual event was a common tool for high society to build and maintain their public image. A portion of the proceeds from the auction would be donated to the city’s orphanage fund or other community support organizations.

“Your invitation, please?” The doorman asked as she approached the entrance to the hall.

“Sure.” She smiled and handed over the invitation, patiently waiting as he checked her information.

There was a brief hesitation from the man, and then he mumbled, “Miss Lysia Kingsley?”

“Yes? I’m a journalist from RRC Newsroom. Is there a problem with the invitation?” she asked, slightly puzzled.

The doorman quickly closed the invitation and clarified, “No, thank you for coming, Miss Kingsley. Sir Sebastian instructed us to be mindful of your arrival. Let me escort you to your seat.”

Lysia took a moment to process his words before remembering—Sebastian was Kyle’s assistant.

He had arranged an excellent seat for her. Looking around, she realized that the people nearby were directors of companies under the Reinhart Corporation. Even several chairmen of other major corporations were seated in the rows just ahead of her. After exchanging polite greetings with them, she took out her iPad to review the details of the auction once more.

A few minutes later, a stir ran through the hall as all attention shifted toward the entrance. The chatter grew louder, and Lysia lifted her head—only to see Kyle making his entrance. But beside him was a stunningly elegant woman.

The woman who was intimately linked arm-in-arm with Kyle was chatting cheerfully with the guests and they looked like a perfect couple.

“Wendy is so beautiful,” One of the nearby guests remarked.

“That’s true. Wendy is still single. I wonder who is worthy of such an amazing woman like her?” Another person added.

A lot of compliments about Wendy, who was standing beside Kyle, reached Lysia’s ears.

‘Wendy? It seems like Kyle’s fiancée is her, Wendy Morgan,’ she thought to herself.

The auction proceeded smoothly as planned. Until near the end of the program, when a necklace—Azure Grace—appeared. As a lover of diamonds, Lysia was of course familiar with this necklace, which was encrusted with sparkling aquamarine diamonds. It had once been a favorite piece of a Wales princess in the 17th century. The necklace had only appeared once at the Reeds City Museum five years ago. Lucky for her, she was encountering it once again at this event.

“15 million dollars,” Lysia raised her bidding paddle.

The hall fell silent for a few seconds before another female voice chimed in, “20 million dollars.”

Lysia turned to the right side of the hall and immediately locked eyes with Wendy, who was smiling at her.

“25 million dollars,” Lysia raised the paddle again.

Wendy replied, “30 million.”

“35 million,” Lysia raised her paddle for the last time.

This was probably the highest price she could afford. If Ryan were here, he would have been willing to pay any amount to win this necklace for her. However, she was bidding for an item she truly loved, so she only allowed herself to use her own credit card for the payment.

After a brief moment of silence with no one else raising the bid, the auctioneer spoke up, “35 million dollars, going once.”

“35 million dollars, going twice.”

But before the auctioneer could call it for the third time, Kyle raised his paddle. He looked toward Lysia, a faint smile playing on his lips as he calmly said, “50 million.”

“50 million. Can anyone bid higher than Mr. Reinhart?” The auctioneer couldn’t hide his astonishment on stage.

The crowd was nearly about to erupt with excitement at the sky-high price for the Azure Grace necklace, and they grew even more exhilarated when they heard Kyle’s next words, “I’m giving this necklace to Wendy.”