The next few days were a whirlwind of activity for Alia. She, Elise, and Lianna were inseparable, spending every waking moment planning and fine-tuning the ball’s details. Lianna brimmed with enthusiasm, often suggesting fanciful, romantic ideas, while Elise exhibited her impressive organizational skills, ensuring every detail was executed flawlessly. Alia gradually found her own rhythm amidst the flurry of tasks, and whenever her ideas were adopted or her suggestions praised, the approving smiles from her companions gave her a peculiar sense of satisfaction.Yet, what truly stirred passion in her heart was the time she spent alone, honing her “skills.” In the training room she had repurposed, Alia seized every free moment to reacquaint herself with her thief techniques. Her body was far more agile and responsive than she had anticipated, as if it had been crafted for such movements. She could now effortlessly perform complex maneuvers that had once required relentless practice.Alia
“This ball is splendid. Elise mentioned it to me—despite your memory loss, you’ve managed to organize everything so flawlessly. Thank you.” A low, resonant voice sounded from behind Alia, accompanied by warm breath against her ear and arms encircling her waist. Startled for a brief moment, Alia quickly recognized Marcellus by his voice and the familiarity of his touch.Over the past few days, despite her conscious effort to maintain a certain distance, Alia couldn’t deny that their relationship had grown increasingly intimate. She no longer felt the initial resistance to Marcellus’s touch; instead, a strange sense of familiarity crept into her heart. Perhaps it was fatigue, or perhaps a softening deep within her, but she unconsciously leaned her head against his chest, her lips curving into a faint smile.“I’d rather attend a track than this ball,” she murmured teasingly. “Right now, all I want to do is run and jump, shake off these cumbersome decorations and rules.”Her playful words
Just as Alia’s thoughts began to spiral, a figure at the entrance caught her attention, interrupting her musings. It was her younger brother, Adrian. He had donned a tailored blue suit, enhancing his tall and handsome appearance. Every movement exuded the grace of nobility, yet he carried himself with an understated elegance, never ostentatious. His gaze, however, occasionally drifted, as if searching for someone.Alia observed him closely and felt a subtle shift in her thoughts—he was indeed looking for Elise.This didn’t surprise her. In her earlier conversations with Elise, Alia had taken the opportunity to ask about each family member’s past and personality. Elise had spoken confidently about everyone else, but when Adrian was mentioned, she uncharacteristically blushed and stammered, offering only a brief “The young master is very kind” before quickly changing the subject.As a seasoned thief with a keen sense for human interactions, Alia immediately sensed something unusual. Cou
Alia maintained a graceful smile as she accompanied Marcellus, engaging in polite conversations with the other nobles. However, inwardly, she was rolling her eyes and silently mocking them. “These people are so fake and insipid. A bunch of good-for-nothings. Honestly, if someone cleaned out their mansions, maybe they’d finally learn some humility.”Despite her composed exterior, her gaze frequently flitted toward the main hall doors. She was discreetly watching for the return of Elise and Adrian, feeling a mix of concern and anticipation for the little scheme she had set into motion.At last, the pair appeared at the entrance. They walked in side by side, but something was clearly amiss. Elise had her head lowered, her eyes slightly red as if she had been crying. Adrian, on the other hand, wore an expression of frustration, as though unwilling to accept something. What caught Alia’s attention most was Elise’s slightly swollen lips, unmistakable evidence of a recent kiss.Alia raised a
Finally, the grand doors of the main hall swung open, and with the sound of steady footsteps, a tall, imposing man entered. His presence radiated authority, and as his gaze swept across the room, the chatter that had filled the air abruptly faded, leaving the hall in a momentary hush.Beside him stood a woman clad in an elegant deep-red silk gown. Her composed demeanor and regal aura immediately marked her as a noblewoman accustomed to wielding power. Together, they presented a flawless front, a shield of dignity that cast an air of solemnity over the gathering.Alia’s gaze was drawn to the man despite herself. Even in the brightly lit room, he stood out like a towering mountain—unyielding, commanding, and utterly overwhelming. The sheer weight of his presence overshadowed even Marcellus, standing at her side, causing her heart to clench with an inexplicable tension.A shiver ran down her spine, spreading through her entire body. It wasn’t fear, exactly, but a primal reaction she coul
At that moment, Marcellus gently squeezed her hand again. The warmth of his touch eased Alia’s turbulent emotions, grounding her in the present. He didn’t say much, but his small gesture spoke volumes. She looked up at him, their gazes meeting briefly but meaningfully. His silent reassurance seemed to say: Even if that man cannot support you, I will always be here.This quiet support gave her the strength to bury her tangled feelings deep within. Straightening her back, Alia resumed her graceful composure, ready to face the social demands ahead.When the topic turned to her mother, Alia felt a sharp pang in her chest. Though she had never truly met this mother, the emotions carried by this body were overwhelmingly intense. Her mother’s presence hovered like a mist—distant and intangible, yet ever-present. Alia’s gaze lowered instinctively, her mood shadowed by an unshakable heaviness.Marcellus noticed her shift in demeanor and stepped in smoothly, speaking in a calm yet apologetic to
The ballroom sparkled with resplendent light, casting shimmering reflections as the elegant melody filled the air. Graceful steps and twirls intertwined, painting a dreamlike scene on the polished floor. Among the dancers, Marcellus and Alia drew many glances, but another captivating pair—Elias and Lianna—also stole the spotlight.Lianna’s dress swirled like blooming petals with each step, her radiant smile so warm it could melt the winter’s chill. Dancing alongside her, Elias wore a perfectly tailored white suit, exuding the poise of a prince stepped out of a painting, his every move brimming with grace and charm.Lianna’s delight at dancing with her heart’s desire was unmistakable, her happiness lighting up her face.As the music transitioned into a new passage, the dancers began to exchange partners. Elias moved deliberately toward Lianna and Marcellus, offering a courteous bow and extending his hand to indicate his intention to swap. His eyes were gentle yet firm, leaving no room
As the ball drew to a close, the grand banquet hall gradually quieted. Guests departed in small groups, their chatter and laughter fading into the night. The ornate chandeliers continued to cast a warm glow on the polished floors, but the once-vibrant atmosphere now felt hollow and forlorn. Silent servers moved through the room, collecting empty glasses and plates, leaving behind faint traces of the evening’s splendor.Alia stood at one side of the hall, watching the last few groups of guests bid their farewells. Her gown cascaded elegantly to the floor, and her fingers absently played with an intricately embroidered handkerchief. A swirl of complicated emotions danced in her chest. Her gaze drifted instinctively toward Marcellus, who stood in the center of the hall. Engaging in polite conversation with a group of noble guests, his cold, chiseled features softened by a faint smile of courtesy.When the final guest exited, Marcellus approached her with steady, measured steps. He stoppe
Marcellus looked at Livia, his voice tinged with concern. “Alright, go get some rest.”But Livia did not move. Instead, she frowned, a trace of unease in her eyes. “No, I’ll stay here with you. What if someone attacks you again?”Her gaze was unwavering—she was clearly unwilling to leave.Marcellus let out a soft sigh, a fleeting hint of helplessness flashing across his eyes. Still, his tone remained gentle. “They won’t. I’ve already told you—if someone is targeting me, they won’t take my life. At least, not yet.”He paused, his deep gaze fixed on her. “It’s you who should be more careful. Besides, you’ll be facing Edgar tomorrow. You need rest to be at your best.”Livia pressed her lips together before finally nodding. “Fine. I’ll go back for now.”Her voice regained its usual calmness, and her speech quickened. After all, at her core, she was still Alia—the thief she had always been. Once she pulled herself out of the whirlpool of emotions, she had no desire to linger on them. She p
Marcellus frowned slightly as he looked at the resolute Livia before him. He spoke slowly, his voice carrying a hint of concern. “But you have to convince your father.”Livia’s status certainly gave her an advantage, but Edgar was not someone easily swayed. Moreover, he likely had his own considerations and plans.Livia, however, did not hesitate. Her eyes were unwavering. “I will. I don’t believe he would refuse.”Marcellus fell into brief contemplation, his tone becoming more serious. “You know what our goal is, don’t you?”He didn’t say it outright, but Livia knew exactly what he was referring to—the Holy Grail. This coveted artifact was far more complex than it appeared, shrouded in secrets beyond imagination. More importantly, there was an unspoken scheme between Edgar and Marcellus, one they had no intention of revealing to outsiders.Marcellus was always cautious. His words were both a test and a final reminder. He knew that both Livia and Elias were already aware of the Holy G
The room fell into silence. Marcellus’ deep gaze locked onto her, his voice low yet resolute. “Livia, I feel like you’ve changed ever since your last coma.”Livia—no, Alia—startled awake.A chill crept down her spine, and her fingers clenched unconsciously, trembling slightly at the tips.She had almost grown accustomed to being Livia—accustomed to everything around her, to her role as Marcellus’ wife, to being the object of Elias’ affection, to being the key figure entangled in the Holy Grail’s secret. Yet now, hearing Marcellus pierce through her pretense so directly, she suddenly realized—she had sunk too deep into this web of secrets and emotions.She had told herself countless times that she was just Alia, just a petty thief, someone who didn’t belong in this world. But every time she tried to distance herself, something unexpected would drag her back into this identity—forcing her to accept feelings and a fate that were never meant to be hers.But this time… perhaps this was her
Elias looked at Livia, his gaze flickering slightly. He wanted to refute her, but her analysis was almost flawless. Indeed, if Livia took over, Eryx’s plans would be completely disrupted, and Marcellus wouldn’t truly lose his power.But…“Are you sure?” Marcellus finally spoke, his deep voice carrying a hint of complexity as he locked eyes with her. “Do you understand what this means?”Livia nodded without hesitation. “Of course, I do.”She took a deep breath, her tone softening slightly. “This isn’t just about your safety. It’s because…I don’t want Eryx to get his way.”Marcellus’s gaze darkened, a trace of unreadable emotion flashing in his eyes.For a moment, the air in the hospital room seemed to freeze.Marcellus stared at Livia in silence, struggling with something within himself. Then, he slowly spoke, his voice carrying an unusual trace of concern. “But what about your safety?”Unlike his usual composed self, there was a subtle, almost imperceptible worry in his voice. “If you
The atmosphere in the hospital room was heavy and tense. The dim lighting cast soft shadows, but it couldn’t dispel the suffocating pressure hanging in the air.Marcellus leaned against the hospital bed, his head lowered in deep thought. After a moment, he slowly spoke, “This is what I wanted to tell you—if the explosion was truly aimed at me, then the enemy, having gone to such lengths, wouldn’t have let me escape at the last moment.”His gaze darkened, as if playing out every possible scenario in his mind. “If this was an assassination attempt, they had the means to ensure I died beneath the rubble. But I survived, injured but alive. What does that mean?”He let out a quiet sigh, his eyes growing even more profound. “If this was really meant to kill me, then it’s highly possible… they spared me on purpose.”Livia’s breath hitched slightly, and she couldn’t help but ask, “Spared you? Why?”“It could be a warning,” Marcellus replied, his tone devoid of emotion, as if merely stating a
Elias was just about to step out of the hospital room when Marcellus’s deep voice sounded from behind him.“Don’t go.”Elias paused slightly and turned back. Marcellus’s expression had grown even more solemn, his gaze deep and intense, as if it could pull someone in. He glanced at Livia, then subtly gestured toward the door. Elias understood and casually locked it, ensuring that only the three of them remained inside.“This incident… there’s something off about it,” Marcellus said, his voice low, carrying a suppressed chill.Elias frowned, immediately catching the underlying meaning in his words. “You’re saying… this wasn’t an accident?”Livia’s heart clenched, and she unconsciously tightened her fists, her eyes filled with shock. “What? Not an accident?”She had assumed it was just a construction mishap. Given the scale of the expansion project, even a slight oversight could lead to danger. But if it wasn’t an accident… that meant someone had deliberately caused the explosion.Marcel
Elias stood at the hospital room door, hesitating to step inside. Marcellus had fallen back into a deep sleep after his conversation with Livia.Through the narrow gap in the door, Elias could see Livia sitting beside Marcellus’s bed, her expression heavy with complex emotions. In her eyes, there was concern, heartache, and… perhaps even a deep affection she herself might not want to admit.Elias’s heart clenched.He didn’t want to acknowledge it, but the truth was undeniable—she had always loved Marcellus.He should have expected it. He should have realized it long ago. Yet just hours ago, he had still believed he had a chance. At the top of the Ferris wheel, when he held her hand, she hadn’t pulled away. He had even come so close… so close to kissing her.But then, the explosion shattered everything in an instant.A bitter thought crossed his mind—if that explosion had come just a few minutes later, would things have been different?But reality didn’t deal in “what-ifs.”His gaze fe
The night sky was torn apart by a sudden explosion, its fiery glow illuminating the darkness. The shockwave rippled through the ground, shaking it ever so slightly. Livia’s heart clenched, her mind racing through countless possibilities, but the one that terrified her most—was Marcellus or Adrian caught in that explosion?Screams and frantic cries echoed through the streets as people fled in panic. The once-quiet night was shattered beyond repair. Livia instinctively moved toward the explosion, but Elias grabbed her wrist, his brows tightly furrowed.“Don’t be reckless. At least confirm the situation first.”Livia took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm. She quickly pulled out her phone and contacted Adrian.“Are you both okay?” Her voice carried a trace of urgency.A few seconds later, Adrian’s voice came through. “Elise and I are fine. The explosion happened far from us.”Livia let out a breath of relief, but her heart remained lodged in her throat. “What about Marcellus? W
Livia’s mind was in turmoil. She was still trying to figure out what Eryx’s sudden interference meant, whether Edgar’s arrangements were intentional or had hidden motives, and—most pressing of all—what Marcellus’s situation was at that moment…But Elias nonchalantly interrupted her thoughts. “Thinking about all that won’t change anything. Today, I’m taking you out—to eat, to have fun. Let’s take a break.”Livia looked up at him. His expression held an unusual seriousness, as if he had planned this all along. There was no urgency in his gaze, no command—only a quiet expectation, like he was waiting for her answer.She hesitated. It was true—these past few days, her mind had barely had a moment’s rest. Problems tangled together, suffocating her. Maybe, just maybe, taking a break would actually help her sort things out.In the end, she gave a slight nod.Seeing her agree, Elias’s lips curved into a relaxed smile. “Then let’s go. I’ve planned everything for today.”—As night fell, the to