Bound by Lust

The grand hall of the mansion was unusually lively. The chandeliers glowed brighter than ever, and the murmurs of the household staff echoed through the vast space. Esme stood at the center of it all, feeling like she was trapped in a whirlwind.

She had barely processed what had happened in Kael's office before he had taken her by the wrist and led her downstairs, calling for the entire household to gather. Now, with Kael standing beside her, his firm grip still lingering on her hand, she could feel the weight of everyone's stares.

Kael's grandfather, Don Matteo, sat at the head of the long dining table, his cane resting against the polished wood. His expression was unreadable, but his sharp eyes studied Esme with quiet intrigue. Meanwhile, Nana Olivia—Kael's grandmother—stood near the fireplace, her arms crossed and a deep scowl on her face.

Kael cleared his throat, commanding the room's attention. "I have an announcement to make."

The murmurs died down instantly.

"I am getting married."

Silence. Then—

"What?" Nana Olivia's voice cut through the room like a blade.

Esme flinched, but Kael remained unfazed. He squeezed her hand slightly before continuing, "Esme and I are engaged."

Gasps filled the room. Maria, who stood at the far end of the hall, widened her eyes in shock but quickly lowered her gaze. Lucan, standing a few steps away, clenched his jaw, his hands tightening into fists.

Nana Olivia took a step forward, her expression one of pure disapproval. "You must be joking, Kael."

"I'm not," Kael said smoothly, locking eyes with her. "Esme is my fiancée."

Nana Olivia let out a humorless laugh. "Your fiancée? You expect me to believe that you, of all people, suddenly decided to get married? Without consulting the family?" Her sharp gaze landed on Esme. "And with her?"

Esme swallowed hard, feeling an uncomfortable pressure in her chest. She had expected resistance, but the sheer hostility in Nana Olivia's tone was enough to send a chill down her spine.

"I don't recall needing anyone's permission," Kael countered, his voice calm but firm.

"This is ridiculous!" Nana Olivia snapped. "You barely know this girl! Where does she come from? What do we know about her? She's—"

"She's mine."

Kael's declaration rang through the room with undeniable finality.

Esme's breath hitched, her fingers twitching in Kael's grasp. He spoke with such conviction, such possessiveness, that it sent a shiver through her.

Don Matteo suddenly chuckled, breaking the tension. "Well, well. It seems my grandson has finally made a decision for himself."

Nana Olivia turned to him in disbelief. "Matteo, you can't possibly support this."

The old man leaned back in his chair, tapping his cane against the floor. "It's not about what I support, Olivia. It's about what Kael wants." His gaze flickered toward Esme, assessing her once more. "And if he's chosen this girl, who are we to interfere?"

Nana Olivia scoffed, turning away in frustration. "This is a mistake."

Kael smirked. "Then it's my mistake to make."

Esme remained silent, her heart pounding against her ribs. The tension in the room was suffocating, but Kael's grip on her hand remained steady—unwavering.

Don Matteo smiled faintly. "Welcome to the family, Esme."

Esme forced a small nod, but deep down, she knew this was far from over. Nana Olivia's piercing glare told her that the battle had only just begun.