Chapter 119: Chapter 119

JONEA

Coming home late is always a bad idea when Daran’s involved. I opened the door as quietly as I could, hoping to sneak in unnoticed. But that hope disappeared the moment I saw him standing tall in the living room, his cold expression enough to send chills down my spine.

“I’m home...” I whispered timidly, not even daring to meet his gaze.

Daran crossed his arms over his chest, his sharp eyes cutting through me. “Where have you been, coming back this late? And you even went all the way to the next town... meeting one of L’s students, no less.”

I froze. How did he know? Slowly, I turned to look at Owen, who should’ve been hiding in my shadow. But to my dismay, Owen had already stepped out, standing beside me with a completely innocent face.

“He made me go, Uncle,” Owen said, pointing at me.

“Me?” I shot back, annoyed, though my voice came out more like a guilty kid caught red-handed. “Don’t pin this all on me!”

Daran’s gaze flicked between the two of us, his eyes weighing whether to hear us out or just punish us immediately. “Do you have any idea how many times you’ve been in danger, Jonea?” he asked, his tone ice-cold. “Did you think I wouldn’t notice?”

I swallowed hard, searching for any excuse to defend myself. “Wait... so you followed me too?” I asked, my voice a mix of shock and nervousness.

He raised an eyebrow, a look that only made my heart race faster. “Planning to sneak off again?”

“I was scared you wouldn’t let me...” I mumbled under my breath, barely audible.

His expression softened slightly. For a moment, it almost looked like he was smiling. “I would’ve let you,” he said, firm yet surprisingly gentle.

Owen, who’d been silent until now, finally spoke up. “I was with him, Uncle. Don’t be mad at him anymore.”

“Mad?” Daran gave Owen a puzzled look, as if unaware of his own emotions. “Do I look mad?”

Owen and I exchanged glances. I shrugged. “Maybe,” I said quietly. “I’m sorry...”

I knew this tension wouldn’t ease without some kind of distraction. Quickly, I pulled a small box from my bag. “Oh, uh... I got you a Christmas gift!” I exclaimed, trying to shift the focus.

Daran froze, his cold demeanor cracking as he eyed the gift. “A gift?” he muttered softly, as if the word itself was foreign to him.

I nodded, forcing a smile. “I spent all day picking it out with Arabel. I hope you like it.”

Owen suddenly chimed in, “I’m going to my room now!” He bolted like he was escaping, probably fearing Daran might start scolding us again. I just rolled my eyes at him.

Daran unwrapped the present slowly. His icy expression melted as he revealed the gift—a wristwatch I’d chosen carefully, something I thought suited him perfectly. He stared at it for a long time before his voice softened, “I’ve never received something like this before.”

A faint smile appeared on his face, real and warm. I was just starting to feel relieved when he added something that made my heart skip a beat.

“I have a gift for you too, Jonea,” he said, his sharp gaze locking onto mine.

“What is it?” I asked, trying to stay calm even though I had a sinking feeling this wasn’t going to be a normal gift.

“Our first night as a married couple,” he replied, his tone casual but the words far too shocking.

“What?!” I choked out, barely able to breathe.

Before I could react further, Daran had already scooped me up effortlessly. “Hey! Put me down!” I yelled, squirming in his arms.

He chuckled softly, his serious expression shifting into one that was almost teasing. “You said you were scared I wouldn’t let you go. Well, this time, you don’t have a choice.”

I could feel my face heating up instantly. “Daran! Don’t joke like this!”

But he didn’t respond. His steps were steady as he carried me toward his room, and I knew this night was going to be much longer than I’d anticipated.

Inside his room, the large, plush bed greeted us, the air thick with the scent of sandalwood and his own comforting warmth. My mind raced, replaying the events of the day as he gently laid me down on the bed.

His hands were strong yet tender as they rested on my shoulders, grounding me in the moment.

“Jonea,” he murmured softly, his voice like a gentle breeze on a quiet night. “You know this isn’t just about the gift, right?”

I nodded hesitantly, understanding that this was more than just a punishment. There was something in his gaze—deep and searching, as if he wanted to uncover every part of me. But I didn’t resist. Not out of fear, but because there was a warmth in his presence that made me feel safe.

Daran sat at the edge of the bed, his fingers brushing through my hair before tracing down to my cheek. My heart raced faster with every moment. He’d never looked this serious before.

“So... is it time?” I asked softly, breaking the silence. “Our wedding night?”

He smiled faintly, his eyes holding mine. “This is your punishment, Jonea. And I know you want it too.”

A rush of warmth spread through me, but doubt lingered—an image of Aland Hamilton flashed in my mind. Daran’s piercing gaze seemed to read my thoughts.

He leaned closer, pulling me into a firm embrace. “Don’t be afraid,” he whispered. “I know he’s left his mark on you.”

I froze, his words cutting deep into my hidden truths. “How do you know?”

His lips curled into a sly smirk as his fingers grazed the side of my neck, his other hand beginning to slide over the fabric of my clothes. I gasped softly, caught off guard.

“There are things you can’t hide, Jonea. But...” He paused, his eyes burning with determination. “I won’t let his mark be the only one on you.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, my voice trembling.

Daran leaned in, his forehead pressing gently against mine. “I’ll leave my mark on you. You’re mine, Jonea. And tonight, I’ll make sure of it.”

His words stirred a mix of fear and comfort. I felt torn between two worlds. But as Daran’s hand traced lightly over mine, the warmth began to dissolve my hesitation.

I took a deep breath, trying to make sense of my emotions. When his lips pressed softly against my forehead, I didn’t pull away. His touch was protective yet filled with passion. I knew this night would change everything between us.

With a gentle touch, he cupped my cheek, lifting my face to meet his gaze. “I won’t force you. But I want you to know I’m here for you. No matter what happens.”

The sincerity in his words broke through my remaining doubts. I nodded slowly, and Daran’s warm smile was all the reassurance I needed.

That night, under the dim glow of his room, he left his mark—one that would forever be etched on my body and soul.