CHAPTER 176: PAYBACK!

The next morning carried the faint scent of cinnamon bread and coffee through the D’Amaris estate. Morning light spilt through the tall windows of the dining hall, glimmering off the silverware and untouched food.

Marquess D’Amaris sat at the head of the long table, staring blankly at his breakfast. It felt tiring and boring for him. Albrecht, stood quietly by his side, hands folded neatly behind his back.

The Marquess sighed, pushing his plate away. "I’ve lost my appetite," he muttered.

Albrecht tilted his head slightly.

"Still troubled about last night, my lord?"

"Oh my... is it very obvious?" D’Amaris’s fingers tapped against the table. "I’m worried about my daughter. I shouldn’t have yelled at her. Seraphina has always been... sensitive. But what she did... humiliating someone in public like that... I couldn’t overlook it. I even used my ability on her..." His voice trailed off, filled with regret. "She’s my only child, Albrecht. The only person I have left. I shouldn’t have hurt her, no matter how angry I was."

Albrecht hesitated before replying,

"If I may, my lord... perhaps a gesture of peace would ease her heart. Something thoughtful. A gift, maybe?"

The Marquess looked up. "A gift?"

"Yes, my lord," the butler continued. "The young lady adores new dresses. If you were to take her out to shop for them yourself, I’m certain she would forgive you instantly."

A small, almost boyish smile tugged at D’Amaris’s lips. "You think so?"

"I am sure of it, my lord," Albrecht said with a faint bow.

"Then prepare the carriage," D’Amaris said, his voice lighter now. "Tell Seraphina to get ready. We’re going shopping today."

"Very well, my lord." Albrecht smiled as he nodded.

D’Amaris hoped it was going to work.

.

Upstairs, in her ornate bedroom decorated with soft silks and gold-trimmed mirrors, Lady Seraphina sat brushing her hair. The early light made her look angelic, her pale skin glowing softly in the mirror. Her personal maid stood behind her, smiling as she arranged the lady’s jewellery.

"My lady, you’re truly blessed," Mira said. "The Marquess asked me to tell you... He’s taking you shopping today. He already promised to buy you dresses, accessories... anything you want."

Seraphina’s lips curved into a slow smirk.

"Of course he is. He always does this after scolding me. He can’t bear to see me upset."

Mira giggled nervously. "You’re lucky to have such a loving father. I’m sure the other ladies would be so envious of you once you tell them,"

Seraphina’s smirk deepened.

"I can imagine the miserable look on their ugly faces. After all, my father is more than loving. He’s devoted. He’d burn the entire empire if I asked him to." Her tone softened into something sweet but sharp underneath. "No one comes between us, Mira. No one. Not even some doll-looking commoner,"

She placed her brush down and rose, the silk hem of her dress brushing the carpet.

"I’ll make sure today is perfect. Father and I deserve a peaceful day together."

.

.

Meanwhile, across the city, the bell above Madame Boutique’s shop jingled as Rin stepped inside. The smell of linen and perfume mixed in the air. Shelves were neatly arranged with fabrics, ribbons, and half-finished gowns. Madame Boutique, with tired eyes, looked up from the counter when she heard the bell.

"Oh, Rin!" she said, surprised but smiling. "It’s been a while. You’re here for a new outfit?"

Rin shook his head and stepped aside.

"Not exactly." He turned slightly toward the door. "You should see who’s with me."

An Omega stepped in hesitantly, his hands trembling. His dark brown hair caught the light, and his blue eyes darted around nervously.

Madame Boutique’s eyes widened. For a long second, she didn’t breathe. Then her lips quivered, her hand shot to her mouth, and tears began to fall.

"No... no, it can’t be..."

Her knees buckled, and she began sobbing. Rin flinched slightly, unsure what to do.

"Ah... please don’t cry so loudly," he muttered awkwardly.

But the woman didn’t stop. She rushed forward, falling to her knees before her son and clutching him tightly.

"My boy! My son! I thought you were gone... I thought..."

Her cries grew louder, shaking with years of pain. Her son’s voice broke as he hugged her back.

"Mother... It’s me. I’m home."

Rin rubbed the back of his neck, glancing at the shop door.

’Crying women... I’ll never get used to that.’

He sighed softly and muttered...

"Please, stand up. Everyone’s staring. This is getting weird,"

But Madame Boutique didn’t hear him. She was too lost in tears and relief.

The bell above the door rang again. The laughter that followed was sharp and familiar.

"Well, well," Seraphina’s voice rang across the shop. "What a touching scene."

Rin froze before turning slightly. Seraphina stood in the doorway beside her father, her gloved hand resting lightly on his arm. Her expression was one of mock surprise.

"Father, isn’t this the person you were praising yesterday? You said he was noble and admirable." Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "Is this what nobility looks like? Making a grown woman kneel and cry? He must be torturing her so hard that she can’t stop crying,"

Rin blinked, then slowly smiled. He turned to look at the Marquess and gave a quick wink.

The Marquess’s lips curved faintly. He said nothing, but his eyes softened.

Seraphina caught that brief exchange... and her heart twisted.

’Did Father just ignore me? Why did he look at Rin like that? Is he still thinking of adopting Rin? No way!’

Rin crouched and helped Madame Boutique to her feet, gently wiping her tears.

"You shouldn’t cry like that in front of your son. You’re making everyone uncomfortable. Including me,"

"I’m sorry Rin, I just couldn’t help it," she coughed, trying to get rid of her hoarse voice.

"Please, get up,"

The woman nodded through her tears. Her son supported her as she sat down on a stool, still trembling with emotion.

Seraphina’s smirk faltered as she realised what was happening. Rin hadn’t made the woman kneel... she’d done it out of gratitude. Her fingers clenched around her fan, and a faint red blush of embarrassment crept up her neck.

"Father," she said tightly. "Let’s leave. This place is... unpleasant. I thought I’d tried the new boutique the other ladies kept praising, but it’s worse than I thought. And to think it’s owned by a commoner. I’d rather not wear a dress made by a commoner,"

But the Marquess ignored her and stepped closer to Rin.

"What’s going on here?" he asked, genuinely curious.

Rin glanced up lazily. "Why do you want to know?"

Seraphina’s mouth dropped open.

’Did he just talk to my father like that?’ She waited for her father’s outburst that never came.

Instead, D’Amaris chuckled. "Because I’m interested," he said calmly.

Rin shrugged, folding his arms. "I found her son. That’s all. They were separated for years."

The Marquess smiled approvingly. "You’ve done something good again. I’m pleased."

Rin smirked. "I’m pleased too so you don’t have to be pleased on my behalf. I think I’ll head back now. My work’s done here."

But before he could step away, D’Amaris raised a hand.

"Wait. Rin... if you don’t mind, could we talk for a bit?"

Rin tilted his head. "Talk? With me?"

"Yes. I’d like to," the Marquess said, his tone almost hopeful.

"What exactly could you discuss with a commoner like myself?" Rin asked with a small grin.

"It doesn’t matter," the Marquess answered.

Rin’s eyes flicked toward Seraphina. "Is she coming too?"

Seraphina crossed her arms. "I’ll go wherever my father goes. We don’t need your opinion,"

D’Amaris smiled faintly. "If you don’t want her there, I can send her home."

Rin looked at her again, seeing the flash of anger and pride in her eyes. His lips curved mischievously.

"Do I want her to come? Hmm..." He let the silence stretch until she shifted uncomfortably, then said, "Yes. I do. Let’s make her come,"

Seraphina smirked. "Then I’ll be coming."

"Good," Rin said, brushing invisible dust off his coat. "So, where are we going?"

D’Amaris chuckled. "Anywhere you’d like. My treat."

Rin rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"Anywhere I want, huh? I’m a commoner. Do I really have the right to choose?"

"You do," the Marquess said warmly. "Even commoners are humans,"

Rin’s smirk widened. "Then I know just the place." He glanced at Seraphina. "There’s this ice cream restaurant I never got to enjoy last time. Someone ruined it for me. Maybe her father can make it up to me on her behalf."

The corner of D’Amaris’s lips twitched in amusement.

"Then ice cream it is."

Seraphina’s smile froze. Her grip on her fan tightened, but she kept her posture perfect, her expression smooth and polite... just as a noble lady should.

Inside, though, she was fuming.

’Rin. I’ll make sure you regret ever crossing me.’

Outside, Rin followed the Marquess out of the boutique with a calm smile, the wind lifting his white hair as he stepped into the light. He could feel Seraphina’s glare burning holes into his back... but he didn’t care.

For him, it was just another morning.

However, for her, it was the beginning of something much darker. She was going to make Rin pay double for the humiliation.