CHAPTER 29: LUCIUS’S HOME

Mist or rather Liora Romanoff took a deep breath, her slender form reclining against the velvet sheets of the cell bed.

Of course, calling this a cell was a joke.

The iron bars and special mana-binding cuffs strapped around her ankle were for show, nothing more.

The mattress beneath her was silk-lined, imported from the southern markets.

A tray of gourmet food sat untouched on the small oak table beside her, steam still rising from the soup.

Her violet hair spilled freely across the pillow, shining even in the dim light.

Most would panic in confinement, but not Liora.

Why would she?

She was a multi-billionaire, a woman whose fortune was sliding steadily toward the trillions.

A woman who funded politicians, guild masters, even the police themselves.

The so-called "imprisonment" was nothing more than a theatrical gesture to show that Mist was imprisoned.

This wouldn’t be her first time in the police after all.

"On the contrary, I’m very interested in him," she whispered aloud, her lips curving upward.

Her mind wasn’t on the chains, or the pointless laws.

No, her mind was on him.

At first, her curiosity had been with Valerian von Hohenberg — the famed Royal Guard.

Who wouldn’t be interested in him?

His reputation alone was enough to spark fires in the tabloids.

But her infatuation had soured quickly.

Valerian was nothing more than a man with anger issues, lashing out like a wounded dog.

All bark, no bite.

’I was the one who arranged his bounty,’ she thought, twirling a strand of her violet hair between two fingers. ’I doubt he could pay for what he demanded.’

Her gaze darkened.

’That ungrateful bastard. Your brother... is far more entertaining.’

Almost on cue, the heavy cell door creaked open.

A uniformed officer slipped inside, head bowed low.

His boots clicked against the marble flooring, the sound far too respectful for a "warden."

"Miss Romanoff," he said carefully, bowing deeper. "The chief wanted me to express his hope that you enjoyed your stay."

Her melodious laugh filled the cell. "Of course, Jerry~ When last was it?"

"Well you came last week."

She rose to her feet, stretching leisurely.

Her curves pressed against the silk of her dress, and her violet hair spilled forward like a curtain.

Even bound, she exuded command.

"Now," she purred, her tone sugary sweet, "be a dear and fetch me my phone. And some new clothes. This prisoner gown is... too modest, I swear I told your chief to change it."

Jerry swallowed nervously and bowed again.

"Miss Romanoff the new designs will be available the next time you come back." He said and ran off.

Liora smirked, her emerald eyes glinting with amusement as she stepped forward.

’Lucius Hohenberg,’ she thought with simmering hunger, ’I’ll make sure you’re mine. You’re far too interesting to let go.’

Meanwhile, across the city, Luna wrestled with her conscience and her luggage at once.

The small apartment she rented was little more than a shoebox.

The floor groaned with every step.

The "kitchen" was a single counter pressed against the wall.

Only the bed wae presentable.

Her suitcase lay open, spilling dresses, makeup kits, and camera equipment onto the floor.

She packed quickly, glancing at the cracked mirror on the wall.

"Where does he even live?" she muttered under her breath. "It can’t be worse than this, right?"

A soft chuckle broke her thoughts.

"I’m not living in a mansion," a familiar voice said.

She turned sharply.

Lucius leaned casually against her doorframe, one hand tucked into his pocket, the other holding his phone.

His sharp suit clung to his frame, as if he had just walked off a runway.

"But it’s a comfy place," he added with a small smile.

Luna blinked rapidly, flustered at his sudden entrance. "I—I didn’t mean to ask out loud."

He smirked knowingly. "I could practically hear your thoughts anyway."

Her cheeks reddened as she zipped her bag shut. "Then... Mr. Lucius... will it be just the two of us?"

Her heart raced.

The question slipped out before she could stop it, carrying the weight of all her daydreams.

She could already imagine the naughty possibilities — sharing meals, late-night conversations, stolen kisses... perhaps steams at night?

"Oh no," he interrupted casually, "someone else is there."

"What?" she blurted, stunned.

Before she could ask further, his hand brushed her shoulder.

The world blurred.

Her breath caught in her throat as her surroundings shifted violently.

In the next blink, the cramped apartment was gone.

She stood in a spacious living room, polished floors gleaming beneath her shoes.

Sunlight filtered through tall windows, illuminating well-kept furniture.

The faint scent of fresh herbs lingered in the air.

And standing in the center of the room was a woman.

She was striking — golden-blonde hair, piercing green eyes, and a body that radiated refinement.

She folded her hands neatly, a polite smile gracing her lips.

"Welcome to our humble abode, Miss Luna," the woman said with a graceful curtsey.

Luna’s lips parted slightly.

Abode?

Humble?

This was more luxurious than anything she’d ever stepped foot in.

The woman turned smoothly toward Lucius, her tone shifting with the familiarity of a servant scolding her master.

"Master, you stink," she said bluntly, tossing him a towel from a nearby rack. "I’ve already prepared lunch for you both. Please, Master, freshen up first. The water is just how you like it."

Lucius chuckled.

"Thanks, Elara." Without hesitation, he headed for the bathroom.

The moment the door clicked shut, the room’s air shifted.

Elara’s smile vanished.

Her emerald eyes hardened as she stepped closer, her posture no longer polite but possessive.

"Let me be clear," she said coolly, her voice dropping low. "Master belongs to me."

Luna stiffened, clutching her bag against her chest.

"I hope," Elara continued, folding her arms, "you don’t actually believe you can come between us."

The silence hung heavy.

Luna’s grip on her bag tightened.

Fame, fortune, survival — everything she wanted in life was tied to Lucius.

She wasn’t about to let some household maid scare her away.

"Hell no," Luna snapped back, her eyes narrowing. "He belongs to me. Just me."

Elara’s lips curved into a sly smile, as though she had been waiting for that answer.

"Then we’ll ask Master when he comes out," Elara said smoothly. "After all, he clung to me so tightly last night... I doubt he’d want to let go."

Luna’s heart skipped, fury rising in her veins. "You—!"

The sound of running water echoed faintly from the bathroom.

Lucius, completely oblivious, leaned into the steaming shower, sighing in relief as the warm water cascaded over him.

"Whoo, life doesn’t better than this!"

[Author’s Note]

Alright thats our Chapters for today, hope you guys are enjoying it.