The next morning, Ariana woke up early, determined to avoid making Damian worry again.
She stepped out of her room quietly, hoping he wasn't awake—
But she found him already downstairs.
Reading.
In silence.
Waiting.
He looked up the moment he sensed her.
"You're awake earlier than usual," he said calmly.
"I didn't want to trouble you," she replied.
Damian closed the file he was reading.
"You never trouble me."
Ariana's heart skipped at how natural his voice sounded—like he was getting used to her presence.
"Sit," he said gently.
She sat across from him, expecting breakfast, but the maid placed only a cup of tea in front of her.
"You're not eating?" Ariana asked softly.
"I already did," Damian replied.
A small lie.
He had waited for her.
Later That Day – Back at Her Workplace
Despite the three-day leave Damian gave her, Ariana insisted on going back to work immediately.
She didn't want to look lazy.
She didn't want him doing everything for her.
She still wanted to be herself.
When she arrived at work, the atmosphere shifted again.
But this time—it wasn't whispers.
It was fear.
People moved out of her way.
Some bowed awkwardly.
Others forced smiles.
The manager approached her nervously.
"M-Miss Ariana, good morning! I hope… everything is to your liking today?"
Ariana blinked in confusion.
"To my liking?"
Clara approached next, her attitude completely transformed.
"Ariana, I'm so sorry about yesterday! I didn't know you were—"
"I'm just Ariana," she cut in quickly.
"I don't want special treatment."
Clara froze.
"But you're… Mrs. Steele."
Ariana felt her stomach twist.
She didn't want that title thrown around.
She didn't even use his name.
"I'm married, yes," Ariana whispered.
"But I'm still the same person."
The entire office looked confused.
No one could understand why the wife of the most powerful man in Arrendellia was wearing simple clothes, taking the bus, and sorting files like an ordinary employee.
They watched her with a mix of curiosity and fear.
At Noon
A cold breeze swept into the office as the glass doors opened.
Everything fell silent.
Damian's assistant walked in again—this time carrying a small white lunch box.
He approached Ariana's desk with the same deep respect as before.
"Mr. Steele asked me to bring you lunch, madam."
Everyone gasped.
Ariana's face turned red.
"You didn't have to bring it here," she whispered.
"It was his insistence," the assistant said politely.
"And he asked me to tell you—eat properly."
Ariana covered her face with her hands.
Someone whispered loudly:
"Her husband makes billionaires kneel… and he's sending her lunch?"
Another girl said,
"God… she won the lottery of life."
Ariana honestly wanted the ground to swallow her whole.
Meanwhile — At Steel coporation
Damian stood by the glass wall of his office, watching the city from the 52nd floor.
His assistant returned shortly after delivering the lunch.
Damian didn't turn around as he asked,
"Did she eat?"
"She will, sir."
Damian nodded.
"And the office atmosphere?"
The assistant hesitated.
"They're… intimidated, sir. Some are jealous."
Damian's voice hardened instantly.
"If anyone harms her, report it. Immediately."
"Yes, sir."
The assistant bowed and left.
Damian's hand tightened slightly at his side.
Ariana still didn't understand…
that marrying him meant stepping into a world full of wolves.
But he would shield her from every bite.
Even if she never knew.