The quiet warmth of late afternoon settled over the Steel mansion, casting soft reflections across the marble floors as Ariana finished arranging a fresh set of flowers in the main hall. She preferred doing these small tasks herself something about it calmed her, grounding her in a world that still felt too large, too polished, too unlike the life she once knew.
Mrs. Rowan watched her from a respectful distance, hands folded.
"Mrs. Steel, the household staff can take over—"
Ariana shook her head with a gentle smile. "I like doing this. It makes the place feel… lived in."
Mrs. Rowan inclined her head. "As you wish. Master Damian should be arriving shortly."
Ariana's heart fluttered he'd called her twice today already, checking on her in his soft, private tone that only she ever heard.
She was turning to leave when the front door opened.
Damian stepped inside sharp suit, jacket unbuttoned, tie slightly loosened. He'd come straight from the office. Evan followed a few steps behind, carrying Damian's tablet and a small stack of documents. As always, he kept his gaze lowered when Ariana looked at him, out of respect.
The moment Damian saw his wife, the exhaustion in his expression softened. He walked toward her without hesitation.
"You're home," Ariana said quietly.
"Yes," he murmured, brushing a thumb gently against her cheek. His voice dropped, softer. "Did you eat?"
She nodded. "You?"
"I will later."
Evan cleared his throat lightly. Damian didn't turn, but the shift in his aura was immediate silent, commanding.
"Master Steel," Evan said carefully, "Mr. Sato sent an update. He said it's important."
Damian's fingers slipped from Ariana's cheek.
"I'll be right back," he said to her. "Stay inside the mansion."
Ariana nodded, trusting him even though concern flickered in her eyes.
Damian gave Evan a single look, and the assistant followed instantly. They entered the study, the heavy door closing behind them with a soft click.
Inside, Mr. Sato was already waiting, expression stern.
"What is it?" Damian asked as he moved behind his desk.
"Sir," Sato said, placing a sealed envelope on the table, "we found out who took the unauthorized photos of Mrs. Steel yesterday. They were attempting to sell them."
Evan stiffened.
Damian opened the envelope. His expression didn't change, but the air in the room thinned.
"Where are they now?" he asked, voice cold and level.
"Detained," Sato answered. "Awaiting your instruction."
Evan swallowed. "Sir… the report suggests they are part of a small tabloid group. It might not require—"
Evan froze when Damian lifted his eyes to him. A single, sharp look.
Evan immediately bowed his head. "Understood."
Damian spoke calmly. "Ensure they understand the consequences of targeting my wife. Shut their operation down. Permanently. And compensate the workers not involved they will not suffer for the actions of their employer."
"Yes, sir," Sato replied with a short bow.
"Make sure this doesn't reach Ariana," Damian added quietly. "She doesn't need the fear."
"Understood."
The business was done. The danger addressed. The threat erased.
****
When Damian returned to the living room, Ariana was waiting on the couch, a book open on her lap. She looked up the moment she heard him.
"Everything alright?" she asked.
"Handled," he said, offering a reassuring smile as he sat beside her. "Nothing for you to worry about."
She studied him for a moment, then relaxed, leaning lightly against his shoulder. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer.
After a quiet pause, she said, "Your day must've been long."
"It was," he admitted, "but coming home to you makes everything easier."
Her cheeks warmed, and Damian brushed her hair back with gentle fingers soft, protective, unlike the feared man the world whispered about.
In moments like this, it was easy to forget that half the country trembled at the mention of his name.
But Ariana didn't tremble.
She simply held onto him.
And that, Damian thought, was why he would destroy anything that tried to touch her.