Golden Melody (Editing)

Chapter 46

Chapter 46

Zatariel's Point of View

Me, Jayson, Asha, and Miexha—walking like some royal procession through Basement 14 of InterMall.

Two maids trailed behind us, carrying shopping bags from practically every boutique we'd passed. Six bodyguards flanked the group like we were transporting a national treasure.

At this point, I half expected someone to shout, "Make way for the blessed children of the republic!" and roll out a red carpet.

And yet—

"Eee!" Miexha giggled, hugging Asha's arm like an excited kid in a candy store.

"This is my first outing!" she said happily. "It feels like... like I'm just a normal girl walking in public!"

I nearly choked on air.

I was about to gently inform her that no, this wasn't exactly "public." This was Basement Fourteen—the place where belts cost more than a car down payment and even the walls look tax-deductible.

But just as I opened my mouth—

Someone grabbed my arm and yanked me backward.

Jayson.

He dragged me a few steps away from the group, his voice low and tense like he'd just seen the edge of a cliff.

"Don't you dare say a word," he hissed. "You'll ruin her mood."

"What? I was going to—"

"She thinks this is public," he snapped. "Just let her think that."

I blinked.

"And if she finds out this is VIP-only and asks to go upstairs with the regular crowd?" he continued. "You think I can bring her there?"

I raised an eyebrow.

"You mean you won't, because that's outside your comfort zone."

"No," he said, voice cracking slightly. "Because if something happens to her up there... do you know who they'll blame?"

"...You?" I said innocently.

"Yes! Me!" he groaned, dragging a hand down his face.

"Because of the stupid engagement our parents arranged. Now I've somehow become the babysitter of my own wife."

"Welcome to adulthood," I snorted. "Also—she's not your wife yet."

Jayson ran a hand through his hair.

"Honestly," he muttered, "if I could switch places with you, I would. Let you deal with her."

I blinked.

Okay... he sounded genuinely exhausted. They'd only been living under the same roof for two days.

I glanced ahead.

Miexha was standing in front of a bakery display now, her nose practically pressed to the glass. Asha, fully embracing her rich-mom energy, was already instructing the staff to pack everything Miexha had pointed at.

I rubbed the back of my neck. "Does she... like me?" I asked quietly.

Jayson scoffed. "Look at her."

I did.

Miexha wasn't looking at the pastries anymore. She was looking at me.

"...Maybe she's looking at you," I said quickly, because denial is a very comfortable place to live.