Chapter 93: When The Time Is Right
[FLASHBACK: First Timeline]
Reina stood before the desk, her eyes fixed on the back of the swivel chair facing her. She could barely make out Lucian’s figure, only his arm resting on the armrest and the smoke curling in the air.
The room was dim, which had become normal for everyone.
Bright lights usually hurt his eyes and put him in a terrible mood... even though his mood had already been erratic and unpredictable. One moment, he was as calm as a lake; the next, things would be flying and shattering across the room.
"Master," Reina broke the prolonged silence in the study, her back straight and her expression composed. "I’m not finished with my task yet. Please do not send me away."
Silence was the only answer she received.
Reina let out a shallow breath, lowering her head. "If you send me away now, she will humiliate you again. I do not wish to say this, but because of her, people have begun to think that the master of Dominion is a fool."
Still, silence.
"Apologies," she added sincerely, lifting her head. "But if fixing her is my duty to help you, then I will do so."
This time, his voice finally echoed through the room.
"There’s nothing to fix, Reina. There is nothing wrong with her for you to fix," his voice was calm, dark, and cold.
Even without seeing his expression, Reina understood the danger this man carried. Still, she maintained her composure, her gaze fixed on the back of the chair.
"Master, then why... did you hire me when you believe there is nothing wrong?"
Lucian took his time before answering. "Cheer her up."
The answer was nothing like what she had expected. Reina’s brows furrowed in confusion.
"I apologize, but I do not understand," she admitted. "How does hiring me cheer up the young madam?"
And as expected, Lucian did not elaborate. A man like him never explained himself.
Meanwhile, Lucian stared out the slightly open window, letting in just enough air so the room wouldn’t suffocate Reina. Cigarette butts nearly filled the ashtray beside him. He had long since lost count of how many he had lit and finished that night.
"Tell her she’s passed," he ordered flatly, his eyelids drooping. "Then pack your things and leave."
Reina frowned. "I’m afraid I cannot do that." She shook her head, standing her ground. "I hold no resentment toward the madam. However, she carries Dominion’s name on her shoulders—"
"Since when?"
"Pardon?"
Lucian’s swivel chair slowly turned until he was facing her. In the dim lighting, she could barely make out his expression, but the glint in his sharp eyes was enough for Reina to realize the monster before her.
She swallowed, feeling intimidated for the first time. Yet that only made her clench her fists tighter.
"She’s making a fool out of you, Lucian," she said firmly. "And yet, she isn’t even aware of it."
A dry laugh escaped him, followed by his cold reply. "Was she truly the one making a fool of me when it was never her idea to attend those parties?"
"Master—"
"Reina, I hired you because my wife looked dejected the last time I took her to an event. I hoped you would help her, but it only hurt her," he said in the same calm tone, though a trace of sadness lingered beneath it... if only one paid close enough attention.
"As for those who say Dominion is a joke, that is not your concern," Lucian continued. "That is my concern, and something I can easily fix."
Meaning, he had never cared about what others thought of him, nor the reputation he bore because of his wife. Once people stood at the brink of death, they were all the same. They begged for the same things: mercy. His mercy.
So why would he care?
He tapped his fingers against the armrest as a thought crossed his mind. "Moreover, Dominion is not something she carries."
Hearing this, Reina couldn’t help but chuckle.
"Master... now I understand why she is the way she is," she nodded, taking a step back, her gaze still fixed on him. "You are right. It is not she who is making a fool of you... it is you."
Reina drew a deep breath. "I will take my leave and do as you say. However, once I step out of here, I will never respond to your summons again unless you drag me back."
With that, Reina bid him farewell and turned to leave. But as her hand reached for the doorknob, she paused, bitterness settling in her chest. Not just because she had to give up on her stubborn student, Ashley—but because Lucian was spiraling, and no one could stop it.
"Master," she called, glancing back. Lucian’s chair had turned slightly again as he stared out the window.
"This may be the last time I speak to you. So I hope you will hear me... just once more."
She gathered her courage, knowing she might regret it if she didn’t speak now.
"I may not understand why you cling to the madam as if your life depends on it. But what I do know is... you will never have her."
Lucian froze for a brief second before slowly turning his head toward her.
"At least, not like this, Master," she continued, meeting his gaze despite knowing she had struck a nerve.
Reina swallowed the tension in her throat and forced the words out. "You are destroying yourself for her... and she is destroying herself because of you. Do not mistake obsession and possession for love. But if this is truly love... then let her go."
With that, she lowered her head once more and left without looking back.
Meanwhile, Lucian remained seated, staring at the closed door. His expression did not change as he reached for another cigarette, but just as he placed it between his lips, he paused.
Lucian pulled it away and looked at it, noticing a smear of blood. He touched his lips with the back of his hand and found more. His eyelids lowered as Reina’s words echoed in his mind.
"Let her go...?" he murmured, reaching into his drawer to retrieve a bottle of pills.
Instead of taking them immediately, he rolled the bottle between his fingers.
"When the time is right," he whispered. "Perhaps... I will."