Chapter 5: A Marriage Built on Respect

The first rays of sunlight filtered through the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows of the Lyttelton Estate.

For the first time in years, Zoe woke without anxiety tightening around her chest.

There were no unanswered messages to Connor.

No breakfast waiting to grow cold while hoping he would come home.

No desperate thoughts wondering whether she had done something wrong.

Instead, there was only silence.

Peaceful silence.

After getting dressed, Zoe walked downstairs.

The butler greeted her with a warm smile.

"Good morning, Miss Herbert."

"Mr. Lyttelton asked us not to wake you."

"He left for the office before sunrise."

"However, he instructed the chef to prepare breakfast whenever you came downstairs."

"Thank you," Zoe replied.

A beautifully prepared breakfast was already waiting.

Every dish happened to be something she enjoyed.

She paused for a moment.

"Did someone tell Mr. Lyttelton my preferences?"

The butler smiled.

"No, Miss Herbert."

"Mr. Lyttelton personally reviewed your medical records and dietary reports that your father shared during the engagement discussions."

"He noticed you have a sensitive stomach."

"These meals were prepared according to the nutritionist's recommendations."

Zoe stared quietly at the table.

Someone had remembered details she herself had forgotten.

Connor had never once asked whether she had eaten.

Meanwhile, Lucian had already arranged meals suited to her health before they had even officially met.

The difference was impossible to ignore.

After breakfast, Ethan arrived carrying several shopping bags.

"Miss Herbert," he greeted.

"Mr. Lyttelton asked me to accompany you today."

"Your wardrobe was prepared in advance, but he thought you might prefer choosing some clothes yourself."

"Everything has already been arranged."

"That really isn't necessary," Zoe said quickly.

"I already have enough clothes."

"Mr. Lyttelton anticipated that response," Ethan replied with a small smile.

"He said buying you gifts isn't an obligation."

"It's simply something he'd like to do."

Unable to refuse further, Zoe agreed.

The shopping district of Khelmark was far more luxurious than Southport's.

Every boutique welcomed her respectfully.

No one whispered behind her back.

No one compared her with Vicky.

For once...

She was simply Zoe Herbert.

Not someone's shadow.

Not someone's disappointment.

After several hours, Ethan received a phone call.

"Miss Herbert," he said after hanging up.

"Mr. Lyttelton has finished his meeting earlier than expected."

"He's asked if you'd like to have lunch together."

Zoe hesitated before nodding.

"Alright."

Half an hour later, they arrived at Lyttelton Group Headquarters.

The skyscraper towered over the city's financial district.

Employees greeted Ethan respectfully before leading Zoe directly to the executive floor.

As the elevator doors opened, she noticed dozens of executives waiting outside the conference room.

They immediately bowed.

"Good afternoon, Miss Herbert."

She blinked in surprise.

"Hello..."

Before she could say anything else, the conference room doors opened.

A tall man stepped outside.

He wore a charcoal-gray suit perfectly tailored to his broad shoulders.

His features were refined yet calm.

Unlike Connor's youthful arrogance, Lucian carried a quiet confidence that required no display.

His dark eyes immediately found Zoe.

For a brief second, his serious expression softened.

"Miss Herbert."

"Welcome to Khelmark."

He walked toward her with measured steps.

"I'm sorry I couldn't greet you yesterday."

"Business overseas became unexpectedly complicated."

"It's alright," Zoe answered.

"You already arranged more than enough."

"I merely fulfilled my responsibilities."

His tone remained calm.

There wasn't the slightest hint of showing off.

Instead, he simply sounded sincere.

"Shall we have lunch?" he asked.

"Of course."

They ate inside a private dining room overlooking the city skyline.

Throughout the meal, Lucian never asked about Connor.

Nor did he ask why she had suddenly accepted the engagement.

Instead, he asked about her hobbies.

Her studies.

The books she enjoyed reading.

The places she wished to visit someday.

It was the first conversation Zoe had experienced where someone genuinely wanted to know who she was.

"Mr. Lyttelton," she finally said.

"May I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Why did you agree to this engagement?"

Lucian placed his cup down before answering.

"Years ago, your father saved my grandfather's life."

"The engagement was originally their promise."

"But promises alone aren't enough for marriage."

"After meeting your father again last year, I asked him about you."

"He didn't tell me about your achievements."

"He simply said his daughter had a kind heart."

"That was enough for me to want to know you better."

Zoe looked at him in surprise.

"You trusted someone you'd never met?"

"Not entirely," Lucian admitted with a faint smile.

"I also did some research."

"Everyone who worked with you described you the same way."

"Hardworking."

"Honest."

"Compassionate."

"Those qualities matter far more than appearances or family reputation."

For a long moment, Zoe couldn't speak.

No one had ever praised her like that.

Especially not Connor.

After lunch, Lucian escorted her back to the estate himself.

Before leaving for another meeting, he stopped near the entrance.

"Miss Herbert."

"Our engagement shouldn't become a burden."

"If, after spending time together, you decide we're incompatible..."

"I'll personally cancel the marriage without blaming you."

Zoe stared at him.

"You're giving me another choice?"

"Marriage should always be a choice."

"Otherwise it becomes a prison."

His words quietly touched something deep inside her heart.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"You're welcome."

As Lucian's car disappeared through the gates, Zoe remained standing in the garden.

Perhaps...

This arranged marriage wasn't the misfortune she had imagined.

Meanwhile, back in Southport, Connor's engagement banquet was approaching.

Every wedding planner in the city seemed busy preparing for the celebration.

Yet Connor himself remained strangely distracted.

"Mr. Buxton," his assistant said cautiously.

"These are the final venue designs."

"Which one would you like to choose?"

Connor barely glanced at them.

"Any of them."

"Whatever Vicky prefers."

"Very well."

Just then, another document accidentally slipped from the folder.

Connor picked it up absentmindedly.

His eyes immediately froze.

It was a business magazine from Khelmark.

On the cover stood Lucian Lyttelton.

Beside him...

Was Zoe.

The two were leaving the Lyttelton headquarters together after lunch.

Although they weren't holding hands, Lucian had instinctively opened the car door for her.

His gaze toward her carried unmistakable respect.

Connor felt something tighten painfully inside his chest.

He had never opened a car door for Zoe.

Not once.

Yet another man had done so naturally after knowing her for only a few days.

For reasons he couldn't explain...

Connor suddenly found himself unable to look away from that photograph.