Accidentally Yours, My Super Rich Second Husband-Chapter 159: Shadows in the Spotlight

The next morning arrived swiftly, bringing with it an air of unease that only Delphinia seemed determined to brush aside. She stood outside the sleek black car, adjusting Ashton’s coat as Evander leaned against the door, his arms crossed over his chest, a deep frown etched between his brows.

"If anything happens, call me immediately," he said, his voice firm.

Delphinia chuckled, shaking her head. "Nothing is going to happen, Evander. We’re just visiting her workplace."

Evander exhaled through his nose, clearly unconvinced. "You don’t know Lydia like I do. That woman might pull another trick."

"She wouldn’t do that in front of so many people," Delphinia reasoned, though she wasn’t entirely sure. She reached up and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Stop worrying."

Evander let out a reluctant sigh but didn’t push further. "Call me if anything seems off."

"Of course," she said before holding Ashton’s hand and walking toward the back entrance of the towering agency building. The glass reflected the bright morning sun, giving the structure an ethereal glow, as though it belonged in a world separate from her own.

Near the door, a woman stood waiting. She was dressed sharply in a beige blazer and black slacks, her posture crisp and professional. As Delphinia and Ashton approached, she turned toward them with a small, polite smile.

"Good morning. You must be Delphinia and Ashton," she greeted. "I’m Ella, Lydia’s manager. She let me know you’d be arriving today."

Delphinia gave a small nod. "Yes, that’s us."

Ella’s gaze flickered briefly toward Ashton, curiosity evident but restrained. Delphinia wondered how much she actually knew about the situation—how much Lydia had told her. But there was no time to linger on the thought. Ella gestured for them to follow her inside.

As they entered, the atmosphere shifted. The building had a crisp, professional air, yet an underlying current of hurried energy buzzed through its sleek hallways. People walked with purpose, some balancing coffee cups and clipboards, others in conversation about upcoming shoots. Delphinia took everything in with wide eyes, momentarily enchanted by the unfamiliar world she had stepped into.

They entered an elevator, ascending swiftly before stopping at one of the upper floors. Ella led them down another hallway, then pushed open a door. Inside was a spacious dressing room bustling with activity. Lydia sat in the center of it all, her golden curls half-pinned as multiple stylists worked around her. She was clad in a plush white robe, looking every bit the poised model she was meant to be.

Lydia’s gaze lifted to the mirror, catching their reflection. "Oh, you’re here already," she said, her voice light.

Delphinia led Ashton to the couch as Lydia gestured. "Make yourselves comfortable." 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

They sat, and as soon as they did, one of the stylists working on Lydia’s hair turned to ask, "Who are they?"

Lydia barely looked up. "Friends," she replied smoothly. "They came today to see how things work behind the scenes."

Delphinia smiled faintly but said nothing.

She observed as the stylists finished with Lydia’s hair, their hands working quickly but meticulously. Another person stepped in to touch up her makeup. The entire process was fascinating. So this is what it was like behind the scenes of the glamorous world of modeling.

After the finishing touches, Lydia rose, tying her robe securely as she disappeared into another room. When she returned, she looked transformed. Gone was the soft robe, replaced with an outfit meant for the photoshoot. It wasn’t a dress but something sleek, high fashion, and dramatic.

"Alright," one of the assistants called. "Time to head to the studio."

Lydia gave them one last glance before following the crew out. Delphinia and Ashton stood and trailed behind, stepping into a new space that was somehow even more overwhelming than the last.

The photoshoot studio was a cavernous room filled with various lighting equipment, backdrops, and large industrial fans stationed at different angles. Photographers were checking their settings, assistants running around adjusting last-minute details. There was a controlled chaos about it, a precision that came with experience.

Delphinia took it all in with silent awe before quickly reminding herself that she wasn’t here as a curious onlooker. She was here because Ashton had been invited. That was all.

She stole a glance at Ashton, who remained composed, watching the scene with quiet detachment. He didn’t seem particularly impressed, nor did he appear uncomfortable. He was simply observing.

Delphinia cleared her throat, determined to fill the silence between them. She turned slightly toward Ashton, her tone deliberately light. "She’s really impressive, isn’t she? She’s worked so hard for this."

Ashton’s gaze didn’t waver from the scene in front of him. He nodded once, a slow, measured movement. "Yeah."

Undeterred, Delphinia pressed on. "She’s been doing this for years, you know. Her portfolio is amazing. I saw some of her past shoots, and honestly, they look like something straight out of a high-end fashion magazine."

Another nod. This time, accompanied by the smallest of smiles. Barely there, but not absent.

Delphinia fought the urge to sigh. Was that all she was going to get? Not that she expected Ashton to suddenly burst into enthusiastic praise, but... something more than this would’ve been nice.

She studied him for a moment, watching the way his eyes followed Lydia’s movements. He wasn’t indifferent, not really. Just unreadable. It was hard to tell what he was actually thinking.

Maybe it was too early. Maybe he just needed time.

With a quiet exhale, she let the conversation drop, turning her attention back to the studio. If nothing else, she supposed she could be patient.

Just as Delphinia was about to turn back toward Lydia, a voice rang through the air.

"Ashton!"

The name was spoken with clear familiarity, and as Delphinia turned toward the source, her stomach tightened. Standing near the entrance was a tall man with striking features, his expression filled with something unreadable.

It was Cedric.

And just like that, the air around them seemed to shift.