Accidentally Yours, My Super Rich Second Husband-Chapter 163: Troubled

As the evening settled in, Delphinia and Ashton arrived back at Evander’s parents’ home. The warmth of the house greeted them, a stark contrast to the cold air outside. The moment they stepped inside, Ashton was immediately the center of attention. Elaine, along with Victor, sat in the living room, waiting with expectant expressions.

Delphinia didn’t miss the way Elaine’s hands were clasped a little too tightly in her lap, or how Victor’s gaze flickered over Ashton as if searching for any sign of distress.

They looked calm—composed, even—but she knew better.

Deep inside, they were freaking out.

Worry sat in the tight line of Elaine’s mouth, in the slight tension in Victor’s shoulders. They had spent the entire day waiting, wondering, probably imagining the worst. And now, with Ashton standing before them, safe and sound, they were doing everything they could to keep their emotions in check.

Delphinia understood exactly where that fear came from.

She knew that feeling.

That desperate need to keep someone safe, to protect them from anything that might hurt them—even if it meant hovering too much, worrying too much, holding on a little too tightly.

Ashton, still dressed in his little coat, walked calmly to the couch and settled down, his expression composed but bright with the remnants of excitement from his day. He looked at everyone, as if gathering his thoughts, before he finally spoke.

"So, how was it, Ash?"

Ashton tilted his head slightly, thinking. "There were a lot of cameras there. Strange monitors too. People running around setting things up."

He explained it in such a matter-of-fact manner that it almost made Delphinia chuckle. He wasn’t the type to get overly excited, but she could tell he had been fascinated by the experience.

"Did you have fun?" Victor asked, watching him intently.

Ashton nodded. "It was interesting. She was getting ready, and a lot of people were fixing her hair and face. Then she changed her clothes and stood in front of cameras while people told her how to pose."

Elaine’s expression softened. "That must’ve been quite the sight. Did you enjoy watching her?"

Ashton hesitated, his little fingers fidgeting on his lap. "It was... okay," he admitted, but nothing more.

Delphinia watched him carefully, noticing how he chose his words carefully, as if he wasn’t sure how to fully express his emotions. Before anyone could push him further, he yawned, small and quiet, rubbing his eyes.

Evander glanced at him immediately. "Looks like someone’s ready for bed."

Delphinia smiled. "Come on, Ashton. Let’s get you tucked in."

Ashton gave a small nod, allowing Delphinia to take his hand and guide him upstairs. Delphinia felt a small pang of affection as she guided him toward his room.

Of course, he was exhausted.

It had been a long day—filled with new experiences, emotions, and excitement. From the moment they left the house, he had been constantly engaged, meeting new people, exploring unfamiliar spaces. It was no wonder his little body was finally giving in to sleep.

She glanced down at him as they walked, noticing how his steps were slower, heavier. His free hand kept rubbing at his eyes, and every few seconds, he let out another small yawn.

After settling him into bed, she smoothed back his hair, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. "Goodnight, sweetheart."

He hummed softly in response before closing his eyes, quickly drifting off to sleep.

When Delphinia returned downstairs, the atmosphere in the living room had changed. The casual warmth had shifted into something heavier, something more pointed.

Elaine leaned forward slightly, her fingers clasped together. "Delphinia," she started, her voice calm but firm, "did Lydia say anything strange today?"

Delphinia blinked, caught off guard by the sudden question. "Strange?"

Victor chimed in, his brows furrowed. "Anything that might have made Ashton uncomfortable?"

Understanding dawned on her. They were worried, protective of Ashton, just as they always were. Delphinia smiled, shaking her head. "No, nothing like that. It was actually pretty fun. Ashton did enjoy himself, even if he was still a little distant with her. But..." she hesitated, then added, "luckily, Cedric was there."

Evander, who had been leaning against the armrest of the couch, suddenly straightened at her words. "Cedric was there?"

Delphinia turned to him, slightly surprised by the sharpness in his tone. "Yeah. I was shocked too, but he was a great help. He made things easier for Ashton. He led most of the conversations, which made everything feel a lot smoother."

Victor nodded slowly. "That’s good to hear. Lydia has always been... difficult, but if Cedric was there, then at least you weren’t completely alone with her."

Delphinia bit her lip. She hadn’t wanted to admit it, but she had dreaded the idea of spending the entire day alone with Lydia and Ashton. She had no idea how it would turn out, but the moment she saw Cedric, she felt a weight lift off her shoulders. He had been the buffer she hadn’t realized she needed.

Still, something about Evander’s reaction unsettled her.

After the conversation ended, Delphinia and Evander headed to their room. The moment they stepped inside, she noticed the shift in his demeanor. He was quiet, deep in thought. His expression was unreadable, but his silence spoke volumes.

Delphinia closed the door and turned to him. "Evander?"

He snapped out of his thoughts and looked at her, offering a small smile. "Hm?"

"What’s wrong?" she asked, stepping closer. "You’ve been lost in thought ever since I mentioned Cedric."

Evander chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "Oh, nothing." His fingers gently brushed against her cheek, his touch warm and reassuring. "Just thinking."

But Delphinia wasn’t convinced. She could see it in his eyes, the way they darkened slightly, as if something was bothering him more than he was letting on.

She searched his gaze, trying to decipher what was going on in his mind. But he had already masked whatever emotion he had felt earlier.

Still, the thought lingered in her mind as she lay in bed that night, wondering what had really crossed Evander’s mind when she mentioned Cedric’s name.