Accidentally Yours, My Super Rich Second Husband-Chapter 184: Very Grateful

Delphinia jolted awake, her breath caught in her throat. Her heart pounded violently against her ribcage, the remnants of the bad dream still clinging to her mind like a heavy fog. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her eyes darting around the dimly lit room until the familiar surroundings slowly came into focus.

It was just a dream.

A shaky breath escaped her lips as she glanced at the clock on the nightstand. The soft golden glow from the setting sun filtered through the curtains, casting long shadows across the room. It was almost evening—Evander would be home soon.

Delphinia slowly sat up, running her fingers through her tangled hair. The echo of Helena’s harsh words still lingered at the back of her mind. It had been so long since she relived that painful memory. Why now? Why did her mind choose to torment her with the past when she had been trying so hard to move forward?

Her brows furrowed as the realization hit her. Lyvia.

Her sister’s words had stuck with her, weaving their way into her subconscious, reshaping themselves into something more.

Delphinia sighed, tilting her head back against the headboard. "I should probably thank her," she muttered under her breath, though the thought made her grimace.

She hated that Lyvia’s warning had burrowed so deep into her mind, dredging up things she had worked so hard to push away. But maybe... maybe that was the point.

Maybe her mind had been waiting for an excuse to dig through the past, to remind her of the things she had buried.

Ugh.

She ran a hand down her face, frustration prickling beneath her skin.

She didn’t want to think about Helena. Or the cold, or the locked doors, or the way her younger self had curled up in the darkness, wishing so desperately to be anywhere else.

She rubbed her eyes and swung her legs off the bed, planting her bare feet on the soft carpet. Just as she was about to stand, the creak of the bedroom door opening made her look up.

Evander stepped inside, his broad frame filling the doorway. His sharp grey eyes immediately locked onto her, a hint of concern flickering in their depths.

"You’re awake," he said, his voice low and steady. "I was wondering where you were."

Delphinia blinked, still caught between the dream and reality. She quickly stood up, smoothing down the creases on her dress. "Evander... you’re home already? I’m sorry... I didn’t realise I fell asleep. I should’ve been downstairs waiting for you."

Evander’s brow lifted slightly, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Since when do you need to wait for me downstairs? This is our room. You can wait for me here."

Delphinia’s lips parted slightly, but no words came out. The warmth in his voice, the simple possessiveness in those few words—it made her heart flutter in a way she hadn’t expected.

"Come here," he murmured, setting down his briefcase by the door.

Delphinia stepped forward, her fingers reaching out to help him remove his suit jacket. Her movements were gentle, her delicate fingers brushing against his shoulders as she slid the jacket off. Evander’s eyes followed her every motion, the smirk on his lips deepening.

As she moved to untie his silk tie, Evander’s voice broke the silence. "Aren’t you going to take off my shirt too? Or does the service stop here?"

Delphinia’s eyes flicked up to him, a soft flush blooming across her cheeks. "Please, it’s still bright outside."

Evander leaned in slightly, his breath warm against her ear. "It’ll be dark soon."

A small smile tugged at Delphinia’s lips, but she quickly turned away, gathering his jacket and tie in her arms. "Oh, God."

Evander chuckled softly, unbuttoning his shirt himself as he watched her walk to the laundry basket. The playful atmosphere lingered in the air, wrapping around them like a warm blanket.

As Delphinia bent down to place his clothes in the basket, her mind drifted back to the other day—the unexpected visit from Lyvia. A slight frown crossed her face, the weight of the memory pulling at her thoughts.

Lost in her own world, she didn’t notice Evander moving until his arms wrapped around her from behind. His strong embrace pressed her back against his chest, his chin resting lightly on her shoulder.

"What’s on your mind?" he murmured, his voice gentle.

Delphinia’s breath caught for a moment. She leaned into him slightly, drawing comfort from his warmth. "The other day... my sister came to see me."

Evander’s arms tensed just a little. "Half-sister?" he corrected softly.

Delphinia’s lips curved into a faint smile. "Half-sister," she echoed. "I didn’t expect her to come. I thought I wanted nothing to do with my family anymore... but Lyvia’s different. I think... I think I can use her help when I need it."

Evander was silent for a moment, his breath slow and steady against her neck. Then he finally spoke, his voice calm but firm. "If it’s what you want... I’ll go along with it. But—"

Delphinia turned in his arms, her eyes meeting his. "But?"

Evander’s fingers traced lightly along her jaw, his gaze darkening. "I won’t tolerate it if she puts you in a bad position. If anything happens to you because of her... I’ll step in."

Delphinia’s heart thudded softly in her chest. The protective edge in his voice sent a shiver down her spine—not out of fear, but something far warmer. Her lips curved into a teasing smile. "My, how protective..."

Evander’s eyes narrowed slightly, though there was a playful glint in them. "You don’t sound very grateful."

Delphinia leaned in, brushing her lips lightly against his. "Oh, I am... very grateful."

A low chuckle rumbled in his chest before his lips captured hers in a slow, lingering kiss. The warmth of his touch chased away the last remnants of her nightmare, grounding her back in the present.

For a moment, there was nothing but the soft press of their lips, the steady rhythm of their hearts beating in sync.

When they finally pulled apart, Delphinia’s eyes softened, her fingers brushing along his jawline. "Thank you... for always being on my side."

Evander’s thumb traced along her lower lip, his gaze unwavering. "Always, Delphinia. Always."