Accidentally Yours, My Super Rich Second Husband-Chapter 87: Bound by Chains

The massive doors of the common room towered in front of her as Delphinia followed Lyvia down the grand hallway. Her steps faltered for a moment, but Lyvia turned her head, her expression tight but polite.

"It’s gonna be okay, Delphie," Lyvia comforted her.

Delphinia straightened her posture and continued, her nerves masked by a carefully composed expression. The common room was as lavish as she remembered—polished oak furniture, a grand fireplace crackling softly, and the faint scent of old books and expensive cologne lingering in the air.

Sitting in one of the couch was her father. His presence dominated the room, his steely gaze already fixed on her as she entered.

"Sit," Robert commanded, gesturing to the chair across from him.

Delphinia obeyed, lowering herself into the plush seat. Her back remained stiff, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Lyvia took the seat beside her, her eyes darting between their father and Delphinia with visible concern.

Moments later, Helena entered the room, her silk dress swaying gracefully as she walked. She sat beside Robert, a faint smirk playing on her lips as if she were already entertained by the brewing tension.

The room grew quiet and tense as Robert leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees and lacing his fingers together. His eyes bore into her, judging her like a parent scolding a misbehaving child.

"You need to start thinking about your future," Robert stated. "Your next step."

Delphinia arched a brow, leaning back slightly. Her lips curved into a faint, bitter smile. "Let me guess," she said, her voice laced with sarcasm. "You want to marry me off? Or maybe sell me off to another family? Which one is it this time?"

Robert’s eyes darkened, his jaw tightening. "Watch your tone, Delphinia."

"Am I wrong?" she shot back, her voice rising slightly. "Because that’s all I’ve ever been to you—a pawn. Something to trade for alliances or favors."

"Enough!" Robert’s voice was sharp, his hand slamming against the armrest of the couch.

Lyvia shifted uncomfortably beside Delphinia, her delicate hands gripping the edge of her seat. "Delphinia, please," she whispered, her voice tinged with desperation. "Let’s not escalate this. Father just wants to help you."

Delphinia turned to Lyvia, her eyes narrowing. "Help me?" she repeated, her voice dripping with disbelief. "Don’t defend him, Lyvia. We both know his ’help’ always comes with chains."

Lyvia opened her mouth to respond but faltered, her words dying in her throat.

Robert took a deep breath, visibly trying to calm himself. "What do you want, Delphinia?" he pressed, his tone low but no less intimidating. "If you’re so dissatisfied with everything I’ve done for you, tell me. What is it that you want?"

Delphinia met his gaze head-on, matching his stare, though inside she felt anything but calm. "I want freedom," she said simply. "That’s all. I don’t care if Lyvia becomes the heiress. Let her have it. Just let me go."

As the heavy silence settled in the room, Delphinia clenched her fists at her sides, keeping her expression neutral. She couldn’t stop her thoughts from spinning in endless circles. Running away had seemed like a solution before—an escape from this suffocating life and the endless expectations. But now, standing here and voicing her desires, she realized how futile that plan might be. Even if she managed to leave, her father wouldn’t simply let her go. Robert was not the type to lose control over what he considered his, and she doubted he would stop hunting her down.

Her mind shifted to a new possibility. Perhaps running away wasn’t the answer. Maybe, just maybe, they could sit down and have a conversation like civilized people. She didn’t want to fight him anymore, didn’t want to endure this constant tug-of-war. If they could reach some kind of agreement—anything that allowed her to live her life on her own terms—it would be worth a try.

It wasn’t just about standing her ground or being defiant anymore. She truly didn’t care about being the heiress. Lyvia could have all the titles, responsibilities, and wealth for all she cared. Delphinia only wanted freedom, a chance to figure out who she was without the constant shadow of her family looming over her.

This was her last resort. If this attempt failed, she wasn’t sure what else she could do. But for now, she had to try. She owed it to herself to at least attempt to reason with her father one last time.

Helena, who had remained silent until now, let out a soft laugh, the sound cold and mocking. "Freedom?" she repeated, her lips curling into a sneer.

The atmosphere shifted as Helena slowly got to her feet. She crossed the space between them, her heels echoed with each step like a countdown to something inevitable.

Delphinia’s body tensed as Helena stopped in front of her, looming slightly as she reached down. Without warning, Helena grabbed the collar of Delphinia’s blouse and pulled it aside, revealing the faint but unmistakable mark on her neck.

"Well," Helena said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Is this what freedom looks like to you, Delphinia?"

Delphinia’s breath hitched as heat rushed to her face. Her mind raced back to that moment in the kitchen—the way Evander had kissed her neck after brushing his lips against hers. She had thought nothing of it at the time, but now, under her father’s furious gaze, it felt like a brand.

Robert shot to his feet, his face twisted in rage as he leaned closer to inspect the mark. "What is this?" he demanded, his voice a dangerous growl.

Delphinia opened her mouth to explain, to defend herself, but before she could get a word out, her words were cut off by the sharp sound of a slap that echoed in the room. Her head snapped to the side, her cheek burning as tears stung her eyes, though she refused to let them fall.

The room fell silent, the only sound the crackling of the fireplace. Delphinia slowly turned her head back to face her father, her blank expression masking the fire in her eyes.

He hit her.

Her own father hit her.