Two Reborn, One Throne novel Chapter 5

Then, she heard Lucian argue with his mother. "Mom, we have to show some gratitude. You can't just toss Arthur aside because I'm rich now. For over twenty years, rain or shine, he helped you stock inventory, clean the warehouse, take you to the hospital when you were sick, and run the diner while you were hospitalized. Plus, I'm not marrying some heiress. Amber has been with me for too long. I have to marry her."

At the time, Amber's heart had swelled with warmth, convinced that all her years of sacrifice hadn't been in vain.

But reality quickly slapped her in the face. She thought he loved her. And he did—in the way you love a useful appliance you've grown accustomed to.

The real reason he refused to marry a rich heiress was that Joanne still occupied his heart. Compared to navigating a blind date with a stranger, Amber was just convenient. He got to shut his mother down while simultaneously keeping Amber emotionally hooked. Two birds with one stone.

Thinking back on it now, Amber felt like an absolute clown. Her father had worked like a mule for Grace his entire life, only to be deemed unworthy once she became the mother of a billionaire. To Grace, Arthur was just a chauffeur and a backup plan. Pathetic.

"Amber, what kind of nonsense are you spouting?"

If she hadn't been wearing a fresh bandage on her forehead, Arthur probably would have yelled at her.

"Grace, please don't overthink this. Kids say stupid things. Amber, apologize to her right now." He nudged his daughter forward.

Amber didn't budge. Her stance was unbreakable. "Dad, I'm not spouting nonsense. If you don't believe me, then fine. Grace, give my dad a straight answer right here, right now. Are you willing to marry him and build a life together?"

"Amber!" Arthur's furious shout startled the passersby.

Grace stood frozen, the color draining from her face. She probably never expected Amber to corner her like this.

Of course she didn't want to marry Arthur. Why on earth would she?

Just because she was a widow didn't mean she had to settle for a bricklayer! She had already been generous enough not to complain about him bringing Amber around to eat her food for free, and now they were demanding marriage? She only wanted a spineless, free laborer.

"Amber, did you and Lucian get into another fight? Don't be mad. Wait until he gets back—I'll show you how I discipline him!" Just as the words left her mouth, Grace spotted her son in the distance.

She waved, calling out, "Lucian..." but the already pale look on her face turned utterly ashen.

Just like the scene unfolding in front of her. After safely guiding Joanne across the street, he noticed the wind mess up her bangs and gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

His eyes, vast as a starry night, were so tender they practically dripped with affection.

Even when they had finally announced their engagement in the past, he had just tossed the ring box—which she had specifically requested—onto the table like he was checking off a chore. No getting down on one knee, no romantic speech. Not even a simple 'Will you marry me?'

All he said was, "Pick a date for the wedding yourself."

Love and indifference truly lived in the details.

Blinded by his infatuation with Joanne, Lucian didn't even notice Amber standing nearby. He didn't even spot his mother charging toward them with murderous intent. Just as he lifted Joanne's hand to reassure her, a shrill voice cut through the air.

"Lucian Juarez! What do you think you're doing?"